Microbial Mechanisms for Soil Improvement and Plant Growth

A special issue of Microorganisms (ISSN 2076-2607). This special issue belongs to the section "Plant Microbe Interactions".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 August 2025 | Viewed by 451

Special Issue Editors

Co-Innovation Center for Soil-Water and Forest-Grass Ecological Conservation in Yellow River Basin of Shandong Higher Education Institutions, College of Forestry, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai’an 271018, China
Interests: soil science; microorganisms; agronomy; environmental science; climate change

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Guest Editor
Institute of Food Safety and Nutrition, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 50 Zhongling Street, Nanjing 210014,China
Interests: soil science; improvement and utilization of saline-alkali soil; soil microorganisms; agronomy

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Microorganisms show strong adaptability under different environmental stresses. By changing the physical and chemical characteristics of soil, they improve soil structure, accelerate nutrient turnover, promote the accumulation of soil organic carbon, and create a more favorable growth environment for plants. The Special Issue aims to investigate the pivotal role of microorganisms in shaping soil ecosystems and enhancing plant growth under various environmental stresses, such as extreme temperatures, water deficits, waterlogging, saline-alkali conditions, and nutrient limitations. 

We invite contributions that analyze the physiological and biochemical responses of microbial communities to these stressors and how such adaptations can modify soil properties, nutrient cycling, and overall soil health. Furthermore, articles that explore how these microbial changes create a beneficial environment for plant growth, including the enhancement of nutrient availability, improvements in soil structure, etc., are also welcome. 

By integrating experimental research, field studies, and theoretical models, this Special Issue aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the interactions between microorganisms and their soil environment. We aim to highlight the mechanisms through which microbes not only withstand environmental pressures but also contribute to sustainable agricultural practices and ecosystem resilience. We welcome innovative studies that explore these critical dynamics in the context of climate change.

Dr. Qicong Wu
Dr. Hui Zhang
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • microbial adaptation
  • soil health
  • environmental stresses
  • plant growth promotion
  • nutrient cycling

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Research

12 pages, 1583 KiB  
Article
Jet-Breaking Extrusion of Alginate–Chitosan Capsules for Encapsulation of Plant Growth–Promoting Extremophilic Fungi
by César Arriagada-Escamilla, Javier Ortiz, Nicole Iturra, Javiera Soto and Eduardo Morales
Microorganisms 2025, 13(5), 1123; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms13051123 - 14 May 2025
Viewed by 186
Abstract
Drought and metal pollution severely impact plant growth. Root-associated extremophilic fungi can improve plant performance, and their encapsulation improves protection and effectiveness. This study optimized the encapsulation conditions for an extremophilic fungus with plant growth-promoting traits using alginate–chitosan capsules. An endophytic fungus was [...] Read more.
Drought and metal pollution severely impact plant growth. Root-associated extremophilic fungi can improve plant performance, and their encapsulation improves protection and effectiveness. This study optimized the encapsulation conditions for an extremophilic fungus with plant growth-promoting traits using alginate–chitosan capsules. An endophytic fungus was isolated from the roots of Neltuma chilensis from the Atacama Desert and identified via internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequencing. Its plant growth-promoting traits, including exopolysaccharide, ammonium, siderophore, and indole acetic acid production and phosphorus solubilization, were evaluated. Freeze-dried Penicillium nalgiovense was encapsulated using jet-breaking extrusion, and capsule morphology and fungal survival were assessed via scanning electron microscope (SEM), confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), and viability tests. Using Taguchi’s design, optimal conditions for sphericity (0.914 ± 0.002) and mean size (3.232 ± 0.087 mm) were achieved with 1% chitosan, a 5 cm distance to the gelation bath, and a 40 Hz vibration frequency. CLSM analysis confirmed the presence of the chitosan outer layer, revealing the capsule’s coating material encapsulating the fungus P. nalgiovense. The encapsulated fungus remained viable across disinfection times, demonstrating effective protection and gradual release. These findings emphasize the need for precise parameter control in fungal encapsulation, providing a basis for developing robust bioinoculants to support plant resilience in extreme environments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microbial Mechanisms for Soil Improvement and Plant Growth)
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