Work

Bacillus and related genera in sustainable agriculture and their effectiveness for soil health

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Rising global demand for food has led to excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, increasing yields but damaging soils, biodiversity, and microbial communities. Alternatives such as the application of beneficial bacteria could restore diminished soil health and maintain productivity without these long-term costs. Bacillus species and related genera, such as Paenibacillus and Priestia, combine several useful traits, including phosphorus solubilization, nitrogen fixation, production of growth hormones, enzyme release, and generation of antimicrobial compounds. These abilities improve nutrient use, protect plants from pathogens, and increase stress tolerance. Applied as single strains or in microbial consortia, they have consistently increased yields, improved soil health, and reduced reliance on synthetic agrochemicals. Continued work on strain optimization, consortia design and modeling, and adaptation to specific environments will further unlock their potential for sustainable agriculture.

Source: Bioscience Biotechnology and Biochemistry

DOI: 10.1093/bbb/zbaf177

Authors: Mihailo Nikolić, Tamara Janakiev, Katarina Kruščić, Nenad Antić, Sara Nikčević, Ivica Dimkić

Institutions: University of Belgrade, University of Priština - Kosovska Mitrovica, University of Prishtina

Language: English

Topic: Plant-Microbe Interactions and Immunity

Subfield: Plant Science

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDGs: Zero hunger, Life on land

Open Access status: bronze

Funders: Japan Society for Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Agrochemistry, Science Fund of the Republic of Serbia