Abstract
Yeasts are found in almost all ecosystems, and soil is the typical habitat for storing and developing yeasts, even though they are associated with plants and animals. Their population in soil ranges from a few to several thousand based on the soil ecosystem. Soil edaphic factors determine the abundance and diversity of yeasts. Sugar-rich plant residues, such as fruit debris, root exudates, forest soil, etc., support yeast growth. The literature showed that soil-dwelling yeasts have an array of plant growth-promoting activities and mechanisms for soil structure maintenance. Soil yeasts own several plant growth-promoting properties like nitrogen mineralization, solubilization of phosphate, potassium releasing potential, sulfur oxidation, plant growth-promoting hormones production, and siderophore production. Certain soil yeasts were proven to possess the biocontrol potential against plant pathogens. Soil properties have an essential influence on plant growth, cycling of nutrients, and water-holding capacity. Soil yeasts significantly influence the soil’s physical (macro and micro aggregates formation), soil chemical (pH, Soil Organic Carbon, Soil Labile Carbon, Soil Protein Index), and soil biological properties (Dehydrogenase activity, Microbial Biomass Carbon, Extracellular Polymeric Substances (EPS) production). Application of yeasts resulted in a yield increase in the range of 20-30% in crops like wheat and sugarbeet. Soil incubation studies conducted with yeasts proved their potential to be used as bioinoculants for soil health enhancement. Studies conducted with yeasts recorded significant improvement in soil physical (macro and microaggregate formation), chemical (pH, increase in soil organic carbon, soil protein index, etc) and biological (dehydrogenase enzyme activity, microbial biomass carbon (MBC), soil colloidal polysaccharide) properties. Soil yeasts have a huge potential to be used as bio-inoculants for crop growth and soil health. The beneficial role of yeasts in agriculture remains unexplored, and finding suitable yeast candidates with plant growth promotion and soil health improvement traits will benefit the crops considerably.
Published Version
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