Khalid Rehman Hakeem Boeken

To understand the organizational principles of cellular functions at various levels, an integrative approach utilizing large-scale experiments, known as ‘omics’ data—encompassing genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics—is essential. Omics focuses on the collective characterization and quantification of biological molecules that define the structure, function, and dynamics of organisms. It has become a crucial tool for deciphering the molecular systems governing diverse plant functions. Additionally, the development of omics resources in several plant species addresses their unique biological properties. The integration of knowledge from omics research is increasingly important as researchers aim to uncover significance, derive biological insights, and enhance translational research. This volume presents emerging aspects of plant systems research through omics and bioinformatics analyses, alongside their associated resources and technological advancements. It covers a broad spectrum of omics topics, discussing the latest trends and applications within plant sciences while highlighting practical solutions, unresolved issues, and future challenges in plant omics studies. This work aims to introduce readers to cutting-edge developments and trends in omics-driven research.

The interactions between the plant, soil and microbes are complex in nature. Events may be antagonistic, mutualistic or synergistic, depending upon the types of microorganisms and their association with the plant and soil in question. Multi-trophic tactics can therefore be employed to nourish plants in various habitats and growth conditions. Understanding the mechanisms of these interactions is thus highly desired in order to utilize the knowledge in an ecofriendly and sustainable way. This holistic approach to crop improvement may not only resolve the upcoming food security issues, but also make the environment greener by reducing the chemical inputs. Plant, soil and microbe, Volume 1: Implications in Crop Science, along with the forthcoming Volume 2: Mechanisms and Molecular Interactions, provide detailed accounts of the exquisite and delicate balance between the three critical components of agronomy. Specifically, these two titles focus on the basis of nutrient exchange between the microorganisms and the host plants, the mechanism of disease protection and the recent molecular details emerged from studying this multi-tropic interaction. Together they aim to provide a solid foundation for the students, teachers, and researchers interested in soil microbiology, plant pathology, ecology and agronomy.

Soil is the most important natural non-renewable resource developed over a longer period of time due to weathering of rocks and subsequently enrichment of organic matter. Soil provides habitat for numerous microorganisms and serves as a natural medium for plant growth, thereby providing the plants with anchorage, nutrients and water to sustain the growth. Soil also serves as a universal sink for all types of pollutants, purifies ground water and is a major reserve of carbon in the universe. The role of soils to provide ecosystem services, maintenance of environmental/human health and ensuring the food security makes it as the most important and basic natural resource. Soil Science helps us to elaborate and understand how the soils provide all these services. Soil Science also provides us the basic knowledge dealing with the origin of the soil parent material, weathering of parent material and the formation of soils, morphological, physico-chemical and biological features of soils, classification of soils and role of soils in the provision and maintenance of ecosystem services, food security and environmental quality. This book encompasses the various processes, functions and behaviour of soils very comprehensively to acquaint the students of soil, plant and environmental sciences about their role to perform different agricultural and environmental functions.