Applications of Streptomyces spp. Enhanced Compost in Sustainable Agriculture

Streptomyces is the most abundant genus among actinomycetes and holds great potential for sustainable agriculture, both now and in the future, given its role as a source of antibiotics, bioactive compounds, and enzymes. This mini-review discusses the role of these microorganisms in the degradation by enzymatic hydrolysis of lignocellulosic residues during the composting process. Examples of soil amendment with compost bioaugmentated with populations of Streptomyces are reviewed. The advantages derived from the combined use of organic compost and microorganisms of this genus (and other members of Actinobacteria phylum) as biofertilizers to increase plants growth and yield are also presented. Finally, strategies aimed at biocontrol or at the improvement of the capacity for suppression of diseases through an increase in organic matter and Actinobacteria levels are discussed.