Molecular Soil Biology 2024, Vol.15, No.4, 151-162 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/msb 159 8.2 Lessons learned from field trials Field trials have provided valuable insights into the optimization of dryland farming models. One key lesson is the importance of managing irrigation and phosphorus application. Studies have shown that frequently alternate wetting and drying (FAWD) regimes, combined with optimized phosphorus application, can maintain grain yield while enhancing the abundance of beneficial rhizosphere bacteria (Zhang et al., 2019). Another important finding is the role of root traits in methane emissions. Stronger root systems with higher oxygen delivery and suitable root exudates can create a favorable habitat for methanotrophs, thereby reducing methane emissions in paddy fields (Chen et al., 2019). 8.3 Recommendations for farmers and agricultural practitioners Based on the findings from various studies, several recommendations can be made for farmers and agricultural practitioners aiming to optimize dryland farming models for hybrid rice: Microbial Inoculants: Utilize beneficial microbial inoculants such as Azotobacter vinelandii and Serendipita indica to enhance root growth and overall plant health (Dabral et al., 2020). Seaweed Extracts: Incorporate seaweed extract supplements into fertilization regimes to improve rhizosphere bacterial diversity and soil nutrient levels, which can lead to increased rice yield and quality (Chen et al., 2022). Irrigation Management: Implement frequently alternate wetting and drying (FAWD) irrigation regimes to optimize water and phosphorus use efficiency without sacrificing yield (Zhang et al., 2019). Root Trait Enhancement: Focus on breeding or selecting rice varieties with strong root systems that can deliver higher oxygen levels to the rhizosphere, promoting beneficial microbial activity and reducing methane emissions (Chen et al., 2019). Soil Type Consideration: Pay attention to soil type as it significantly influences the root-associated microbial community. Tailor farming practices to the specific soil conditions to maximize microbial benefits (Xu et al., 2019). Phosphorus Application: Optimize phosphorus application levels to enhance rhizosphere microbial functions and improve plant growth (Zhang et al., 2019). Monitoring and Adaptation: Continuously monitor soil and plant health, and be prepared to adapt farming practices based on observed outcomes and environmental conditions (Ding et al., 2019). Sustainable Practices: Emphasize sustainable agricultural practices that minimize the use of synthetic fertilizers and agrochemicals, leveraging the benefits of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and other biostimulants (Backer et al., 2018). By integrating these strategies, farmers can enhance root growth and rhizosphere microbial functions, leading to more resilient and productive hybrid rice cultivation under dryland farming conditions. 9 Future Research Directions 9.1 Knowledge gaps and challenges Despite significant advancements in understanding the interactions between root growth, rhizosphere microbial functions, and hybrid rice, several knowledge gaps and challenges remain. One major challenge is the limited understanding of the specific microbial taxa and their functional roles in the rhizosphere of hybrid rice. While studies have identified core microbial communities and their potential benefits (Xu et al., 2019; Guo et al., 2021; Kumawat et al., 2021), the precise mechanisms through which these microbes enhance root growth and stress tolerance are not fully elucidated. Additionally, the influence of different soil types and environmental conditions on the rhizosphere microbiome and its functions needs further exploration (Ding et al., 2019; Li et al., 2019; Xu et al., 2019). Another challenge is the integration of multi-omics approaches to comprehensively analyze the interactions between plant roots and microbial communities, which can provide deeper insights into the molecular
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjQ4ODYzMg==