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Harnessing Soil Microbiome for Enhancing Soil Health, Crop Productivity and Environmental Sustainability

The global population is projected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050 and the food production must effectively increase by about 70% so as to feed the growing population. But as the world's population is growing rapidly, food insecurity issues are rising. Agricultural intensification activities have increased crop yields in the short term but these practices have led to soil degradation and poor soil quality, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable strategies. This paper explores advantages of utilizing beneficial microorganisms, such as plant growth promoting rhizobacteria, mycorrhizal fungi and biocontrol agents that offers sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives to conventional agricultural practices. The soil microbiome, comprises of diverse community of microorganisms including bacteria, fungi, actinomycetes, algae, pathogens and nematodes. These microorganisms form intricate networks and engage in a myriad of interactions that drive essential soil functions and processes. Soil microorganisms enhance plant growth by fixing atmospheric nitrogen, solubilizing phosphorus and producing growth-promoting hormones. Additionally, soil microbes play a key role in bioremediation by breaking down pollutants and detoxifying heavy metals. Beneficial microbial interactions with plant roots, such as mycorrhizal associations, improve water and nutrient uptake, thereby enhancing crop productivity. By combining microbial solutions with compost, organic fertilizers and minimal synthetic inputs, farmers can enhance soil fertility, improve plant resilience and optimize nutrient uptake while maintaining balanced microbial communities.