Molecular Soil Biology 2024, Vol.15, No.2, 87-98 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/msb 95 Soil microbiota play a crucial role in sustainable rice farming by enhancing soil health, promoting nutrient cycling, and improving plant resilience to stresses. The diverse microbial communities in the soil are responsible for the decomposition of organic matter, nitrogen fixation, and phosphorus solubilization, which are vital for maintaining soil fertility without relying heavily on chemical inputs. For example, long-term studies have demonstrated that the application of organic amendments such as manure and compost, which enrich microbial diversity, leads to sustained improvements in soil structure and nutrient availability, resulting in higher and more stable rice yields over time. Furthermore, microbial interactions in the rhizosphere help suppress soil-borne pathogens, reducing the need for chemical pesticides. These functions of soil microbiota not only support the immediate needs of crop production but also contribute to the long-term sustainability of agricultural ecosystems by maintaining soil health and reducing the environmental impact of farming practices (Das et al., 2019; Liu et al., 2020). 8.2 Role in enhancing ecosystem services and biodiversity Soil microbiota are integral to the delivery of ecosystem services that are essential for sustainable agriculture, including nutrient cycling, soil formation, and the regulation of greenhouse gases. The diverse microbial communities in rice paddies facilitate key processes such as methane oxidation, which is critical in mitigating the global warming potential of rice cultivation. Moreover, the presence of a rich microbial diversity enhances soil resilience to environmental disturbances, such as drought and flooding, by maintaining the functional stability of soil ecosystems. This resilience is crucial for sustaining agricultural productivity in the face of climate change. Additionally, by supporting a wide range of biological processes, soil microbiota contribute to the conservation of biodiversity within agricultural landscapes. The preservation of microbial diversity is essential not only for maintaining the ecological balance but also for safeguarding the ecosystem services that are vital for human well-being (Saikia et al., 2019; Jiao et al., 2022). 8.3 Policy recommendations for integrating microbiota management in agricultural practices To fully realize the potential of soil microbiota in promoting sustainable rice farming, it is essential to develop policies that support the integration of microbiota management into agricultural practices. Governments and agricultural agencies should prioritize research and development programs that focus on understanding the complex interactions between soil microbiota and crop plants, as well as the effects of different farming practices on these interactions. Policies should encourage the adoption of sustainable farming practices, such as conservation tillage, organic farming, and the use of biofertilizers, which enhance microbial diversity and soil health (Saikia et al., 2019; Liu et al., 2020). Additionally, extension services and farmer training programs should be established to educate farmers about the benefits of microbiota management and provide them with the tools and knowledge needed to implement these practices effectively. Financial incentives, such as subsidies for organic amendments and microbial inoculants, could also be introduced to encourage farmers to adopt sustainable practices that enhance soil microbiota. By integrating these strategies into national and regional agricultural policies, it will be possible to promote more sustainable and resilient agricultural systems that are better equipped to meet the challenges of the future (Barea, 2015; Edwards et al., 2019). 9 Concluding Remarks This paper has explored the multifaceted role of soil microbiota in rice cultivation and its implications for agricultural sustainability. Soil microbiota, including bacteria, fungi, and archaea, play crucial roles in nutrient cycling, organic matter decomposition, and the suppression of soil-borne diseases. These microorganisms contribute to essential processes such as nitrogen fixation and phosphorus solubilization, which are critical for maintaining soil fertility and crop productivity. The management practices employed in rice cultivation, including the use of fertilizers, pesticides, and tillage, have significant effects on the structure and function of soil microbial communities. Sustainable practices that incorporate organic amendments and reduced chemical inputs have been shown to enhance microbial diversity and resilience, leading to better soil health and sustained crop yields.
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