Adaptability of Soil pH through Innovative Microbial Approach

Abstract

Soil pH is a critical characteristic that regulates the abundance of essential nutrients in the soil system. Low soil pH reduces the supply of secondary macronutrients, whereas higher pH restricts soil micronutrient availability. In addition, soil nutrient sources such as organic and inorganic fertilizers by plants require an adequate pH for optimum plant growth and productivity. The soil pH is regarded as the “master of soil indices", which has a role to play in controlling biogeochemical cycles that influence plant growth. It also has an enormous influence on microbial biodiversity in the soil. Various approaches have been used to alter the soil pH, demonstrating that it is not easy to adjust soil pH. Therefore, a suitable but practical approach is required to control or change the pH of the rhizosphere. Microbial breeding technique such as genome replication may be an appropriate option to alter the pH of the rhizosphere. Genetically engineered microbes may have the exceptional ability to release sufficient acidic or basic compounds that could increase or decrease the pH levels in the rhizosphere. In recent years, this view has helped answer some common evolutionary concerns regarding how bacteria and their host species have evolved from their early ancestors. Greater exploitation of microbes in this respect would be necessary for sustainable crop production and helping to resolve issues related to soil-plant interactions for nutrients. To breed the microbes selectively for optimal nutritional interaction with plants, the genetic components of different traits must first be explored.