Applications of synthetic microbial communities platform through plant growth-promoting traits to enhance ecological functions in sustainable agriculture

Chanchao Chem (Laboratory of Microbiology for Water and Environment, Department of Environmental Engineering Science, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Gunma University, Kiryu, 376-8515, Japan)
Sreyneang Nhim (Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, School of Natural Sciences, University of California, Merced, CA)
Thev Pol (Organic Synthesis, Electrochemistry & Natural Product Research Unit, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi, Bang Mod, Thung Khru, Bangkok)
Sreylen Meas (Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Heng Samrin Thbongkhmum, Thbongkhmum)
Eneang Ourn (Faculty of Chemical and Food Engineering, Institute of Technology of Cambodia, Techo Hun Sen Chamkardong, Kep)
Techchheng San (Laboratory of Environment and Food Safety, Institut Pasteur du Cambodge, Phnom Penh)
Channa Nget (Laboratory of Nutrition and Food Functions, Department of Food and AgriLife Sciences, Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima)
Tsukasa Ito (Laboratory of Microbiology for Water and Environment, Department of Environmental Engineering Science, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Gunma University, Kiryu)

SAINS TANAH - Journal of Soil Science and Agroclimatology
Vol 22, No 2 (2025): December

Synthetic microbial communities (SynCom) present a promising strategy for sustainably enhancing agricultural productivity and ecological resilience. This review critically discusses recent advancements in applying SynCom within agricultural ecosystems and highlights their practical benefits for economic sustainability. Plant growth-promoting (PGP) traits are essential for developing SynCom, as they enhance plant growth, increase nutrient uptake, improve stress tolerance, and support resistance to pathogens. SynCom demonstrates significant effectiveness as a biofertilizer, substantially improving soil health and crop yields through enhanced nutrient cycling and bioavailability. Its role as a biopesticide is also significant, as it offers an eco-friendly approach to insect pest management. The integration of SynCom into agricultural practices has proven to enhance plant disease resistance, significantly contributing to crop resilience. Moreover, SynCom plays a vital role in maintaining soil fertility, promoting carbon sequestration, and mitigating the impacts of climate change. Its applications extend to environmental remediation, where it effectively degrades hazardous pollutants in agricultural soils and efficiently processes lignocellulosic biomass, supporting sustainable biomass utilization. SynCom offers considerable advantages but also faces challenges, including community stability, environmental adaptability, and regulatory concerns. Future research efforts aim to address these limitations and enhance SynCom's efficacy regarding long-term agricultural sustainability. Our review provides valuable insights for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers to construct SynCom-based strategies that promote plant growth, enhance sustainable agriculture, and support environmental conservation.