Biotechnological Approaches to Combat Desertification: Integrating Native Microbial Consortia and Drought-Resistant Legumes for Sustainable Ecosystem Restoration in Arid Iraqi Regions

Abstract

This study was prepared to throw light on the role of some soil microorganisms in the restoration of natural deteriorated pastures in Iraq, by improving the stability of soil followed by stability and diversity of vegetation in pastures, as well as improve the ability of woody legumes to fix nitrogen through inoculation with symbiotic bacteria, such as Rhizobium. Inoculation with Mycorrhiza that infect the plant roots and extends their hyphae externally to the surrounding soil, helps to tighten the soil around the plant roots that improving the root stability ,absorption and helps plants to withstand environmental stress such as lack of nutrients, drought and soil degradation. Since the deterioration and erosion of soil is usually followed by lack of microbial activity specially effectiveness of nitrogen-fixing bacteria and Mycorrhiza, therefore, the restoration of those micro-organisms and  increase abundance is considered as a key, and a strong evidence of improvement in deteriorated natural pastures.

Live crust of soil has a special significance to the ecosystem because they contain large numbers and a variety of microorganisms such as aggregates of bacteria, blue-green algae, fungi, molds and nitrogen- fixing bacteria. The crust is particularly important in the cohesion of the soil and avoiding land deterioration. Crust composition depends on falling dew, the abundance of microorganisms, strong winds and water flow. Best technique used in sustainable land use was to apply bio fertilizers, and formulation of mixed inoculation with many strains of Rhizobia and Mycorrhiza to cover a wide range of plants in order to restore vegetation in the deteriorated natural pasture lands.