Microbiota and Biofertilizers: A Sustainable Continuum for Plant and Soil Health

The increasing population has put pressure on agricultural productivity, leading to the use of synthetic persistent substances such as industrial fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides. These substances cause environmental degradation, monocultures, nutrient pollution, eutrophication, water quality issues, lower oxygen levels, and dangers to fish stocks. Biofertilizers, compounds of organic matter, are a promising technique to maintain sustainable fertility in soil and plants. They interact with the soil, root, and seeds of plants, promoting the growth of micro-flora that enhances soil fertility. Biofertilizers increase mineral and water uptake, root development, vegetative growth, and nitrogen fixation, liberate growth-promoting substances and vitamins, and help to maintain soil fertility. They also act as antagonists and play a pivotal role in neutralizing soil-borne plant pathogens, assisting in the bio-control of diseases. The present book focuses on the latest research approaches and updates from the microbiota ecosystem and their applications in the agriculture industry, highlighting the potential and possible future of action of microbiota in the development of sustainable agricultural systems.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 297 pages
Publication date: 09 December 2021
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

The growing population has exerted immense pressure on agricultural productivity to meet the ever-increasing demands of human consumption. To address this challenge, a wide range of agricultural activities and techniques have been developed worldwide to increase annual crop production. While agriculture has achieved significant improvements in crop productivity, it has come at the expense of environmental degradation. The widespread use of synthetic persistent substances, such as industrial fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides, has led to the destruction of biodiversity, nutrient pollution, algae blooms, eutrophication, water quality issues, lower oxygen levels, and threats to fish stocks. Therefore, a scientific approach is necessary to maintain sustainable fertility in soil and plants.

Biofertilizers are compounds derived from organic matter that are applied to crops to promote growth and health. These compounds contain micro-organisms that interact positively with the soil, roots, and seeds of plants, fostering the growth of beneficial micro-flora that enhances soil fertility. Biofertilizers play a crucial role in soil fertility, crop productivity, and agricultural production. When applied, biofertilizers result in increased mineral and water uptake, improved root development, enhanced vegetative growth, and nitrogen fixation. They also release growth-promoting substances and vitamins, contributing to the maintenance of soil fertility. Moreover, biofertilizers act as natural antagonists, effectively neutralizing soil-borne plant pathogens and assisting in the bio-control of diseases.

Considering the detrimental effects of synthetic fertilizers, adopting biofertilizers as a substitute could be a promising technique to enhance agricultural productivity without compromising the environment. By promoting the use of biofertilizers, we can strive towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly agricultural system that meets the needs of a growing population while preserving our natural resources for future generations.

Weight: 492g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030487737
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021