Role of Soil

Health in Plant-
Microbe
Interaction

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Plant Microbe Interaction

• Interaction of plants and microbes through various

chemical signaling pathways
• Essential for nutrient cycling, disease suppression,
and overall plant resilience
Symbiosis
 Mutualism
 Commensalism
 Parasitism
doi: 10.1111/j.1751-7915.2009.00109.x 2
Factors Influencing Plant Microbe
Interaction

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https://doi.org/10.3389/fsufs.2021.606454
 Soil – a medium for plant microbe
interaction
• Soil is a complex and dynamic ecosystem that plays a vital role in supporting plant-microbe
interactions and overall ecosystem health
• Support plant growth, nutrient cycling, and microbial communities
• Healthy soil ensures a productive and sustainable ecosystem by maintaining nutrient balance,
water retention, and soil structure

https://growingspaces.com/soil-composition/
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 ATTRIBUTES OF HEALTHY SOIL

Good Soil Structure 1

Well-aggregated particles that allow for proper water infiltration, root
penetration, and air exchange. It provides a stable environment for
plant roots and soil organisms

2 Balanced Soil pH
Soil pH level (usually between 6 and 7 for most plants) supports
nutrient availability and microbial activity. Extreme pH levels can
hinder nutrient uptake and affect plant growth

Adequate Nutrient Content 3

Contains essential nutrients like nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium
(K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and micronutrients in balanced
proportions. These nutrients support plant growth and development

Qualities of a Healthy Soil 5

 ATTRIBUTES OF HEALTHY SOIL

Active Soil Microbial Community 4

Beneficial soil microbes, including bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and
earthworms, contribute to nutrient cycling, disease suppression, and
soil structure improvement. A diverse and active microbial population
indicates soil health.

5 High Organic Matter Content

Contributes to soil fertility, moisture retention, microbial activity, and
soil structure. Healthy soils have a sufficient amount of organic matter
derived from plant residues, compost, and organic amendments.

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IMPACT OF SOIL HEALTH ON PLANT-
MICROBE INTERACTION

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• Healthy soil provides a conducive environment
for beneficial microbes to thrive, interact with
plant roots, and support plant growth.
• Plants release organic compounds called root
exudates into the soil. These exudates include
sugars, organic acids, amino acids, and
secondary metabolites. Root exudates attract
and nourish beneficial microbes, forming
symbiotic relationships that benefit both plants
and microbes.
• These interactions are crucial for nutrient
cycling, disease suppression, and overall plant
health.

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 Soil Structure
• Influence plant-microbe interactions by affecting the physical environment where these interactions occur
• Impacts the availability of water, oxygen, and nutrients, microbes
• Poor soil structure can hinder root growth, nutrient uptake, and microbial activity

Soil structure . Soil Health 9

Influence of Soil pH

Normal pH – 6.5 -7
In Pakistani soil: 7 to 9

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DOI:10.3389/fsufs.2020.00106
Role of Soil Organic Matter

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Carbon Sequestration
 Symbiotic Relationships
• Mycorrhizal Fungi: These fungi form symbiotic associations with plant roots, extending the root
system and enhancing nutrient uptake (especially phosphorus and micronutrients) for plants.
• Nitrogen-Fixing Bacteria: Some bacteria, like Rhizobium in legume nodules or free-living
nitrogen-fixers, convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form usable by plants, promoting nitrogen
availability in the soil.

https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy9120840 12
Nitrogen Fixation
Strategies for Improving Soil Health

Soil Improvement

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