Summary
This review examines the contribution of beneficial soil microorganisms—particularly nitrogen-fixing bacteria and mycorrhizal fungi—to sustainable horticultural systems. The authors synthesise evidence on plant–microbe symbioses that enhance nutrient availability, crop resilience, and productivity whilst reducing chemical fertiliser dependency. The paper acknowledges practical constraints to microbial inoculant adoption, including competition from indigenous strains and environmental variability, but argues that deepening understanding of these interactions remains essential for food security.
UK applicability
The review's principles are broadly applicable to UK horticulture and sustainable farming policy, though adoption barriers such as soil microbial competition and climate variability will require site-specific validation under UK soil and weather conditions. The emphasis on reducing synthetic fertiliser inputs aligns with UK environmental policy goals, but implementation guidance specific to UK growing regions would strengthen practical utility.
Key measures
Narrative assessment of microbial mechanisms in nutrient provision, growth promotion, stress tolerance, and fertiliser reduction potential
Outcomes reported
The paper reviews the roles of nitrogen-fixing bacteria, mycorrhizal fungi, and plant growth-promoting bacteria in enhancing crop productivity, nutrient cycling, and stress tolerance. It assesses how these beneficial microorganisms can reduce reliance on chemical fertilizers whilst identifying challenges to their universal application.
Topic tags
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