Halophilic microbes for bio-remediation of salt affected soils

Abstract

Bacteria inhabiting soil play a role in conservation and restoration biology of higher organisms. The salt affected soils are dominated by many types of halophilic and halotolerant microorganisms, spread over a large number of phylogenetic groups. These microbes have potential for plant growth promotion and release of enzymes under salt stress. Halophiles have thus potential to remediate salt affected soils, enhancing plant growth and yield under high salt containing soils where plant growth is restricted. This eco-friendly approach for bio-remediation of salt affected soils to optimize crop yields under stress through halophiles has gained importance among researchers in recent past.