Fatty Acids and Bokashi: Microbial Metabolites for Enhancing Soil Health, Nutrient Cycling, and Sustainable Agriculture
Asra'a Adnan Abdul-Jalil 1*, Marrib N. Rasheed 2
Microbial Bioactives 2(1) 1-8 https://doi.org/10.25163/microbbioacts.21101693
Submitted: 12 March 2019 Revised: 12 March 2019 Published: 12 March 2019
Abstract
Soil health is a critical component of sustainable agriculture and ecosystem stability. One of the key factors influencing soil health is microbial activity, which contributes to organic matter decomposition, nutrient cycling, and soil structure formation. Among microbial metabolites, fatty acids play essential roles in soil ecosystems by serving as energy sources, signaling molecules, and structural components of microbial communities. These compounds influence microbial diversity, enzyme production, and soil aggregation, ultimately enhancing soil fertility. Bokashi, a fermentation-based composting method using effective microorganisms, has gained attention as a sustainable approach to improving soil health. The fermentation process in Bokashi produces various microbial metabolites, including fatty acids, which contribute to suppressing soil-borne pathogens, enhancing nutrient availability, and promoting beneficial microbial populations. This review explores the intricate relationships between fatty acids, Bokashi, and soil health. It discusses how microbial metabolites, particularly fatty acids, influence soil microbial ecology, nutrient cycling, and plant health. The role of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in suppressing harmful microbes and their contribution to soil pH regulation is examined. Additionally, the impact of Bokashi fermentation on fatty acid production and its potential to improve soil organic matter is analyzed. By synthesizing existing research, this paper aims to highlight the significance of fatty acids in microbial soil dynamics and provide insights into leveraging Bokashi and microbial metabolites to enhance soil sustainability. Understanding these interactions can contribute to developing effective soil management strategies that support sustainable agriculture and environmental conservation.
Keywords: Fatty acids, microbial metabolites, Bokashi, soil health, soil microbiome, nutrient cycling, sustainable agriculture
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