The Potential of Microalgae–Bacteria Consortia to Restore Degraded Soils

• Published in: Biology (Basel, Switzerland) Vol. 12; no. 5; p. 693
• Main Authors: Gonzalez-Gonzalez, Lina M., de-Bashan, Luz E.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Switzerland MDPI AG 09.05.2023; MDPI
• Subjects: Algae; Aquatic microorganisms; Bacteria; bioremediation; Climate change; Consortia; cyanobacteria; degraded soils; Fertilizers; Global temperature changes; land degradation; microalgae; plant growth-promoting bacteria; restoration; Review; Reviews; soil; Soil contamination; Soil erosion; Soil fertility; Soil microorganisms; Soil pollution; soil quality; soil restoration; Soils; microalgae; bioremediation; degraded soils; plant growth-promoting bacteria; restoration; cyanobacteria
• ISSN: 2079-7737; 2079-7737
• DOI: 10.3390/biology12050693

Soil restoration is one of the biggest challenges of this century. Besides the negative impacts of climate change, the current increase in food demands has put severe pressure on soil resources, resulting in a significant area of degraded land worldwide. However, beneficial microorganisms, such as microalgae and plant growth-promoting bacteria, have an outstanding ability to restore soil health and fertility. In this mini-review, we summarize state-of-the-art knowledge on these microorganisms as amendments that are used to restore degraded and contaminated soils. Furthermore, the potential of microbial consortia to maximize beneficial effects on soil health and boost the production of plant-growth-promoting compounds within a mutualistic interaction is discussed.