Molecular Soil Biology 2024, Vol.15, No.2, 87-98 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/msb 93 sustainability. In regions like Pantnagar, where organic and integrated management practices were implemented, soil microbial biomass and nutrient availability were significantly higher, leading to better crop yields and a higher sustainability yield index compared to regions relying solely on inorganic practices (Edwards et al., 2019; Jiao et al., 2022) (Figure 2). Figure 2 Experimental design of the soil domestication study (Adopted from Edwards et al., 2019) Note: Experiment A investigated the impact of soil domestication history on the rhizosphere and endosphere microbiomes of rice, revealing significant differences between microbiomes in domesticated and uncultivated soils. Experiment B explored the differences in microbiome composition between rice and native plants grown in the same paddy field, showing distinct rhizosphere and endosphere microbiomes among different plant species. Experiment C assessed the effects of different soil microbiomes on rice seedling growth, demonstrating that the source of microbiomes significantly influenced the microbial community structure and growth performance of seedlings (Adapted from Edwards et al., 2019) The study highlighted the superiority of integrated crop management practices, which not only improved soil health but also enhanced overall farm productivity and economic returns. This regional analysis underscores the need for localized adaptation of microbial management strategies to optimize agricultural outcomes based on specific environmental and soil conditions. Such insights are crucial for guiding sustainable agricultural practices that can be tailored to different agro-ecological zones, thereby maximizing both yield and sustainability (Panwar et al., 2022). 6.3 Long-term field studies on soil microbiota and rice productivity Long-term field studies have been pivotal in understanding the sustained impact of microbial management on soil health and rice productivity. In Uganda, a 20-year study focused on upland rice fields provided valuable data on how different fertilizer management practices influence soil biochemical properties and microbial biomass. The study employed integrated nutrient management (INM), which combined chemical fertilizers with organic inputs such as poultry manure. Results indicated that INM significantly increased soil organic carbon sequestration and microbial activity, leading to enhanced soil fertility and higher rice yields. Moreover, the microbial communities under INM were more diverse and functionally robust, contributing to improved resilience against environmental stresses and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. These findings highlight the long-term benefits of integrating organic amendments with conventional fertilizers to maintain soil health and sustain agricultural productivity. The success of INM in this study suggests that similar approaches could be vital in other regions, particularly where sustainable intensification of agriculture is a priority (Inubushi et al., 2020). 7 Challenges and Future Perspectives 7.1 Limitations in current research and technological applications The management of soil microbiota in rice cultivation offers tremendous potential for enhancing agricultural sustainability. However, there are significant challenges and barriers that need to be addressed to fully realize this potential. This section discusses the current limitations in research and technology, environmental and socio-economic barriers, and the future directions that could lead to breakthroughs in soil microbiota management (Das et al., 2019; O’Callaghan et al., 2022).
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjQ4ODYzMg==