This comprehensive exploration delves into the pivotal role of bacteria in soil health, elucidating their mechanisms in organic matter decomposition, metal facilitation, bioremediation of stubborn materials, and nutrient cycling essential for soil fertilization, plant health and conditioning.
In an agricultural ecosystem, soil nutrients are the backbone, sourced either externally through fertilizers or internally by the action of soil bacteria. Understanding the intricate concert of soil bacteria within the ecological framework offers three significant advantages: revitalizing soil health and quality (soil reclamation), enhancing soil nutrient availability (biofertilization), and amplifying crop yields in an environmentally sustainable manner (sustainable agriculture).
This book caters to a diverse audience including educators, researchers, technocrats, policymakers, agricultural foundations, non-governmental organizations, and particularly research students. It also serves as supplementary material for undergraduate and graduate students across various disciplines such as agriculture, microbiology, biotechnology, forestry, ecology, soil science, and environmental sciences. Additionally, it provides invaluable insights for both national and international agricultural scientists and soil ecologists, enriching their understanding of soil ecosystems and agricultural sustainability.
Shrivardhan Dheeman
Dr. Shrivardhan Dheeman is an associate professor, and Head of the Department of Biotechnology and Microbiology at MVN University, New Delhi, India. Dr. Dheeman is an enthusiastic researcher and a teacher of microbiology and biotechnology, with a PhD in microbiology specializing in plant-microbe interactions and microbial ecology from Gurukula Kangri University, Haridwar, India. He has more than 45 publications in prestigious journals, edited 4 books with Springer Nature, and submitted more than 25 bacterial sequences to NCBI, USA. He is an active life member of several scientific bodies such as Indian Science Congress Association and Asian PGPR Society for Sustainable Agriculture.
Tofazzal Islam
Professor Tofazzal Islam is a distinguished figure in the field of biotechnology and genetic engineering, serving as the Founding Director of the Institute of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (IBGE) at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University in Bangladesh. Renowned internationally for his expertise in molecular host-microbe interactions and agrobiotechnology, he holds a PhD in applied biosciences from Hokkaido University. With a wealth of experience, Professor Islam has conducted postdoctoral research at prestigious institutions, supported by esteemed fellowships including JSPS, Alexander von Humboldt, Commonwealth, and Fulbright. Notably, he led an international team that swiftly identified the origin of the 2016 wheat blast epidemic in Bangladesh, showcasing his leadership and problem-solving abilities. Currently, Professor Islam leads a large international team dedicated to addressing wheat blast disease through cutting-edge approaches such as genomics, genome editing, nanobiotechnology, and advanced molecular techniques. Their collaborative efforts have resulted in the development of a rapid point-of-care diagnostic method, demonstrating their commitment to practical solutions in agricultural research. Professor Islam's contributions extend beyond the laboratory, with over 350 articles and 20 books published and approximately 10,000 citations, reflecting his significant impact on the field (h-index 52). His research endeavors have attracted over $10 million in global funding, underscoring his dedication to advancing agricultural research on a global scale.
Md. Nurealam Siddiqui
Dr. Md. Nurealam Siddiqui is serving as an associate professor and Head of the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University (BSMRAU) in Bangladesh with 12 years of teaching and research experiences in the field of plant biochemistry, plant molecular biology, abiotic stress physiology, quantitative genetics, plant molecular nutrition and crop functional genomics. Dr. Siddiqui has completed bachelors in agriculture in 2010 and masters in biochemistry and molecular biology in 2012 from Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University, Dinajpur, Bangladesh. In 2022, he earned PhD in crop molecular genetics from the University of Bonn, Germany as a recipient of DAAD fellowship. Dr. Siddiqui achieved several national and international awards due to his excellent research progress as an early career scientist. He has published >50 research articles in peer-reviewed high-impact journals.
Dilfuza Egamberdieva
Dr. Dilfuza Egamberdieva is the head of the Biological Research and Food Safety Lab, Institute of Fundamental and Applied Research, National Research University (TIAME). She received her PhD in agricultural sciences from the Humboldt University of Berlin, Germany. She pioneered research on the soil and plant microbiome. Her remarkable contributions to science in the field of microbiology received the UNESCO-Carlos J. Finlay Prize for Microbiology (2023), SCOPUS-2019 Regional Award. “Top Scientist of the Year”, TWAS (The World Academy of Science) Award in Agricultural Sciences (2013). TWAS-TWOWS-SCOPUS Young Women Research Award (2009), L’OREAL-UNESCO Fellowship for Women in Science (2006), American Society of Microbiology, (ASM) Morrison Rogosa Award (2006), UNESCO-Man and Biosphere (MAB) Award (2005). She is a member of the Global Young Academy (GYA), the World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) and Islamic World Academy of Sciences (IAS). She authored/co-authored over 200 research articles and edited 6 books through international publishers.
