Authors: Anurag Shukla, Priyanka Patel
Abstract: Salinity poses a significant threat to agricultural productivity and soil health worldwide, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions where irrigation practices and climate change exacerbate salt accumulation. The role of halophilic and halotolerant microorganisms in reclaiming saline soils has gained prominence due to their ability to survive in high-salt environments and facilitate soil bioremediation. This study investigates the diverse mechanisms through which halophilic microbes contribute to the reclamation of salt-affected soils, including bioaccumulation of salts, production of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), and enhancement of soil nutrient cycling. By isolating and characterizing microbial consortia from hypersaline environments, this research reveals their potential to promote plant growth, reduce soil electrical conductivity, and improve microbial biomass in degraded lands. Functional attributes such as nitrogen fixation, phosphate solubilization, and synthesis of osmoprotectants were analyzed to evaluate their contribution to ecosystem restoration. The integration of halophilic bioinoculants with sustainable land management practices could offer a biotechnological solution to reclaiming saline soils while enhancing crop resilience. This paper highlights the ecological and agricultural significance of halophilic microbes and proposes a model for their incorporation into soil restoration programs, aligning with broader goals of climate adaptation and food security in salt-affected regions.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.16869439
