Rhizosphere Microbiome and Functioning in Alternative Rice Cropping Methods: A Critical Review for Rice Sustainability

Abstract

Rice is a staple crop worldwide, providing sustenance to over half the global population. The rice microbiome represents the complex interaction between rice plants and their surrounding microbial communities. Plants host various microorganisms in different regions, including the rhizosphere, surface tissues, such as the rhizoplane and phylloplane, and inner tissues (endosphere). These microorganisms engage in diverse interactions with the plants, ranging from beneficial to neutral or harmful. This rhizosphere microbiome plays a crucial role in improving the resilience and sustainability of rice cultivation. The relationship between the rice plants and their microbial communities is imperative for developing farming practices that maximize yields while minimizing biotic and abiotic stresses. Our examination underscores the diverse functions of rhizosphere microbiota within rice farming systems, particularly in nutrient uptake, drought resilience, pest and disease management, and tolerance to salinity. This review describes the different types of rice cultivation methods farmers use worldwide to improve the efficiency of rice production in various agro-ecological contexts. Moreover, the review details how alternate cropping methods influence the rhizosphere functioning of rice and techniques for managing the microbiome function for rice sustainability.

Keywords: alternate cropping methods; rhizosphere functioning; rice microbiome.