Halotolerant bacteria as plant allies in the fight against soil salinity stress
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.12775/KOSMOS.2025.014Keywords
soil salinity, bioremediation in situ, halotolerant bacteria, osmoprotectants, osmotic stress, soil quality improvement, soil microorganismsAbstract
Soil salinity is one of the most pressing challenges in contemporary agriculture, resulting in reduced crop productivity and degradation of soil ecosystems. The adverse effects of salinity include disruptions in plant water and ion balance, osmotic stress, and limited nutrient availability. In response to these challenges, there is increasing interest in biological soil remediation (bioremediation) approaches, particularly those employing halotolerant microorganisms. These microbes, capable of thriving under saline conditions, synthesize osmoprotectants - compounds that support plant tolerance to stress while simultaneously enhancing the physicochemical and microbiological properties of soils. This study explores the role of halotolerant bacteria in improving the availability of macro- and micronutrients, promoting biofilm formation, and protecting plants from the toxic effects of excessive dissolved ions. The presented research underscores the significant application potential of microbial-based remediation strategies as effective, eco-friendly, and economically sustainable solutions for improving crop resilience under salinity stress.
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