Sustainable Agriculture Effects on the Microbiome

The influence of the plant microbiome on plant growth, development, health, and yield is considerable. Each group of microorganisms possesses a range of abilities that help plants improve their nutrient uptake; promote root and shoot growth; enhance photosynthesis efficiency; increase tolerance to drought, salinity, and soil pollution; and reduce disease incidence. Numerous technologies and analyses have enabled the identification and interaction of microorganisms with plants and other microorganisms. Prior research has investigated the structure and function of plant microbiomes using various models and crop species in both natural and agricultural settings. However, no coordinated efforts have been made to integrate and apply these findings to create practical solutions for farmers. The potential of the plant-associated microbiome in metagenomics may surpass that of the plants themselves; as such, it represents a vast, largely untapped resource for enhancing host function. Consequently, incorporating beneficial microbiomes into agricultural systems has the potential to boost crop plant production efficiency significantly. In addition, a deeper understanding of the functions and interactions of these microorganisms will allow their selection and manipulation to address current global agricultural challenges such as increasing food production, reducing production costs, and minimizing environmental impact. This chapter addresses the effect of organic production and the reduction of chemical fertilizers on the soil and plant microbiomes in cereals. It also examines the effects of transgenic plants on microbiomes and domesticated microbiomes.