Harnessing the Power of Soil Microbes for Sustainable Soil Health: A Review

Abstract

The soil microbes, indicator of soil health, are bacteria, fungi, algae, actinomycetes, nematode and protozoa. They are an active fraction in the soil and played numerous roles in the soil system. They have played a significant role as soil and accomplished various agricultural roles in the soil system. Majority of the researchers suggested that soil microbial activity is very vital for improving soil health for healthy crop growth since microorganism establishes a close association between plant and soil by building up an intricate food web. Useful microorganisms are from a sustainable aspect in agriculture, as they keep the physical and chemical characteristics of soil and properties of soil in an ecologically friendly manner. Soil microbes play the various roles some of them are to improve soil structure, contribute in aggregation, decompose residues, cycling nutrients, produce phytohormone as well disease suppression and bioremediation along with biofertilizers. Microorganisms contribute to various biological transformation such as conversion of organic matter and cycling of nutrients, thereby improved availability of nutrients to the plants. The shifts in microbial community structures and their functions under different soil types are good indicators of change in soil health. Chemical availability is also a key issue in soil health. Effect of these substances on the health of soil is based upon microbial activities. It plays critical functions in the decomposition of organic matter, nutrient cycling and fertilization. Furthermore, they enhance the plant growth on many physiological attributes of plants by numerous ways. The review is an attempt to compile the literature on exploring soil microorganisms potential towards sustainable soil health and physico-chemical properties and also, enlists the major role of soil microbes for sustainable agricultural productivity, the significance of soil microbes in sustaining healthy soils, beneficial aspects concerning microbes in a changing environment. It highlights their diverse functions, which are essential for sustainable crop production and include nutrient cycling, organic matter decomposition and disease suppression. The significance of microbial activity in restoration of the environment and sustainable agriculture is highlighted by the discussion's connection to the physical, chemical and biological balance of soil. It also discusses the value of microbial dynamics as indicator markers of soil quality and environmental changes.