Chapter 7 - Plant growth-promoting bacteria: application in bioremediation of salinity and heavy metal–contaminated soils

Abstract

Salinity and accumulation of heavy metals in the soil are some prominent abiotic stress that limits yields and productivity of plant and soil. The physiochemical properties of the soil are highly specific and the ultimate requirement for optimum crop yields; however, the presence of any abiotic stress factors disturbs natural texture as well as physicochemical properties of the soil. Currently, to mitigate the challenges of salinity and heavy metals, various physical and chemical methods have been applied, but cost-effectiveness and the adverse impact of residues on the environment open a new door to find a sustainable and safe approach for the mitigation challenge of salinity and heavy metal stress. In this regard, plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) can be a suitable alternative in mitigation of stress challenge by their natural, eco-friendly, and sustainable approach. Besides remediation, utilization of PGPB benefitted the soil as well as crops by maintaining the nutrients status, synthesizing phytohormones, and solubilizing phosphate.