Ali A, Awais M, Sadiq MT and Ammar A, 2023. A deep dive into the soil microbiome: unseen allies in enhancing crop health and productivity. Trends in Animal and Plant Sciences 1: 30-36. https://doi.org/10.62324/TAPS/2023.005

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In the face of growing global food demands and environmental challenges, optimizing agricultural productivity while maintaining sustainability is a significant concern. One largely untapped resource lies beneath our feet: the soil microbiome, a complex network of microbial communities. This review aimed to synthesize the current understanding of the soil microbiome and its potential in enhancing crop productivity. We examined the soil microbiome's diverse constituents, their roles in crop health and productivity, and the impact of human interventions. Despite substantial progress in the field, complexities remain due to the inherent diversity of soil microbial communities and the challenges in their study and manipulation. Our analysis reveals the promising potential of soil microbes in augmenting crop yields, disease resistance, and resilience against environmental stressors. Furthermore, the review emphasized that agricultural practices, biofertilizers, biopesticides, and genetic engineering could significantly influence the soil microbiome. While potential risks and ethical considerations exist, particularly in microbial engineering, emerging technologies offer exciting opportunities for microbiome-based crop enhancement. The review underscores the crucial need for continued research in this area, given the potential of the soil microbiome as a game-changer for sustainable agriculture. It also highlights the promising future directions and the emerging techniques in the soil microbiome research.