Microorganisms in Sustainable Agriculture and Biotechnology

• Other Authors: Satyanarayana, T. (Editor), Prakash, Anil 1958- (Editor), Johri, Bhavdish Narain (Editor)
• Format: Book
• Language: English
• Published: Dordrecht Springer 2012
• Subjects: Biotechnology; Microbial ecology; Sustainable agriculture
• Online Access: Click Here to View Status and Holdings.

 This review of recent developments in our understanding of the role of microbes in sustainable agriculture and biotechnology covers a research area with enormous untapped potential. Chemical fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides and other agricultural inputs derived from fossil fuels have increased agricultural production, yet growing awareness and concern over their adverse effects on soil productivity and environmental quality cannot be ignored. The high cost of these products, the difficulties of meeting demand for them, and their harmful environmental legacy have encouraged scientists to develop alternative strategies to raise productivity, with microbes playing a central role in these efforts. One application is the use of soil microbes as bioinoculants for supplying nutrients and/or stimulating plant growth. Some rhizospheric microbes are known to synthesize plant growth-promoters, siderophores and antibiotics, as well as aiding phosphorous uptake.