Molecular Soil Biology 2024, Vol.15, No.1, 17-27 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/msb 25 gypsum has been shown to improve bacterial community richness and enzyme activities in saline-alkali soils, suggesting that these amendments could be used in conjunction with SynComs to enhance soil health. Moreover, the adaptability of microbial communities to saline-alkali stress, as demonstrated by their structural reorganization and network interactions, indicates that SynComs could be tailored to specific soil conditions to maximize their effectiveness (Shi et al., 2019; Lu et al., 2020). This holistic approach could lead to more sustainable and resilient soil health management practices. 8.3 Long-term vision and potential breakthroughs in SynCom-based soil restoration The long-term vision for SynCom-based soil restoration includes the development of highly specialized microbial consortia that can not only survive but thrive in extreme saline-alkali conditions. Future research should focus on identifying keystone microbial taxa that play disproportionate ecological roles in enhancing soil health and plant resilience (Lu et al., 2020). Additionally, the potential for SynComs to be used in combination with innovative landscape designs, such as terraced landscapes, offers promising avenues for large-scale soil restoration projects (Pradhan et al., 2022). Ultimately, breakthroughs in SynCom engineering could lead to the creation of self-sustaining microbial ecosystems that continuously improve soil health and support robust agricultural productivity in saline-alkali environments. By leveraging these emerging trends, integrating SynComs into broader soil health frameworks, and focusing on long-term breakthroughs, the potential for SynCom-based soil restoration in saline-alkali environments is immense. Continued research and technological advancements will be crucial in realizing this potential and achieving sustainable soil health restoration. 9 Concluding Remarks In this systematic study, we explored innovative strategies for restoring soil health in saline-alkali environments, focusing on the potential of engineered synthetic microbial communities (SynComs). This paper highlights several key findings from recent research. The microbial composition in saline-alkali soils is significantly affected by soluble salt ions, with fungal communities showing greater tolerance and resilience compared to bacterial communities. The use of biofertilizers and organic amendments, such as decomposed straw, has been shown to alter rhizosphere bacterial communities and improve crop productivity in saline-alkali soils. Phytoremediation using plants like Miscanthus can enhance soil properties and microbial community structure, thereby reducing soil salinity and increasing soil fertility. Amendments such as earthworm castings and humic acid fertilizers can improve soil aggregate stability, enhance salt leaching, and inhibit nitrogen loss. Combining straw with desulfurized gypsum also effectively improves soil chemical properties and microbial diversity. Additionally, integrating plant microbial inoculants in terraced landscapes has shown promising results in reducing soil salinity and alkalinity. These findings are significant for researchers, policymakers, and land managers. Researchers can use insights into microbial community dynamics and the effectiveness of various amendments to develop targeted soil restoration strategies. Policymakers can use this knowledge to formulate guidelines and policies that promote sustainable agricultural practices and soil health management in saline-alkali regions. Land managers can adopt these innovative strategies to improve soil fertility, enhance crop yields, and mitigate the adverse effects of soil salinization and alkalization. Despite the encouraging results, further research is needed to optimize the application of SynComs and other amendments in various saline-alkali environments. Interdisciplinary collaboration among soil scientists, microbiologists, agronomists, and environmental engineers is crucial for developing comprehensive and scalable solutions. Future research should focus on long-term field trials, the ecological impact of SynComs, and the economic feasibility of these restoration strategies. By fostering collaboration and continuous research, we can advance the understanding and implementation of effective soil health restoration techniques in saline-alkali environments.
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