Role of Rhizosphere Microbes in Nutrient Bioavailability for Plants

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In natural ecosystems, macronutrients and micronutrients are present as complexes with organic or inorganic molecules in soil, and hence bio-availability of both is low. Plants depend on microbes to improve the availability of nutrients. Microorganisms increase nutrient uptake by plants through siderophore production or mineralization or solubilization activity. Microbes depolymerize and mineralize complexes using their metabolic pathways. Subsequently, these minerals are released into the soil in soluble form. Mycorrhizal fungi, bacteria, fungi present in the rhizosphere soil, and bacterial and fungal endophytes contribute to plant nutrient acquisition and are referred to as plant microbiomes. Research on plant-microbe interactions has shown that plant-associated microbes are recruited by plants and are influenced by soil type and plant genome. Conversely, microorganisms show adaptations to survive in the rhizosphere of a particular plant. This chapter focuses on plant-microbe interactions and mechanisms underlying the nutritional benefits that plants receive from the rhizosphere microbiome.