The structure, function, and utility of the rhizosphere microbiome of cereal crops

Rhizosphere microbiomes are very complex ecosystems on the earth and play an important role in plant growth promotion, nutrient recycling, and soil fertility. The diversity of rhizosphere microbiomes in cereal crops is primarily regulated by soil type, root exudates, host genotype, and land use patterns. It is essential to understand the dynamic responses of rhizosphere microbiomes to physical, chemical, and biological changes for developing sustainable agricultural practices in disturbed soil ecosystems. This chapter is aimed to address the structure and function of rhizosphere microbiomes of cereal crops with a special emphasis on biotechnological applications for its yield improvement. Mechanisms of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria in cereal crops production have been selectively highlighted in this chapter with suitable examples.