Microbial resources in management of C sequestration, greenhouse gases, and bioremediation processes

Abstract

The use of inorganic fertilizers to increase agricultural crop productivity has declined over time. The application of higher amounts of chemical fertilizers reduces partial factor productivity and increases production cost in Indian agriculture. It also plays a significant role in increasing greenhouse gas concentration in the atmosphere and deteriorates the quality of the environment. The role of microorganisms in agriculture is mitigating the adverse effect of climate change by increasing C sequestration in the terrestrial ecosystem. Increasing the C content of soil modifies the mineral nutrition of the plant by mediating various reactions. Use of biofertilizers during production of the crop reduces the amount of chemical fertilizer and improves the soil health in physical, chemical, and biological term. In this era, farmers are forced to use poor quality resources to fulfill the demand of hungry mouths of the growing population across the globe, especially in developing countries. More production from limited land is increasing the chemical fertilizers uses, increasing insect pest incidence, and reducing the food quality and quantity. Use of poor natural resources increases the heavy metal toxicity in animal and human systems throughout the food chain and is responsible for the various ill effects. This chapter described the role of microorganisms in carbon sequestration, greenhouse gases (GHGs) emission, and bioremediation to maintain the ecological diversity and a healthy environment for humans.