Molecular Soil Biology 2024, Vol.15, No.2, 87-98 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/msb 91 In a study comparing organic and conventional farming systems, it was found that organic fields had a more complex and stable microbial network, with higher levels of beneficial microbes such as mycorrhizal fungi and nitrogen-fixing bacteria. This increased microbial diversity is associated with improved soil structure, enhanced nutrient availability, and greater resilience to environmental stresses, all of which contribute to the sustainability of agricultural systems. The findings from these studies underscore the importance of adopting organic farming practices to maintain and enhance soil health (Lupatini et al., 2017; Nam et al., 2023) (Figure 1). Figure 1 Fungal taxonomic abundance and relative abundance in four different tomato farms (Adopted from Nam et al., 2023) Note: (a) Rarefaction curve resulted from the metabarcoding analysis using ITS2 region sequences for Fungi with 95% confidence interval.; (b) Level of ASV richness, Chao1, Gini-Simpson, and Shannon index for fungal community in each tomato farm practice; (c) Rarefaction curve resulted from the metabarcoding analysis using ITS2 region sequences for oomycetes with 95% confidence interval; (d) Level of ASV richness, Chao1, Gini-Simpson, and Shannon index for oomycetes community in each tomato farm practice (Adapted from Nam et al., 2023) 5 Innovations in Microbiota Management for Sustainable Rice Cultivation 5.1 Biofertilizers and biopesticides: types, application methods, and benefits Innovations in microbiota management are at the forefront of efforts to enhance the sustainability and productivity of rice cultivation. These innovations include the development and application of biofertilizers and biopesticides, the use of microbial consortia, and advances in microbial inoculant technologies. Biofertilizers and biopesticides represent a significant shift away from conventional chemical inputs in agriculture. These biological products harness the power of beneficial microorganisms to improve plant nutrition and protect crops from pests and diseases. Biofertilizers, such as those based on nitrogen-fixing bacteria (Rhizobium, Azospirillum) and phosphate-solubilizing microbes, enhance soil fertility by increasing the availability of essential nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus. These microorganisms are applied through various methods, including seed treatment, soil inoculation, and foliar sprays. Biopesticides, on the other hand, utilize microbial agents such as Bacillus thuringiensis and Trichoderma species to control pests and pathogens by producing toxins, competing for resources, or inducing plant resistance. The benefits of using biofertilizers and biopesticides are manifold, including reduced reliance on chemical fertilizers and pesticides, improved soil health, enhanced crop yields, and minimized environmental impact (Yadav, 2018; Seenivasagan and Babalola, 2021).
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