The book explores the challenges and opportunities associated with high-altitude agro-ecosystems and the factors that influence them. It discusses the various indigenous agricultural practices and approaches, as well as the microbiology of mountain & hill agro-ecosystems, providing a comprehensive overview of the various factors that control the microbiome at high altitudes. The contributions examine microbiological advances, such as use of “omics” technologies for hill agriculture and environmental sustainability, and explore the use of nanotechnology for agricultural and environmental sustainability at higher altitudes. The book also describes various aspects of low-temperature microbiology in the context of high-altitude farming and environmental sustainability.
While soil ecologists continue to be on the forefront of research on biodiversity and ecosystem function, there are few interdisciplinary studies that incorporate ecological knowledge into sustainable land management practices. Conventional, high fossil-fuel input-based agricultural systems can reduce soil biodiversity, alter soil community structu
Microbial Technology for Agro-Ecosystems: Crop Productivity, Sustainability, and Biofortification describes the application of competent microbes in plant growth promotion, nutrient management and recycling from molecular perspectives. Understanding of molecular mechanism of Microbial diversity in association with plant roots is very imperative for plant health and ecosystem equilibrium. Covers fundamental mechanisms, molecular approaches and function aspects of microbial technology Describes innovative approaches to the management, development and advancement of agro-ecosystem green technologies Highlights improving soil biological health, microbial biomass, soil fertility and plant productivity
Plants and the soil they grow in, are confronted with severe biotic and abiotic stresses viz. nutrient starvation, salt stress, drought, flooding, xenobiotic contamination, in order to sustain in an ecosystem. They also shape the microbial composition in their vicinity by modulating their secretions. This book discusses the pressing demand for novel and potential microorganisms to support an environment-friendly and cost-effective way of stress management in the plants. The book summarizes the processes and mechanisms involved in microbe-assisted plant and soil stress management. It discusses the challenges and opportunities in the application of microbial interactions in plant health. It describes in detail the nutrient dynamics of different soil systems. It includes important topics like agriculturally important genes and enzymes, rhizosphere modeling & engineering, genetically engineered bio-inoculants etc. It also talks about the application of next-generation technologies, omics and nano-based technologies. In the recent years, more than 50% of agricultural production relies on chemical fertilizers, leading to serious health issues and environmental concerns. This book provides natural solutions to these environmental concerns. This book is useful for researchers and students in the field of microbiology, agriculture, soil biology and plant sciences.
Trends of Applied Microbiology for a Sustainable Economy discusses the role of modern tools and next-generation technologies in applied microbial research, including recent trends and innovation in global biofertilizers. Agriculture has seen dramatic changes since the time of its inception. Starting with the domestication of wild plants to small-scale traditional farming and then large-scale, chemical-intensive agriculture. It is at a crossroads once again, putting a huge amount of pressure on available natural resources like soil, water and biodiversity which is bound to increase with the ever-growing human population. This book helps readers understand the challenges associated with these demographic changes. Redefines the relationship between microorganisms and agricultural sustainability in view of the latest technologies and advancements Documents recent microbiological advancements in agricultural research and discusses challenges and opportunities in the biofertilizers market Identifies challenges and opportunities for scaling up biofertilizers technology Discusses recent trends and innovations in the biotechnology market and economy
This book is developed in a lucid manner for readers to grasp information about the role and potential of microbes in sustainable agriculture & computational strategies associated with it. Present volume focuses on advancements of microbial research in increasing agricultural productivity and sustainability viz. plant growth promotion by rhizobacterial biostimulants, endophytes, actinobacteria, arbuscularmycorrhizal fungi and biocontrol. Present day research is focused on role of soil microbe’s in agriculture, diazotropic & azotobacterial N2 fixation, PGPR etc. However, there is dearth of information on bioremediation of agrochemicals, biocontrol etc. This book is a compilation of research advances in both the aspect from eminent experts around the globe. In addition, in-silico mediated understandings of plant pathology, use of artificial neural networks in phytopathogen prediction, computational approaches in enhancing secondary metabolites production will be beneficial to professionals and academicians for sustainable agriculture. This volume will be very helpful for the students, teachers, professionals, and scientists concerned in agricultural production, food security, soil microbiology, agricultural biotechnology, and computational techniques.
Extremophiles have unique physiological properties, thus considered to be ideal candidates for industrial development. This book present concepts on cold-adapted microorganisms, centered on four different aspects - (i) diversity of cold adapted microbes (ii) their ecology, physiology and metabolism (iii) omics research in the field and (iv) their potential applications. This volume collates the recent developments and innovations with respect to these microorganisms. This book is meant for researchers, biochemists, industries, and government agencies interested in cold active microbes and their products. Also, would be of interest to NGOs and progressive farmers which are working for higher altitude ecosystems throughout the globe.
The earth’s biodiversity is a degree of ecosystem health which is vital to ecology and environmental sustainability. The microbial world is the largest unexplored reservoir. The agro-ecosystem enriched with rhizosphere implicit abundant and species-rich component of microbial diversity. Its global exploration designs a worldwide framework for agricultural sustainability adjoining benefits in its conservation. Agricultural sustainability requires a major share from ecosystem management which is better paid by microbial diversity and conservation. Diversity of bacteria influences plant productivity providing nutrient convenience from soil instead altering per se community and diversity in the rhizosphere where they may influence mechanistic competent and antagonistic micro-flora. The potential species among the diversity are therefore, essential subjective to their maintenance for use around the globe. Microbial population in agro-ecosystem is influenced by stresses, reduce functionality as a component. It is therefore, important to explore secrets of planned strategy so as to unravel the microbial diversity and conservation in agricultural development. Microorganisms are minute, pervasive in nature and alleged as disease host instead tiny recognize as employee of agro-ecosystem, indulge in agricultural development and potential contributor in world of ecological and economical wealth creation. This step pertinently would help to launch scientific motivation needed to support the refrain of microbial diversity and conservation.
Handbook of AGRICULTURAL BIOTECHNOLOGY The book provides detailed information on the application of nanopesticides for the management of numerous agricultural pests and pathogens, as well as to foster an innovative pathway toward future sustainable agriculture and food systems. Biopesticides have been identified as a sustainable and permanent replacement to synthetic chemicals. Their application will go a long way toward preventing major challenges that confront sustainable agriculture, the actualization of global food production and food security, helping to feed an ever-increasing population that is predicted to increase to nine billion by 2050. An interdisciplinary collaboration among policymakers, private sector, researchers, civil society, farmers, consumers, and environmentalists will foster an innovative pathway toward future sustainable agriculture and food systems that could ensure resilience, food security, and a healthy environment. The book explains the application of some nanobiopesticides as ovicides that could kill eggs of insects and mites, as well as slimicides that could destroy slime-producing microorganisms, such as algae, bacteria, fungi, and slime molds. Other highlights include: a discussion on the application of nanobiopesticides for the rejuvenation of heavily contaminated environments (as well as their role in the mitigation of several abiotic stress); a demonstration of how nanobiopesticides derived from plants could be applied for effective management of pests and diseases in animal husbandry and fishery; and a collection of relevant information on patents, the commercialization of relevant plant-derived nanobiopesticides, and their social economic and industrial relevance. Audience The book is a useful resource for a diverse audience, including industrialists, food industry professionals, agriculturists, agricultural microbiologists, plant pathologists, botanists, microbiologists, biotechnologists, nanotechnologists, microbial biotechnologists, farmers, policymakers, and extension workers.
