Cyanobacterial Solutions for Climate-Resilient Agriculture and Global Food Security

This book chapter investigates the potential of nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria as a solution to the agricultural challenges posed by climate change. With climate-induced issues such as reduced crop yields and altered precipitation patterns exacerbating the importance of nitrogen in crop production, understanding the biology and ecological significance of cyanobacteria is crucial. Emphasizing their nitrogen fixation mechanisms, this review highlights cyanobacteria’s capacity to enhance soil fertility, decrease reliance on nitrogen fertilizers, and mitigate environmental concerns. Additionally, it explores their role in improving crop tolerance to climatic extremes and enhancing soil structure and moisture retention, thus promoting climate resilience in agriculture. Through real-world case studies, effective utilization of cyanobacteria in diverse farming systems is demonstrated, offering insights into yield improvement and nutritional enhancement. Despite their promise, the chapter acknowledges challenges including ecological impacts and ethical considerations related to genetic modification. Furthermore, it discusses technological approaches for cyanobacteria use, envisioning tailored strains integrated into climate-smart farming practices to ensure sustainable food security amidst climate change.