Summary
Published in Frontiers in Plant Science, this narrative review by Jacoby and colleagues synthesises current understanding of how diverse soil microbial communities mediate plant access to essential mineral nutrients, including nitrogen, phosphorus, sulphur, and micronutrients. The paper likely covers both symbiotic and free-living microbial strategies, examining the molecular and ecological mechanisms by which microorganisms enhance nutrient availability and transfer to plant roots. It is positioned as a foundational reference for understanding the biological basis of soil fertility and its implications for sustainable crop production.
UK applicability
Although not specific to UK conditions, the findings are broadly applicable to UK arable and mixed farming systems, where improving understanding of soil microbial function is increasingly relevant to reducing synthetic fertiliser inputs and meeting environmental targets under post-CAP agri-environment policy.
Key measures
Nutrient uptake mechanisms; microbial functional groups (nitrogen fixers, phosphate solubilisers, mycorrhizal fungi); plant mineral acquisition pathways
Outcomes reported
The review examines how soil microorganisms, including mycorrhizal fungi, nitrogen-fixing bacteria, and phosphate-solubilising microbes, contribute to plant mineral nutrition. It likely synthesises evidence on microbial mechanisms underpinning nutrient cycling and plant uptake across key macronutrients and micronutrients.
Topic tags
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