Role of microorganisms in agricultural waste management

Rapid population growth enforces agriculture on large scale, leading to the production of agricultural waste in large quantities. Agricultural waste causes contamination of surrounding natural resources such as soil and water. Large amounts of agricultural waste cause environmental pollution on large scale and are difficult to decompose by conventional methods. The effects of environmental pollution by agricultural waste are seen in organisms including humans. Most agricultural waste is produced in rural areas of India. Apart from this, sugar mills and cowshed contribute a huge amount in agricultural waste. Conventionally, agricultural waste is left within the fields for decomposition or burned down by a farmer, which causes plenty of air and soil pollution. Agricultural waste specifically includes crop residues that have plenty of natural carbon content and minerals essential for crop production. Decomposition of agricultural waste through microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, actinomycetes) is a green, secure, and surroundings pleasant method. Microorganisms secrete one-of-a-kind types of enzymes (extracellular and intracellular), which might be chargeable for the decomposition of waste. Microbial decomposition of natural waste also renders organic compounds and minerals bioavailable for growing crops effectively aiding in crop production. Fungi and bacteria eliminate pathogens and effectively accelerate the degradation process. Various strategies had been applied for agricultural waste disposal utilizing degrading properties of microbes. Microorganisms play a crucial role in degradation strategies. This chapter discusses about various microorganisms performing degradation of agricultural waste, the mechanism of degradation of agricultural waste, microbial enzyme involved in degradation, application of microorganisms in waste treatment, and various methods to degrade agricultural waste.