Frontiers in Soil Microbial Ecology and Its Role in Sustainable Agroecosystems

Dear Colleagues,

The world population continues to increase and there is a real concern regarding our ability to feed all of these people, an endeavor that requires a continual increase in agricultural productivity. Thus, more than ever, obtaining high yields is the main challenge for agriculture. Sustainable crop production should switch from growing plants to the cultivation of plant–microbial communities, which can reach high productivity under minimal energy and chemical investments along with minimal pressure on the environment. Much effort and cooperation among experts in different fields of science is, therefore, needed in order to be successful in attaining microbial-based technologies. Many of today’s environmental problems in crop production are due to applications of chemical fertilizers that provide an imbalance of mineral nutrients. In this context, soil microorganisms with beneficial activity on plant growth and health represent an attractive alternative to conventional agriculture. In recent years, several microbial inoculants have been formulated, produced, marketed, and applied successfully by an increasing number of growers. Although all parts of the plant are colonized by microorganisms, the rhizosphere represents the main source of microorganisms with plant-beneficial activities. The microbes generally promote plant growth in two ways: direct stimulation and biocontrol. The positive effect of many soil microorganisms on plants is mediated by a range of mechanisms including the improvement of mineral nutrition, the enhancement of plant tolerance to biotic and abiotic stress, and the modification of root development, as well as the suppression of soil-borne diseases. The microorganisms’ traits involved in these activities include nitrogen fixation, phosphate solubilization, iron sequestration, the synthesis of phytohormones, the modulation of plant ethylene levels, and the control of phytopathogenic microorganisms. This Special Issue provides insights into the “Frontiers in Soil Microbial Ecology and Its Role in Sustainable Agroecosystems”.

Dr. Muhammad Zafar-ul-Hye
Guest Editor

Dr. Shah Fahad
Dr. Muhammad Shaaban
Co-Guest Editors

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