Mycobiota - Role in Soil Health and as Biocontrol Agent

Abstract

Soil health or soil quality is governed by a continuous, functional interplay between the soil and its microbiota, plants and animals. Soil quality is crucial for sustainable agriculture production and for nurturing the health of all living organisms. It is therefore in the best interest of society to prioritize sustainable soil management practices for future generations. Microbes play a vital role in maintaining ecosystems by coordinating with plants to facilitate nutrient and organic matter cycling. A consortium of fungi plays a critical role in degrading and transforming dead organic matter into suitable forms that can be reused by other organisms. As ecosystem regulators, fungi enhance the structure of soil formation and regulate physiological processes within the soil, making it a supportive habitat for other living organisms. They also help in controlling plant diseases and pest infestations by acting as biocontrol agents. Understanding the roles of fungi and soil enzymes in the earth’s biogeochemical cycles can facilitate improved agricultural productivity and sustainability. For example, increasing the diversity of beneficial fungi in a habitat improves soil fertility, supporting sustainable production of plant based products while mitigating the application of undesirable chemicals as pest control agents.