Halotolerant Microorganism Reclamation Industry for Salt-Dominant Soils

Abstract

The extent of salinization of environmental resources affects almost 1 billion hectares worldwide (7% of the total continental area of planet earth). Salt-affected area numbers are escalating due to intrusion of saline water in arable land in coastal areas besides increased evaporation rates and decreased rainfall rates. Agricultural crops are usually intolerant to salinity. The bacterial domain halophiles are usually considered moderately tolerant and are a good choice for reclamation of salt affected soils. The presence of Bacillus species in plant root zone changes the metabolism of stressed plants and accelerates plant development. Salt-stressed plant with Bacillus increases plant growth, water, nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulfur, manganese, copper, and iron), antioxidants, and pigments plus hormones (IAA and GA) and reduces the Na, Cl, and ABA plus caspase activity which is responsible for programmed death of cells during stress conditions. Plant growth promoter bacteria’s like rhizobacteria reduce the level of ethylene, restricts Na+ uptake, increases K+ and Ca2+ uptake, regulates sodium transport, increases exopolysaccharide production, and enhances enzymatic activity and phytoharmonic activity. Genetically engineered crops with salt-tolerant genes can be used in salt-affected areas for crop production. A positive influence in nutrient cycling by halotolerant microorganisms in salt-effected soils could be boon for plants under such environmental conditions.