Open Access

REVIEW

Rhizosphere Microorganisms in Sustainable Agriculture: Mechanisms and Applications

Yingying Xing, Rong Wei, Xiukang Wang^*

Key Laboratory of Applied Ecology of Loess Plateau, Yan’an University, Yan’an, China

* Corresponding Author: Xiukang Wang. Email:

(This article belongs to the Special Issue: Plant Physiological and Molecular Responses to Coupled Water-Nutrient Management: Towards Climate-Resilient Crops)

Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany 2026, 95(4), 3 https://doi.org/10.32604/phyton.2026.078974

Received 12 January 2026; Accepted 27 February 2026; Issue published 28 April 2026

Abstract

Rhizosphere microorganisms, as crucial biological groups at the soil–plant interface, play a significant role in advancing sustainable agriculture. This review systematically synthesizes three decades of research to elucidate the mechanisms and applications of rhizosphere microbes—including nitrogen-fixing bacteria, phosphate-solubilizing microorganisms, and plant growth–promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR)—in enhancing soil health, improving crop stress tolerance, and optimizing ecosystem functioning. Key findings indicate that replacing 50% of synthetic nitrogen with organic fertilizer in maize–wheat rotation systems can reduce nitrous oxide emissions by up to 68% in loamy soils. Long-term no-till systems enhance carbon sequestration through microbial-driven soil organic matter accumulation. Under controlled stress conditions in greenhouse trials, microbial inoculants increase drought and salinity tolerance in tomato and rice by 50%. Modern molecular tools such as CRISPR-edited nitrogen-fixers and nano-encapsulation techniques improve microbial survival under stress by up to 68%, while tailored microbial inoculants boost crop yields by 12–40%. Case studies highlight the efficacy of synergistic microbial consortia in promoting nutrient cycling and suppressing pathogens. However, challenges remain in the field stability of microbial inoculants, low survival rates—especially below 20% in arid or acidic soils—and regulatory frameworks lag behind technological advances. Future research should prioritize developing scalable microbial technologies, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and refining policy frameworks to promote the widespread adoption of biofertilizers, thereby aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Zero Hunger and Climate Action. Effective implementation of rhizosphere engineering offers a viable pathway to translate laboratory breakthroughs into global agricultural systems, ensuring food security while mitigating environmental degradation.

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Keywords

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