SOIL MICROBIOME DIVERSITY AND ITS IMPACT ON SUSTAINABLE CROP PRODUCTIVITY IN ORGANIC FARMING SYSTEMS

• Ms. Shreya Aarya

  Hariyana, India

  Author

Soil microbiomes play a central role in nutrient cycling, plant growth regulation, and long-term soil fertility, especially within organic farming systems where chemical inputs are minimal. This study investigates the relationship between soil microbial diversity and sustainable crop productivity across organic farms in three agro-ecological regions of India. Soil samples were analyzed for microbial biomass carbon (MBC), microbial functional groups, enzymatic activity, and biodiversity indices (Shannon and Simpson). Crop productivity (yield/ha) of wheat, tomato, and maize was evaluated. The results show a strong positive correlation between microbial diversity and crop yield (r = 0.82). Farms with higher bacterial and fungal diversity reported enhanced nutrient availability, improved soil organic carbon, and stronger plant resistance to pathogens. Enzymes such as dehydrogenase and phosphatase were significantly higher in organically managed soils. This study concludes that soil microbiome diversity is a key driver of sustainable crop productivity and should be integrated into organic farming guidelines for long-term agricultural resilience.

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