Overview
Covers broader aspects of the role of microbes in sustainable agriculture and biotechnological developments
Experts have written chapters on the recent developments in microbial technologies in India, although global aspects will be discussed
Assesses the utility of microbes as bioinoculants to enhance agricultural production
Covers the recent developments in the discovery of novel microbial metabolites by culture-independent metagenomic approaches
Includes aspects such as role of microbes in enhanced oil recovery and mango wines
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Table of contents (35 chapters)
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Front Matter
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Microbes in Sustainable Agriculture
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Front Matter
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Microbes in Biotechnology
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Front Matter
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Keywords
About this book
This review of recent developments in our understanding of the role of microbes in sustainable agriculture and biotechnology covers a research area with enormous untapped potential. Chemical fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides and other agricultural inputs derived from fossil fuels have increased agricultural production, yet growing awareness and concern over their adverse effects on soil productivity and environmental quality cannot be ignored. The high cost of these products, the difficulties of meeting demand for them, and their harmful environmental legacy have encouraged scientists to develop alternative strategies to raise productivity, with microbes playing a central role in these efforts. One application is the use of soil microbes as bioinoculants for supplying nutrients and/or stimulating plant growth. Some rhizospheric microbes are known to synthesize plant growth-promoters, siderophores and antibiotics, as well as aiding phosphorous uptake.Â
The last 40 years have seen rapid strides made in our appreciation of the diversity of environmental microbes and their possible benefits to sustainable agriculture and production. The advent of powerful new methodologies in microbial genetics, molecular biology and biotechnology has only quickened the pace of developments. The vital part played by microbes in sustaining our planet’s ecosystems only adds urgency to this enquiry. Culture-dependent microbes already contribute much to human life, yet the latent potential of vast numbers of uncultured—and thus untouched—microbes, is enormous. Culture-independent metagenomic approaches employed in a variety of natural habitats have alerted us to the sheer diversity of these microbes, and resulted in the characterization of novel genes and gene products. Several new antibiotics and biocatalysts have been discovered among environmental genomes and some products have already been commercialized. Meanwhile, dozens of industrial products currently formulated in large quantities from petrochemicals, such as ethanol, butanol, organic acids, and amino acids, are equally obtainable through microbial fermentation. Edited by a trio of recognized authorities on the subject, this survey of a fast-moving field—with so many benefits within reach—will be required reading for all those investigating ways to harness the power of microorganisms in making both agriculture and biotechnology more sustainable.
Editors and Affiliations
Bibliographic Information
Book Title: Microorganisms in Sustainable Agriculture and Biotechnology
Editors: T. Satyanarayana, Bhavdish Narain Johri, Anil Prakash
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-2214-9
Publisher: Springer Dordrecht
eBook Packages: Biomedical and Life Sciences, Biomedical and Life Sciences (R0)
Copyright Information: Springer Science+Business Media B.V. 2012
Hardcover ISBN: 978-94-007-2213-2Published: 03 January 2012
Softcover ISBN: 978-94-024-0577-4Published: 23 August 2016
eBook ISBN: 978-94-007-2214-9Published: 02 January 2012
Edition Number: 1
Number of Pages: XXI, 829
Topics: Microbiology, Agriculture, Biotechnology, Applied Microbiology
Industry Sectors: Biotechnology, Chemical Manufacturing, Consumer Packaged Goods, Finance, Business & Banking, Pharma