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Application of Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) in Sustainable Agriculture: Advantages and Limitations

Summary

This research examines how beneficial bacteria known as LAB (Lactic Acid Bacteria) can be used in sustainable farming practices. These bacteria, commonly found in fermented foods, can help improve soil health, promote plant growth, and protect crops from diseases naturally without harmful chemicals. Impacts on everyday life: • Helps farmers reduce chemical fertilizer and pesticide use while maintaining crop yields • Contributes to safer, more environmentally-friendly food production methods • Could lead to improved food safety by reducing toxic compounds in crops • Supports development of more sustainable agricultural practices • May help make organic farming more efficient and commercially viable

Background

Agriculture is a critical economic sector globally, with 37% of global land dedicated to farming according to FAO. Conventional farming relies heavily on chemical fertilizers and pesticides which negatively impact ecological balance and food safety. Sustainable agriculture and organic farming have gained attention as alternatives to promote soil health and environmental quality. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are important probiotic organisms generally considered safe that can regulate soil organic matter, detoxify hazardous chemicals, and enhance plant health.

Objective

This review aims to examine and discuss the advantages and limitations of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) in sustainable agricultural development, including their roles in soil health, plant growth promotion, biocontrol, and bioremediation.

Results

LAB demonstrate multiple beneficial properties for sustainable agriculture including: promotion of soil health and fertility, plant growth stimulation through production of hormones and metabolites, antagonistic effects against plant pathogens, heavy metal removal capabilities, and mycotoxin detoxification. However, limitations include high carbon source requirements, low biomass yield, limited metabolite production, and weak inhibitory activity against some plant pathogens.

Conclusion

Lactic acid bacteria show promise as candidates for sustainable agriculture applications, particularly in areas of plant growth promotion, biocontrol, and bioremediation. While there are some limitations in their application, emerging technologies like metabolic engineering and nanotech approaches may help overcome these challenges. LAB can potentially help replace chemical fertilizers and pesticides in sustainable farming systems.
  • Published in:International Journal of Molecular Sciences,
  • Study Type:Review,
  • Source: 10.3390/ijms23147784
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