Foreword

Microbes, or microscopic organisms, are widely used in large-scale industrial processes. They are crucial for the production of a variety of metabolites, such as ethanol, butanol, lactic acid, and riboflavin, as well as the transformation of chemicals that help in reducing the environmental pollution. For instance, microbes can be used to create biofertilizers or to reduce metal pollutants. Certain non-microbial products can also be used to produce certain microbial products, such as the diabetes medication insulin.

The immense use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, fungicides, and weedicides has diminished the soil texture, quality, and ecosystem of the soil. It also leads to an unfavourable environment for favourable soil microbes. It may also lead to the development of resistant pathogenic strains, which may have devastating effects on the plants. Therefore, it seems that it is the best time to reduce the use of chemicals in agriculture and farmers should opt for biologically derived chemicals in their fields. The beneficial soil microbes, upon interaction with the plants, enhance productivity. They directly or indirectly take part in various enzymatic activities, leading to various byproducts beneficial to plants and ultimately animals, including human beings. Therefore, the use of natural bio-molecules will not only increase soil productivity but will also be environmentally eco-friendly.

This book, which deals with "INDUSTRIAL APPLICATION OF SOIL MICROBES" Vol. 2, is a timely, appreciable, and praise-worthy contribution to the field of Industrial Microbiology. The different chapters of this book, written by various experts in their fields, have made this book more valuable and highly scientific. A team of a galaxy of experts has explained the dynamics of soil microbes and the knowledge about their direct or indirect use in agriculture and industry. This book will help to launch a programme to make every family farm a bio-fortified farm in the days to come. I, therefore, hope that this book will be widely read by students, teachers, and researchers and will serve the purpose of being an important reference book.

I congratulate all the contributors and members of the editorial board for preparing this script of microbiological wisdom.