Microbial communities play crucial roles in sustaining agricultural ecosystems, influencing both crop health and productivity. Microorganisms, particularly bacteria and fungi in the soil, are pivotal in the cycling of essential nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. They convert these elements into forms that plants can readily absorb, thereby directly impacting soil fertility and plant nutrition. Soil microorganisms are also known to produce hormones and other biochemicals that promote plant growth. This biological control is instrumental in managing crop diseases and reducing dependency on chemical pesticides. Moreover, microorganisms play a critical role in helping plants cope with abiotic stresses, such as drought, salinity and extreme temperatures. Such biodiversity is essential for robust agricultural systems that need to adapt to and mitigate the impacts of climate change.

This book is included in DOAB.