Biofilms, complex microbial communities embedded in an extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) matrix, play a crucial role in enhancing soil health and crop productivity. This chapter explores the multifaceted contributions of biofilms to sustainable agriculture, emphasizing their ecological and agricultural significance. Biofilms facilitate nutrient cycling, enhance water retention, suppress soil-borne pathogens, and stabilize soil structure, thereby promoting robust plant growth and resilience. Emerging technologies such as high-resolution imaging, next-generation sequencing, microfluidic devices, and synthetic biology have advanced our understanding and manipulation of biofilms. Furthermore, biofilms contribute to climate change mitigation through soil carbon sequestration and improved soil resilience. The potential of biofilms in transforming sustainable agriculture practices is immense, offering natural and effective solutions to key agricultural challenges. To fully realize this potential, interdisciplinary research, farmer education, policy support, and public-private partnerships are essential. This chapter underscores the need for continued research and practical adoption of biofilm-based technologies to achieve sustainable and resilient agricultural systems.

错误:搜索内容不能为空,请输入英文关键词
错误:关键词超出字数限制,请精简
高级检索

Biofilms: The Unsung Heroes of Soil Health and Crop Productivity

  • Milan Dabhi,
  • Bhavdip Anavadiya,
  • Karan Prajapati,
  • Sheetal Sharma

摘要

Biofilms, complex microbial communities embedded in an extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) matrix, play a crucial role in enhancing soil health and crop productivity. This chapter explores the multifaceted contributions of biofilms to sustainable agriculture, emphasizing their ecological and agricultural significance. Biofilms facilitate nutrient cycling, enhance water retention, suppress soil-borne pathogens, and stabilize soil structure, thereby promoting robust plant growth and resilience. Emerging technologies such as high-resolution imaging, next-generation sequencing, microfluidic devices, and synthetic biology have advanced our understanding and manipulation of biofilms. Furthermore, biofilms contribute to climate change mitigation through soil carbon sequestration and improved soil resilience. The potential of biofilms in transforming sustainable agriculture practices is immense, offering natural and effective solutions to key agricultural challenges. To fully realize this potential, interdisciplinary research, farmer education, policy support, and public-private partnerships are essential. This chapter underscores the need for continued research and practical adoption of biofilm-based technologies to achieve sustainable and resilient agricultural systems.