Loredana Canfora ^1,2* Massimo Pugliese ^3,4,5 Ewa M. Furmanczyk ⁶

• ¹ Council for Agricultural Research and Agricultural Economy Analysis | CREA, Rome, Italy
• ² CREA, Research Centre Agriculture and Environment (Rome), Italy, Rome, Italy
• ³ University of Turin, Turin, Piedmont, Italy
• ⁴ Department of Agricultural, Forestry and Food Sciences (DiSAFA), University of Turin, Turin, Italy, Turin, Italy
• ⁵ AGROINNOVA–Centre of Competence for the Innovation in the Agro-Environmental Sector, University of Turin, Turin, Italy, Turin, Italy
• ⁶ The National Institute of Horticultural Research, Skierniewice, Poland

The main aim of this Research topic was to expand knowledge of the role of beneficial microorganisms and their application for crop protection and crop nutrition. Additionally, it aimed to foster innovative approaches that enhance our understanding of sustainable agricultural practices and their impact on soil health. Within this topic, four articles were published, each contributing to our understanding of bacteria and fungi as sustainable solutions for pest management, bioremediation, and biofertilization.In their review, Costa Almeida et al., 2023 emphasizes the role of beneficial microorganisms, such as certain bacteria and fungi, that form mutualistic relationships with plants and can produce volatile organic compounds (VOCs) with biocontrol potential. VOCs, including small molecules like alkenes, alcohols, and terpenes, can inhibit the growth of key pathogens. Genera such as Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Serratia, and Streptomyces are particularly effective antagonists and VOC-producing microorganisms. VOCs exert their inhibitory effects by disrupting pathogen structures and modulating gene expression. The review underscores the need for further research to clarify these interactions and optimise the use of VOC-producing microorganisms in sustainable agriculture, reducing reliance on agrochemicals.Hu and Chen 2023 contributed to the discussion of the role of heavy metal pollution in agroecosystem. Microbial remediation, mainly through phosphate-solubilizing microorganisms (PSMs), offers a promising and sustainable solution. PSMs not only tolerate high concentrations of HMs but also mitigate their toxicity while enhancing the availability of essential nutrients like phosphorus. Furthermore, they promote plant growth by secreting beneficial metabolites and inhibiting plant pathogens. Continued research is essential to optimise the use of PSMs for HM remediation, ensuring ecological balance and effectiveness. Integrating microbial remediation with other soil management strategies can significantly enhance agricultural sustainability and productivity.Gen-Jiménez et al., 2023 focused on studying the effects of native Rhizobium strains on tomato crops. The researchers explored how these strains support plant growth, biofilm formation and root colonisation and analyzed changes in the rhizosphere microbial community through metagenomics. The results showed that the native Rhizobium strains effectively solubilised dicalcium phosphate, produced essential growth-promoting compounds, and formed biofilms that facilitated root colonisation. Inoculating tomato plants with these strains not only improved growth and fruit quality but also altered the composition of the plant microbiome. Metagenomic analysis indicated an increase in the abundance of Proteobacteria and shifts in microbial diversity. Overall, the findings suggest that native Rhizobium strains have significant potential as plant probiotics in agriculture. They can contribute to producing safe, high-quality food, enhance soil health, and reduce the environmental impact of chemical fertilizers. discussed the potential of using bio-organic phosphate (BOP) fertilizer as a sustainable solution to improve crop yields and reduce reliance on chemical fertilizers. They identified heat-tolerant phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) from wheat-growing regions in southern Punjab, India. Five of these bacteria showed significant phosphate-solubilizing activity, especially at high temperatures, leading to a decrease in pH. These effective PSB were combined to form groups that demonstrated improved phosphorus solubilization. In a microcosm study the BOP formulation increased total phosphorus levels by 14% compared to uninoculated controls, with plant-based BOP showing higher viable counts than filter mud-based BOP. This study emphasizes the innovative use of bio-organic phosphate fertilizer combined with heat-tolerant PSB, providing an eco-friendly alternative for achieving better wheat yields with lower fertilizer inputs.In conclusion, the research presented in this Research Topic illustrates the potential of environmentally friendly agricultural practices to influence and improve the soil microbiome while offering a sustainable alternative to intensive farming methods. Despite the advances highlighted by these studies, it remains challenging to provide a comprehensive understanding of the overall impact of such practices on the soil microbiome. Current efforts are largely driven by exploring the innovative use of microbial-based solutions and their direct impact on crop yield and health. However, it is imperative to also focus on the broader ecological impacts-particularly the shifts in microbial diversity and functionality that these practices induce. To achieve this understanding, future research should prioritize long-term field studies that explore the interactions of beneficial microorganisms within the broader agricultural ecosystem under real-world conditions. The broader adoption of these practices is critical for transitioning to a sustainable agricultural paradigm. By focusing on the role of beneficial microorganisms, we can enhance soil health, reduce dependence on chemical inputs, and promote ecological balance. Projects like EXCALIBUR and similar EU initiatives are vital for building the necessary knowledge base to understand the environmental impact and legacy of these practices, ultimately helping to create a future of resilient and sustainable agriculture.