Actinobacteria-enhanced plant growth, nutrient acquisition, and crop protection: Advances in soil, plant, and microbial multifactorial interactions

Agricultural areas of land are deteriorating every day owing to population increase, rapid urbanization, and industrialization. To feed today’s huge populations, increased crop production is required from smaller areas, which warrants the continuous application of high doses of inorganic fertilizers to agricultural land. These cause damage to soil health and, therefore, nutrient imbalance conditions in arable soils. Under these conditions, the benefits of microbial inoculants (such as Actinobacteria) as replacements for harmful chemicals and promoting ecofriendly sustainable farming practices have been made clear through recent technological advances. There are multifunctional traits involved in the production of different types of bioactive compounds responsible for plant growth promotion, and the biocontrol of phytopathogens has reduced the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. There are some well-known groups of nitrogen-fixing Actinobacteria, such as Frankia, which undergo mutualism with plants and offer enhanced symbiotic trade-offs.In addition to nitrogen fixation, increasing availability of major plant nutrients in soil due to the solubilization of immobilized forms of phosphorus and potassium compounds, production of phytohormones, such as indole-3-acetic acid, indole-3-pyruvic acid, gibberellins, and cytokinins, improving organic matter decomposition by releasing cellulases, xylanase, glucanases, lipases, and proteases, and suppression of soil-borne pathogens by the production of siderophores, ammonia, hydrogen cyanide, and chitinase are important features of Actinobacteria useful for combating biotic and abiotic stresses in plants.The positive influence of Actinobacteria on soil fertility and plant health has motivated us to compile this review of important findings associated with sustaining plant productivity in the long run.     

Potential of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi for soil health: A review

Soil health is an important component of “One Health”. Soils provide habitat to diverse and abundant organisms. Understanding microbial diversity and functions is essential for building healthy soils towards sustainable agriculture. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) form potentially symbiotic associations with approximately 80% of land plant species that are well recognized for carbon flux and nutrient cycling. In addition to disentangling the signaling pathways and regulatory mechanisms between the two partners, recent advances in hyphosphere research highlight some emerging roles of AMF and associated microbes in the delivery of soil functions. This paper reviews the contribution of AMF to soil health in agroecosystems, with a major focus on recent progress in the contribution of hyphosphere microbiome to nutrient cycling, carbon sequestration, and soil aggregation. The hyphosphere microbiome and fungal stimulants open avenues for developing new fertilizer formulas to promote AMF benefits. In practice, developing AMF-friendly management strategies will have long-term positive effects on sustainable agriculture aiming at simultaneously providing food security, increasing resource use efficiency, and maintaining environment integrity.     

Phosphate-Solubilizing Microbes and Biocontrol Agent for Plant Nutrition and Protection: Current Perspective

ABSTRACT

Phosphate-solubilizing microbes (PSM) are widely distributed in the rhizosphere and helps plant to acquire phosphates from soil. The availability of phosphates in soil are governed by several factors among which the proton exchange capacity has been regarded to be the most important factor involved in cation complex formations with soluble phosphates making them unavailable to plants, thereby disturbing the phosphorus cycling events found in arable soils. PSM solubilizes the cation complexes and thereby improves the functioning of phosphorus cycle in soil. In addition to involvement in biogeochemical cycling events, PSM have been also found to have antagonistic potential against several plant phytopathogens. These biocontrol microbes represent the most abundant groups of soil microflora. Among which some nutrient solubilizers have been used for effective biocontrol of important plant diseases. This review article shows contributions of different plant growth promoters used in nutrient and disease management practices in agriculture.

Abbreviations: P (phosphorus), PSM (phosphate-solubilizing microbes), PSB (phosphate-solubilizing bacteria), PSF (phosphate-solubilizing fungi), PGPM (plant growth-promoting microbes), PGPB (plant growth-promoting bacteria), SAR (systemic acquired resistance), ISR (induced systemic resistance), TCP (tri-calcium phosphate), HCN (hydrogen cyanide), IAA (indole-3-acetic acid), ^aPhosphorus [(SSP) single super phosphate, RP (rock phosphate), PM (poultry manure) and FYM (farm yard manure)], PAL (phenylalanine ammonia lyase), ESI-MS (electrospray ionization mass spectrometry), DAPG (2,4-diacetylphloroglucinol) and NMR (¹H nuclear magnetic resonance).     

Utilization of lignocellulosic plant residues for compost formation and its role in improving soil fertility

Globally, urbanization and a steady increase in population generate a huge amount of wastes, which leads to a series of economic, social, and environmental changes, mainly in developing countries. There is an utmost need for efficient management strategies for the beneficial utilization of these wastes into useful products. Among these strategies, composting is gaining attention due to its benefits of solid waste management, such as proper sterilization, and economical and effective bioconversio...     

发展碳汇林业 应对气候变化——中国碳汇林业的实践与管理

 在阐述林业在应对气候变化中的功能与作用,辨析森林碳汇、林业碳汇、碳汇林业的概念和意义的基础上,总结中国碳汇林业的实践。据此,提出加强碳汇林业管理的建议:以实施《应对气候变化林业行动计划》为主线,加强全国森林碳汇计量、监测体系建设和碳汇项目计量队伍资质管理,促进低碳经济林业试点工作。     

Potential for carbon sequestration after biochar-P fertilizer application: A biological and chemical assessment

Innovation is required on many fronts in agriculture, not only to improve nutrient use efficiency but also to mitigate the effects of climate change. Our previous studies presented the high agronomic efficiency of an experimental phosphate fertilizer using a biochar-matrix, called ‘BioFert’. However, the efficiency of BioFert for soil carbon sequestration goals has not yet been evaluated. We incubated BioFert and initial raw sugarcane-biochar over 56 days in two soils (i.e., Ferralsol and Alisol) and measured the total CO₂ and δ¹³C-CO₂ to quantify the contribution of native soil organic matter, sugarcane-biochar, or BioFert to carbon mineralization. There was no significant difference in cumulative CO₂ release between BioFert and the control (without carbon addition), and BioFert was less mineralized than carbon from sugarcane-biochar regardless of soil type. In addition, accelerated aging by thermal oxidation of these carbon sources revealed that more than 80% of BioFert-carbon was prevented from accelerated mineralization, while sugarcane-biochar achieved ~80% of carbon mineralization. The residual solids after oxidation were analysed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and indicated aliphatic/aromatic and carboxylic chemical bonds on the BioFert surface, which might offer new cation exchange sites over time. We conclude that BioFert is not only a phosphate fertilizer with high phosphorus use efficiency but also a stable source of carbon for soil carbon sequestration purposes.     

Microalgal bioinoculants for sustainable agriculture and their interactions with soil biotic and abiotic components: A review

Modern agricultural practices have posed a detrimental impact on the environment due to their intensive use to meet the food demands of an ever-increasing population. In this context, microalgal bioinoculants, specifically cyanobacteria and green microalgae, have emerged as sustainable options for agricultural practices to improve soil organic carbon, nutrient availability, microbial quality, and plant productivity. An overview of current and future perspectives on the use of microalgal bioinoculants in agriculture practices is presented in this review, along with a discussion of their interactions with soil biotic and abiotic factors that affect soil fertility, plant health, and crop productivity. The benefits of microalgal bioinoculants include releasing agronomically important metabolites (exopolymers and phytohormones) as well as solubilizing soil nutrients. Furthermore, they function as biocontrol agents against soil-borne pathogens and facilitate the establishment of rhizosphere communities of agricultural importance. So far, very few studies have explored the basic mechanisms by which microalgal bioinoculants interact with soil biotic and abiotic factors. In recent years, advanced molecular techniques have contributed to a better understanding of these interactions.     

Contribution of microbial phytases to the improvement of plant growth and nutrition: A review

Phytases belong to the class of phosphohydrolases that begin the step-wise hydrolysis of phosphates from phytates. Phytates are a derivative of myo-inositol, which is the primary storage form of organic phosphorus in plant cells. Phytase has been used globally to diminish phosphorus pollution and to enhance nutrition in monogastrics. In this review, the classification, sources, and diversity of microbial phytases, and their practical applications, as well as supplementation of the soil with transgenic and wild types of microbial strains, which can release phytase to enhance phosphorus availability for plant uptake and reduce the need for fertilizers, are discussed. The overexpressed microbial phytases in transgenic plants enhance the growth capacity of co-cultivated plants and can therefore be employed in agricultural and biotechnological practices, such as intercropping. The introduction of phytases into the soil for improved plant growth and enhanced crop yield can be accomplished without extra cost. A diverse group of photoautotrophic microalgae can synthesize phytase and will likely be useful in many human food and animal industries.     

Advances in fungal-assisted phytoremediation of heavy metals: A review

Trace metals such as manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and iron (Fe) are essential for many biological processes in plant life cycles. However, in excess, they can be toxic and disrupt plant growth processes, which is economically undesirable for crop production. For this reason, processes such as homeostasis and transport control of these trace metals are of constant interest to scientists studying heavily contaminated habitats. Phytoremediation is a promising cleanup technology for soils polluted with heavy metals. However, this technique has some disadvantages, such as the slow growth rate of metal-accumulating plant species, low bioavailability of heavy metals, and long duration of remediation. Microbial-assisted phytoremediation is a promising strategy for hyperaccumulating, detoxifying, or remediating soil contaminants. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are found in association with almost all plants, contributing to their healthy performance and providing resistance against environmental stresses. They colonize plant roots and extend their hyphae to the rhizosphere region, assisting in mineral nutrient uptake and regulation of heavy metal acquisition. Endophytic fungi exist in every healthy plant tissue and provide enormous services to their host plants, including growth enhancement by nutrient acquisition, detoxification of heavy metals, secondary metabolite regulation, and enhancement of abiotic/biotic stress tolerance. The aim of the present work is to review the recent literature regarding the role of AMF and endophytic fungi in plant heavy metal tolerance in terms of its regulation in highly contaminated conditions.     

Recent advances in the chemistry of nitrogen,phosphorus and potassium as fertilizers in soil: A review

The advent of civilization has made humans dependent on plants for food and medicine, leading to the intensification of agricultural production. The intense cultivation of crops has resulted in the depletion of available nutrients from soil, thereby demanding the application of excess nutrients to soil to improve yield. Thus, mineral fertilizer discovery and application have, in many ways, contributed greatly to meeting global food demands. However, aside from the positive effects of mineral fer...     

土壤中氯苯类化合物的归趋过程及潜在修复策略研究进展

Chlorobenzenes (CBs) are a group of organic pollutants that pose a high environmental risk due to their toxicity,persistence and possible transfer in the food chain.Available data in literature show that CBs are detected in different environmental compartments such as soil,water,air and sediment.The widespread presence of CBs in the environment is related to their former extensive use in agriculture and industry.Some CBs are ranked in the list of priority pollutants by the Stockholm Convention,and their reduction or elimination from the environment is therefore of high importance.Environmental risk assessment of CBs requires knowledge on the role and importance of the main environmental fate processes,especially in soil.Furthermore,development of remediation strategies for reduction or elimination of CBs from the environment is related to the enhancement of fate processes that increase their dissipation in various environmental compartments.The main objectives of the current review were to present up-to-date data on fate processes of CBs in the soil environment and to explore possible remediation strategies for soils contaminated with CBs.Dechlorination of highly-chlorinated benzenes is the main degradation pathway under anaerobic conditions,leading to the formation of lower-chlorinated benzenes.Biodegradation of lower-chlorinated benzenes is well documented,especially by strains of adapted or specialized microorganisms.Development of techniques that combine dechlorination of highly-chlorinated benzenes with biodegradation or biomineralization of lower-chlorinated benzenes can result in useful tools for remediation of soils contaminated with CBs.In addition,immobilization of CBs in soil by use of different amendments is a useful method for reducing the environmental risk of CBs.     

Multi-scale processes influencing global carbon storage and land-carbon-climate nexus: A critical review

Carbon(C) is a key constitutive element in living organisms(plants, microbes, animals, and humans). Carbon is also a basic component of agriculture because it plays a dynamic role in crop growth, development, nutrient cycling, soil fertility, and other agricultural features. The presence of C enhances soil physical, chemical, and biological properties. The C cycle supports all life on the Earth by transferring C between living organisms and the environment. The global climate is changing, and th...     

生物炭对土壤可持续健康的影响：探索和热点综述

Biochar as a soil amendment is confronted with the challenge that it must benefit soil health as it can be by no means separated from soils once it is added. The available literature even though sparse and mostly based on short-term studies has been encouraging and the trend obtained so far has raised many hopes. Biochar has been reported to positively impact an array of soil processes ranging from benefiting soil biology, controlling soil-borne pathogens, enhancing nitrogen fixation, improving soil physical and chemical properties, decreasing nitrate (NO₃^-) leaching and nitrous oxide (N₂O) emission to remediation of contaminated soils. However, very little biochar is still utilized as soil amendment mainly because these benefits are yet to be quantified, and also the mechanisms by which the soil health is improved are poorly understood. Due to the infancy of research regarding this subject, there are still more questions than answers. The future research efforts must focus on carrying out long-term experiments and uncover the mechanisms underlying these processes so that key concerns surrounding the use of biochar are addressed before its large scale application is recommended.     

亚洲土壤和地下水金属污染风险评价---综述近期研究趋势以及现有环境法律法规

Asia is experiencing a more rapid economic growth compared to any other regions. The contamination of soil and groundwater with metals can mainly be attributed to human activities; therefore, risk assessments to characterize the nature and magnitude of risks to humans and ecological receptors from contaminants are important. Risk assessments are often iterative processes, which involve identification and filling data gap. Experimental samplings, geostatistical and multivariate statistical methods as well as multimedia risk assessment modeling are the three major methodologies used in the assessment of metal contamination in soil and groundwater. This review highlights a number of measurements for improving risk calculation methods and expounds scientific approaches that involve the identification of the major source of contamination, exposure pathways and bioavailability of metals. In general, risk assessments of metals in soil and groundwater worldwide are mainly focused on the levels of contamination, identification of exposure pathways, and prediction of the probability of contamination. To date, very limited studies have reported the development of relevant environmental laws and policies in the regulation of soil and groundwater contamination in Asia. The development, variations and limitations in the regulations of soil and groundwater contamination among developed countries may provide helpful guidance for the developing countries in Asia.     

Nitrogen turnover in soil after application of animal manure and slurry as studied by the stable isotope 15N: A review

In the last decades many aspects of nitrogen turnover have been studied by ¹⁵N methods. In this article contemporary ¹⁵N tracer as well as natural ¹⁵N abundance methods for the study of animal manure turnover are briefly reviewed. The nitrogen dynamics after application of farmyard manure and slurry are elucidated. Here, emphasis was put on results from ¹⁵N stable isotope work in the fields of nitrogen immobilization, nitrogenous trace gas emissions, turnover of organic nitrogen fractions, and finally plant uptake. Added nitrogen interactions, which must be considered when interpreting ¹⁵N studies, are discussed. Finally promising research fields for the use of stable isotopes are outlined.