Microbial Diversity as a Driver of Plant Growth and Soil Health
A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Environmental Sciences".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 April 2025) | Viewed by 2891
Special Issue Editor
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Soil plays a vital role in sustaining life on Earth, providing a range of essential ecosystem services. These services are a result of soil processes and the functions performed by the rich biodiversity that resides there. However, it is alarming to note that around 33% of soil globally is facing degradation. Particularly, the soil microbiome, composed of a diversity of microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi, protozoa, viruses and meso- and microfauna, plays a crucial role in promoting soil fertility, producing plant biomass and preserving plant health. This microbiome provides fundamental macro- and micronutrients for the entire food chain.
There are biological strategies based on restoring biodiversity, both above and below the soil surface, which, when applied appropriately, can revitalize life in diverse ecosystems, along with their complex interactions between organisms. Furthermore, in recent years, we have witnessed a significant increase in the use of "omics" approaches that allow us to assess microbial phylogenetic diversity and soil functionality. The application of these technologies has contributed to the understanding of microbial communities that play a central role in biological systems, identifying functional groups essential for the health of plants, soil and water.
This approach strengthens our ability to maintain healthy forest ecosystems, mitigate climate change, increase agricultural productivity, ensure food quality, promote food security and, ultimately, protect the health of our planet.
Dr. Elisa Esposito
Guest Editor
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