Understanding the role of soil microorganisms in alleviating hydric and edaphic stress towards sustainable agriculture

Abstract Soil microorganisms play a significant role in mitigating hydric and edaphic stress, contributing significantly to sustainable agriculture. Hydric stress, caused by inadequate water availability, and edaphic stress, stemming from adverse soil conditions, both severely impact crop productivi...

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Main Authors: Dipayan Das, Meisithuiliu Riamei, Payel Paul, Niraj Singh, Birson Ingti, Reema Dey Sarkar, Ruvelu Rose, Pankaj Losan Sharma, Susmita Paul
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Springer 2025-06-01
Series:Discover Soil
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1007/s44378-025-00076-x
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author Dipayan Das
Meisithuiliu Riamei
Payel Paul
Niraj Singh
Birson Ingti
Reema Dey Sarkar
Ruvelu Rose
Pankaj Losan Sharma
Susmita Paul
author_facet Dipayan Das
Meisithuiliu Riamei
Payel Paul
Niraj Singh
Birson Ingti
Reema Dey Sarkar
Ruvelu Rose
Pankaj Losan Sharma
Susmita Paul
author_sort Dipayan Das
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Soil microorganisms play a significant role in mitigating hydric and edaphic stress, contributing significantly to sustainable agriculture. Hydric stress, caused by inadequate water availability, and edaphic stress, stemming from adverse soil conditions, both severely impact crop productivity. Soil microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and archaea, enhance plant resilience by improving soil structure, nutrient availability, and water retention. Microbial activities lead to the formation of soil aggregates, which enhance soil porosity and water infiltration, thus reducing hydric stress. Furthermore, these microorganisms facilitate the decomposition of organic matter, releasing essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in bioavailable forms, thereby alleviating edaphic stress. Symbiotic relationships, such as mycorrhizal associations, extend the root surface area, enhancing water and nutrient uptake. Rhizobacteria directly contribute to soil fertility through processes like nitrogen fixation and phosphate solubilization. Certain soil microorganisms produce extracellular polysaccharides and other biofilms that help retain water and protect against soil erosion. These microbial exudates improve soil moisture content, buffering plants against drought conditions. Microbial inoculants, or biofertilizers, are increasingly used to harness these benefits, promoting sustainable agricultural practices by reducing the dependence on chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Understanding and leveraging the complex interactions between soil microorganisms and plants is crucial to developing resilient agricultural systems. Enhancing microbial diversity and activity through sustainable land management practices can lead to improved soil health, higher crop yields, and reduced environmental impact, paving the way for a more sustainable and resilient agricultural future.
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spelling doaj-art-df3fc2a14a49459f84a0b1e646d393152025-08-20T02:10:35ZengSpringerDiscover Soil3005-12232025-06-012113910.1007/s44378-025-00076-xUnderstanding the role of soil microorganisms in alleviating hydric and edaphic stress towards sustainable agricultureDipayan Das0Meisithuiliu Riamei1Payel Paul2Niraj Singh3Birson Ingti4Reema Dey Sarkar5Ruvelu Rose6Pankaj Losan Sharma7Susmita Paul8Department of Microbiology, Royal School of Bio-Sciences, The Assam Royal Global UniversityDepartment of Microbiology, Royal School of Bio-Sciences, The Assam Royal Global UniversityDepartment of Botany, North Bengal St. Xavier’s CollegeDepartment of Microbiology, Royal School of Bio-Sciences, The Assam Royal Global UniversityDepartment of Microbiology, Royal School of Bio-Sciences, The Assam Royal Global UniversityDepartment of Microbiology, Royal School of Bio-Sciences, The Assam Royal Global UniversityDepartment of Microbiology, Royal School of Bio-Sciences, The Assam Royal Global UniversityDepartment of Microbiology, Royal School of Bio-Sciences, The Assam Royal Global UniversityDepartment of Microbiology, Royal School of Bio-Sciences, The Assam Royal Global UniversityAbstract Soil microorganisms play a significant role in mitigating hydric and edaphic stress, contributing significantly to sustainable agriculture. Hydric stress, caused by inadequate water availability, and edaphic stress, stemming from adverse soil conditions, both severely impact crop productivity. Soil microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and archaea, enhance plant resilience by improving soil structure, nutrient availability, and water retention. Microbial activities lead to the formation of soil aggregates, which enhance soil porosity and water infiltration, thus reducing hydric stress. Furthermore, these microorganisms facilitate the decomposition of organic matter, releasing essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in bioavailable forms, thereby alleviating edaphic stress. Symbiotic relationships, such as mycorrhizal associations, extend the root surface area, enhancing water and nutrient uptake. Rhizobacteria directly contribute to soil fertility through processes like nitrogen fixation and phosphate solubilization. Certain soil microorganisms produce extracellular polysaccharides and other biofilms that help retain water and protect against soil erosion. These microbial exudates improve soil moisture content, buffering plants against drought conditions. Microbial inoculants, or biofertilizers, are increasingly used to harness these benefits, promoting sustainable agricultural practices by reducing the dependence on chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Understanding and leveraging the complex interactions between soil microorganisms and plants is crucial to developing resilient agricultural systems. Enhancing microbial diversity and activity through sustainable land management practices can lead to improved soil health, higher crop yields, and reduced environmental impact, paving the way for a more sustainable and resilient agricultural future.https://doi.org/10.1007/s44378-025-00076-x
spellingShingle Dipayan Das
Meisithuiliu Riamei
Payel Paul
Niraj Singh
Birson Ingti
Reema Dey Sarkar
Ruvelu Rose
Pankaj Losan Sharma
Susmita Paul
Understanding the role of soil microorganisms in alleviating hydric and edaphic stress towards sustainable agriculture
Discover Soil
title Understanding the role of soil microorganisms in alleviating hydric and edaphic stress towards sustainable agriculture
title_full Understanding the role of soil microorganisms in alleviating hydric and edaphic stress towards sustainable agriculture
title_fullStr Understanding the role of soil microorganisms in alleviating hydric and edaphic stress towards sustainable agriculture
title_full_unstemmed Understanding the role of soil microorganisms in alleviating hydric and edaphic stress towards sustainable agriculture
title_short Understanding the role of soil microorganisms in alleviating hydric and edaphic stress towards sustainable agriculture
title_sort understanding the role of soil microorganisms in alleviating hydric and edaphic stress towards sustainable agriculture
url https://doi.org/10.1007/s44378-025-00076-x
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