Molecular Soil Biology 2025, Vol.16, No.1, 16-26 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/msb 20 4.2 Strategies for optimizing SynCom composition and functionality Optimizing the composition and functionality of synthetic microbial communities (SynComs) involves careful selection and engineering of microbial consortia to achieve desired outcomes. The use of machine learning to study community assembly rules and target microbial functions has been suggested to create stable SynComs that thrive under environmental stressors (Martins et al., 2023). Furthermore, the development of reproducible and tunable SynComs, such as a model community of 16 soil bacteria, has demonstrated the importance of maintaining community diversity and functionality through controlled experimental conditions (Coker et al., 2022). These strategies ensure that SynComs can be effectively used to improve plant health and soil quality in saline-alkali environments. 4.3 Laboratory techniques for testing and validating SynCom efficacy Laboratory techniques for testing and validating the efficacy of SynComs include in vitro and in planta experiments, as well as the use of fabricated ecosystem devices (EcoFABs) for precise control of environmental conditions (Coker et al., 2022). High-throughput sequencing and multivariate analysis are essential for understanding the structure and function of microbial communities in saline-alkali soils (Wang and Bao, 2021; Zhang et al., 2021). Additionally, artificial neural network models have been developed to predict the growth profiles of bacterial strains under varying pH and temperature conditions, providing valuable insights for scaling up laboratory findings to field applications (Šovljanski et al., 2020). These techniques enable researchers to systematically evaluate the performance of SynComs and optimize their composition for effective bioremediation of saline-alkali soils. 5 Field Applications and Performance Evaluation 5.1 Overview of field application methodologies The application of synthetic microbial communities (SynComs) in the field involves several methodologies aimed at enhancing the resilience and productivity of crops in saline-alkali soils. These methodologies typically include the isolation and characterization of beneficial microbial strains from the rhizosphere, the design and formulation of SynComs, and the application of these communities to the soil or directly to the plants. The process begins with the identification of microbial strains that exhibit traits beneficial for plant growth and stress tolerance, such as antifungal activity, nutrient solubilization, and hormone production (Souza et al., 2020; Yin et al., 2022). Advanced computational methods, including machine learning, are increasingly used to optimize the selection and combination of microbial strains to form effective SynComs (Souza et al., 2020). Once formulated, these SynComs are applied to the field through various methods such as seed coating, soil drenching, or foliar sprays, depending on the specific requirements of the crop and the environmental conditions (Shayanthan et al., 2022). 5.2 Key field trials and large-scale applications of SynComs for saline-alkali soil bioremediation Several field trials and large-scale applications have demonstrated the potential of SynComs in bioremediating saline-alkali soils. For instance, a study conducted in Inner Mongolia revealed that specific microbial assemblages could adapt to different types of saline-alkali soils, such as sulfated, chlorinated, and soda-type soils, and play a crucial role in restoring soil health (Zhang et al., 2021). Another significant trial involved the use of SynComs derived from the wheat rhizosphere, which showed promising results in protecting wheat against soilborne fungal pathogens and enhancing root growth (Yin et al., 2022). These trials highlight the importance of selecting microbial strains that can thrive in specific soil conditions and interact synergistically with plants to improve their resilience and productivity. Additionally, the practical application of SynComs in sustainable agriculture has been explored, with a focus on improving crop production through enhanced plant-soil-microbiome interactions (Shayanthan et al., 2022). 5.3 Metrics and criteria for evaluating the performance of SynComs in field conditions Evaluating the performance of SynComs in field conditions requires a comprehensive set of metrics and criteria. Key performance indicators include plant growth parameters (e.g., biomass, root length, and yield), soil health indicators (e.g., microbial diversity, enzyme activity, and nutrient availability), and stress tolerance markers (e.g., salinity and pH levels) (Souza et al., 2020; Yin et al., 2022). Additionally, the stability and resilience of the
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