Unveiling diverse interactions between soil microbiota and host plants for sustainable agriculture: current limitations and prospects

Abstract

The intricate relationship between soil microbiota and host plants plays a pivotal role in maintaining soil health and sustaining agricultural productivity. In this review, we examined current knowledge of these interactions, highlighting both their significance and the limitations in existing research. Although substantial progress has been made in elucidating the roles of diverse microbial communities in nutrient cycling, plant growth promotion, and disease suppression, several challenges remain. These include the complexity and diversity of microbial communities, as well as the dynamic nature of soil–plant interactions under varying environmental conditions. Furthermore, there is a need for greater integration of interdisciplinary approaches, encompassing molecular biology, microbiology, ecology, and agronomy, to effectively address these challenges. In this context, this study proposes future research directions aimed at advancing our understanding of soil microbiota-plant interactions and their implications for sustainable agriculture. These include the development and application of advanced omics techniques, such as metagenomics and metatranscriptomics, to comprehensively characterize microbial communities and their functional attributes. Furthermore, harnessing the potential of microbial inoculants and biofertilizers tailored to specific crops, soils, and environmental conditions represents a promising strategy for improving soil health, enhancing nutrient use efficiency, and ensuring sustainable crop production. Overall, addressing these research gaps and leveraging emerging technologies will deepen our understanding of soil microbiota-plant interactions and facilitate the development of innovative, science-based strategies to promote resilient and sustainable agricultural systems.