Pulse Brain · Growing Health Evidence Index
Tier 4 — Narrative / commentaryPeer-reviewed

Plant-microbe interactions: PGPM as microbial inoculants/biofertilizers for sustaining crop productivity and soil fertility.

Laishram B, Devi OR, Dutta R, Senthilkumar T, Goyal G, Paliwal DK, Panotra N, Rasool A.

Curr Res Microb Sci · 2025

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Summary

This narrative review synthesises current understanding of plant–microbe interactions, with a focus on the role of plant growth-promoting microorganisms (PGPMs) as biofertilisers and microbial inoculants in sustainable agriculture. The paper likely evaluates the mechanisms underpinning PGPM activity — including nutrient mobilisation, phytohormone synthesis, and induced systemic resistance — and their documented effects on crop performance and soil health. It contributes to the growing evidence base supporting the integration of biological inputs as part of a broader strategy to reduce dependence on synthetic fertilisers.

UK applicability

Whilst the review is international in scope, its findings are broadly applicable to UK arable and horticultural systems, particularly given growing regulatory pressure to reduce synthetic nitrogen inputs and increasing interest in regenerative approaches to soil health management.

Key measures

Crop yield response to PGPM inoculation; soil fertility indicators; nitrogen fixation rates; phosphate solubilisation activity; plant biomass; microbial community diversity

Outcomes reported

The review examines the mechanisms by which plant growth-promoting microorganisms (PGPMs) enhance crop productivity and maintain soil fertility, likely covering nitrogen fixation, phosphate solubilisation, phytohormone production, and biocontrol activity. It assesses the potential of microbial inoculants as alternatives or complements to synthetic fertilisers across diverse cropping systems.

Theme
Farming systems, soils & land use
Subject
Soil biology & microbiology
Study type
Narrative Review
Study design
Narrative review
Source type
Peer-reviewed study
Status
Published
Geography
International
System type
Arable cereals
DOI
10.1016/j.crmicr.2024.100333
Catalogue ID
NRmo3f02hq-02e

Topic tags

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