Beneficial microorganisms in crop growth, soil health, and sustainable environmental management : current status and future perspectives

The probable plant-microbe interactions and interconnected signalling among them occur in the crop rhizosphere and are involved in the stimulation of plant growth, biological suppression of harmful pathogens, and mitigation of crops’ abiotic stresses through multifold mechanisms of beneficial rhizosphere microbiota. The positive effects of rhizobacteria on plant growth and soil health are exerted via the mechanism of nitrogen fixation, solubilization of essential nutrients, and supply of plant nutrients, hormonal stimulation, improving root growth, and enhanced uptake of nutrients and water. At present, the focus is on biological strategies for sustainable crop production with the aim of reduced chemical usage. The present book chapter is an attempt to explicate the functions of beneficial and other useful plant-associated microorganisms in the current scenario and their underlying mechanisms in supporting plant growth and nutritional aspects as well as enhancing soil quality and agricultural productivity.