Molecular Soil Biology 2025, Vol.16, No.1, 16-26 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/msb 23 7.3 Economic and scalability issues The economic feasibility and scalability of SynCom deployment in agricultural settings are significant concerns. Developing and producing SynComs at a commercial scale involves substantial costs, including the isolation, characterization, and cultivation of microbial strains, as well as the formulation and delivery of these communities (Sai et al., 2022; Shayanthan et al., 2022). Additionally, the variability in soil types, crop species, and local environmental conditions necessitates the customization of SynComs for different applications, further increasing costs and complicating large-scale implementation (Sai et al., 2022). Ensuring consistent performance across diverse agricultural settings remains a challenge, as field conditions can vary widely from controlled laboratory environments (Liu Yet al., 2019; Martins et al., 2023). 7.4 Regulatory and safety concerns Regulatory and safety concerns are critical when considering the deployment of SynComs in agriculture. The introduction of genetically modified or non-native microbial species into the environment raises questions about biosafety and the potential for unintended ecological impacts (Marín et al., 2021; Pradhan et al., 2022). Regulatory frameworks must be established to assess the risks and benefits of SynComs, ensuring that they do not pose a threat to human health, non-target organisms, or the environment (Pradhan et al., 2022). Additionally, public perception and acceptance of SynCom technology can influence regulatory policies and the adoption of these innovations in agriculture (Marín et al., 2021; Sai et al., 2022). Ensuring transparency and effective communication about the safety and benefits of SynComs is essential for gaining public trust and regulatory approval. 8 Future Directions and Perspectives 8.1 Emerging trends and technologies in SynCom engineering The field of synthetic microbial communities (SynComs) is rapidly evolving, driven by advances in synthetic biology, systems biology, and microbial ecology. Recent developments have focused on designing microbes with defined and controllable properties, enabling the creation of multispecies communities with specific functions (Johns et al., 2016). Key emerging trends include the development of new strategies to control intercellular interactions, spatiotemporal coordination, robustness, stability, and biocontainment of SynComs (Johns et al., 2016). Additionally, the integration of computational and analytical tools has significantly enhanced our ability to study and build these communities, paving the way for innovative applications in bioremediation, bioenergy, and biotechnology (Johns et al., 2016). 8.2 Integration of SynComs into broader soil management practices The integration of SynComs into broader soil management practices offers a promising approach to address the challenges posed by saline-alkali soils. Microbial approaches, particularly those involving halophilic and halotolerant microorganisms, have shown potential in mitigating salt stress and promoting plant growth (Arora and Vanza, 2017; Kumawat et al., 2022). For instance, the use of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria and microbial inoculants has been effective in enhancing soil health and crop productivity under salt-stress conditions (Kumawat et al., 2022). Furthermore, the application of SynComs can be synergistically combined with other soil management practices, such as the use of organic amendments and crop rotation, to improve soil structure and fertility, thereby enhancing the overall sustainability of agricultural systems (Arora and Vanza, 2017; Kumawat et al., 2022). 8.3 Long-term vision and potential breakthroughs in SynCom-based bioremediation The long-term vision for SynCom-based bioremediation involves the development of highly efficient and resilient microbial communities capable of thriving in diverse and challenging environments. Future research should focus on understanding the fundamental mechanisms that shape microbial communities and regulate their interactions under saline-alkaline stress (Wang et al., 2019). This knowledge will be crucial for engineering SynComs that can adapt to and remediate salt-affected soils effectively. Potential breakthroughs may include the identification and utilization of keystone microbial genera that play disproportionate ecological roles in enhancing resistance or tolerance to salt stress and heavy metal toxicity (Wang et al., 2019). Additionally, advancements in genetic
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