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Journal article
Role of the Plant-Microbiome Partnership in Environmentally Harmonious 21st Century Agriculture
Microorganisms (Basel), Vol.13(12), 2839
2025
PMID: 41472041
Abstract
The 21st century calls for a paradigm shift in agricultural practices to address the pressing issues of regeneration of soil health, climate change, environmental degradation, sustainability under growing population pressures, and food security challenges. This article reviews the potential of the plant-microbiome approach as a key driver for eco-conscious green farming. The focus is on the diverse roles of microbial communities in close association with plants in improving plant health, crop productivity, and soil ecosystem functions, and in enhancing environmental sustainability, with focus on four key areas: (1) Soil health and fertility through microbial partnerships; (2) Ecosystem sustainability through microbial functions; (3) Plant health, productivity and food security through microbial innovations emphasising the potential of microbial applications (biofertilisers, bioprotectants, and biostimulants) in sustainable agriculture; (4) Standardisation and stewardship in microbial agriculture highlighting the need for standardisation and quality control in microbial product development and use, and the concept of microbial stewardship and its importance in long-term agricultural sustainability. By synthesising current knowledge and identifying future challenges, this review underscores the transformative potential of the plant-associated microbiome approach in creating resilient, productive, and environmentally harmonious agricultural systems. We highlight current research gaps and future directions, arguing that embracing microbial solutions is not just an option but a necessity for ensuring food security and environmentally benign sustainability in the face of global challenges.
Details
- Title
- Role of the Plant-Microbiome Partnership in Environmentally Harmonious 21st Century Agriculture
- Authors/Creators
- Shashi B. Sharma - Murdoch University, Harry Butler InstituteKiran P. Raverkar - Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and TechnologySuhas P. Wani - International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid TropicsDavis Joseph Bagyaraj - Directorate of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants ResearchAnnapurna Kannepalli - ICAR Indian Agr Res Inst, Div Microbiol, New Delhi 110012, IndiaDiwakar R. W. Kandula - Lincoln UniversityAram Mikaelyan - North Carolina State UniversityMinshad A. Ansari - Swansea UniversityS. Patricia Stock - Oregon State UniversityKeith G. Davies - University of HertfordshireRajan Sharma - International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics
- Publication Details
- Microorganisms (Basel), Vol.13(12), 2839
- Publisher
- MDPI
- Number of pages
- 29
- Grant note
- One CGIAR Science Program Sustainable Farming
- Identifiers
- 991005848588807891
- Copyright
- © 2025 by the authors.
- Murdoch Affiliation
- Harry Butler Institute
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article
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