The continuous increase in the world population at an alarming rate requires more food for nutritional security. Microorganisms that sustain the fertility of soils, resulting in improved plant nutrition, have continued to magnetize attention because of the increasing cost of agricultural inputs and some of their negative impacts on environmental sustainability. A doubling in global food demand projected for the next 50 years poses huge challenges for agricultural sustainability. It is in this context that use of microorganisms in agriculture has become of prime importance. Role of microorganism in nutrient mobilization for crops has an immense potential starting from biological nitrogen fixation to plant growth promoting rhizobacteria. In addition, microbes have been used as bio-pesticides and for control of soil borne pathogens.

The fundamental aim of the course is to introduce a new approach and management of soil fertility, control of major diseases and crop problems in different continents, in a context of sustainable agriculture. To study soil microorganisms as an essential resource to restore typical balance of soils and natural ecosystems by re-establishing the level of microbial biodiversity through the introduction of new populations. Families of microorganisms such as bacteria, known as PGPR (Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria), Rhizobacteria and fungi, have bio stimulating effect on the growth and increase self-defences, when in contact with plant roots. To provide an overview of the basics of soil microbiology applied to production processes through practical examples.