Molecular Soil Biology 2024, Vol.15, No.2, 87-98 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/msb 89 For example, some beneficial bacteria can outcompete harmful microorganisms in the soil, reducing the incidence of diseases such as rice blast and sheath blight. This competitive exclusion, along with the activation of the plant’s immune responses, helps in safeguarding the plant against infections, thereby ensuring better crop health and higher yields. The synergistic effects of these microorganisms on plant growth and disease resistance make them an integral part of sustainable rice farming practices (Zhang et al., 2022). 2.2.3 Soil structure and fertility enhancement Soil microbiota contribute significantly to the enhancement of soil structure and fertility, which are vital for the sustainability of rice cultivation. The decomposition of organic matter by soil microorganisms leads to the formation of soil aggregates, which are clusters of soil particles that improve soil texture, aeration, and water retention. These aggregates create a stable soil structure that is less prone to erosion and compaction, allowing for better root penetration and healthier plant growth. Additionally, the metabolic activities of soil microbiota release organic acids that weather soil minerals, thereby increasing the availability of essential nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium. These processes not only enhance soil fertility but also promote the long-term resilience of the soil, ensuring that it can continue to support productive rice cultivation over successive planting cycles. The role of soil microbiota in maintaining soil health is thus a critical component of sustainable agricultural practices, particularly in the context of intensive rice farming (Rao, 2018; Liu et al., 2020). 3 Interactions Between Soil Microbiota and Rice Plants The interactions between soil microbiota and rice plants are complex and multifaceted, involving a range of symbiotic, endophytic, and epiphytic relationships that collectively influence plant health and productivity. These interactions are crucial for the sustainability and efficiency of rice cultivation, as they can significantly enhance nutrient uptake, disease resistance, and overall crop yield. 3.1 Symbiotic relationships (e.g., mycorrhizae, rhizobia) Symbiotic relationships between rice plants and soil microorganisms, particularly mycorrhizal fungi and rhizobia, play a pivotal role in enhancing nutrient availability and plant growth. Mycorrhizal fungi, such as arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), form symbiotic associations with rice roots, facilitating the uptake of essential nutrients like phosphorus, which is often limited in flooded rice paddies. These fungi extend their hyphae into the soil, increasing the surface area for nutrient absorption and improving the plant's access to nutrients that are otherwise inaccessible. Additionally, AMF can enhance the plant's tolerance to environmental stresses such as drought and salinity by improving water uptake and root growth. Rhizobia, although traditionally associated with legumes, have also been found to interact beneficially with rice plants, particularly in enhancing nitrogen fixation and uptake. These symbiotic relationships are critical in reducing the dependency on chemical fertilizers, thereby promoting sustainable agricultural practices (Bernaola et al., 2018; Okonji et al., 2018). 3.2 Endophytic and epiphytic microorganisms Endophytic and epiphytic microorganisms inhabit the internal and external surfaces of rice plants, respectively, playing crucial roles in plant health and growth. Endophytes, which live within plant tissues without causing harm, can enhance plant growth by producing phytohormones, facilitating nutrient uptake, and inducing resistance against pathogens. For example, endophytic bacteria like Serratia nematodiphila have been shown to improve rice growth in acidic soils by enhancing root surface area and biomass, thereby aiding in the plant's adaptation to stress conditions. Epiphytic microorganisms, which reside on the plant surface, contribute to plant health by forming a protective barrier against pathogens and aiding in nutrient absorption. These microorganisms can also modulate the plant’s immune responses, leading to increased resistance to diseases and pests. The dynamic interactions between rice plants and these microorganisms highlight the importance of understanding and managing the rice microbiome to optimize plant health and yield (Wang et al., 2016; Das et al., 2020).
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