The relationship between bacteria and plants
Plants engage in intricate relationships with a diverse array of microorganisms within the rhizosphere, the region of soil directly influenced by root activities. By releasing various compounds—such as water-soluble sugars, organic acids, ionic compounds, phenolic compounds, hormones, and other metabolites—plants create a nutrient-rich environment that attracts and sustains microbial populations. This nutrient density in the rhizosphere fosters a higher concentration of microorganisms compared to the surrounding bulk soil, leading to enhanced microbial interactions that are vital for both plant and soil health (Sasse et al., 2018; Yu and Hochholdinger, 2018).
Microorganisms in this specialized zone play a critical role in promoting plant growth by facilitating the recycling and absorption of essential soil nutrients. Specific bacterial species, such as Acidobacterium sp., Pedobacter sp., Muciliginibacter sp., and Cellulomonas sp., are instrumental in decomposing plant polysaccharides including cellulose, pectin, and lignin, thus contributing to nutrient availability (López-Mondéjar et al., 2016; Poulsen et al., 2016; Belova et al., 2018).
Additionally, certain bacterial genera, including Pseudomonas, Pantoea, and Bacillus, possess the capability to solubilize insoluble phosphate, transforming it into a form that is accessible for plant uptake (Ghyselinck et al., 2013). The process of biological nitrogen fixation is also facilitated by rhizobia, which supply plants with combined nitrogen, an essential nutrient for plant development (Mabrouk et al., 2018). Furthermore, soil microorganisms can influence plant growth by secreting beneficial growth hormones such as indole-3-acetic acid, promoting further benefits for plant health and productivity (Mabrouk et al., 2018).
Overall, the interplay between plants and soil microorganisms is a fundamental aspect of ecosystem functioning, illustrating the importance of these relationships in sustainable agricultural practices and natural ecosystem maintenance.
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