This book explores harnessing mycorrhiza in hilly agriculture and presents innovative strategies for sustainable cultivation. Exploring the symbiotic relationship between plants and mycorrhizal fungi reveals how this partnership can optimize soil health, enhance nutrient uptake, and increase crop resilience in challenging terrains. From understanding the ecological role of mycorrhiza to practical applications in hilly regions, the book highlights the use of mycorrhiza in hill agriculture, including details on mycorrhizal diversity, its impact on hill crops, and how to maintain and promote mycorrhizal diversity for better sustainability and economic viability. By addressing the unique challenges faced by hillside farmers, it aims to improve agricultural practices, mitigate erosion, and promote long-term environmental sustainability.

This book is essential for policymakers seeking sustainable agricultural strategies, researchers exploring beneficial fungi, soil scientists, agronomists, progressive farmers and students pursuing agriculture sciences.

Autorentext

Yasmeen Siddiqui is an Associate Professor at King Faisal University (KFU), Saudi Arabia. She is a leading figure in plant pathology, with extensive expertise in managing oil palm diseases, developing sustainable bio-pesticides, and valorizing agro-industrial byproducts. She has published over 100 scientific articles in peer-reviewed journals, with an H-index of 35 and more than 4,700 citations. In addition to her role at KFU, she maintains a strong academic connection with Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), where she has served as a research fellow and continues collaborating on various projects. Dr. Siddiqui has earned recognition for her interdisciplinary work that bridges basic research with practical agricultural applications.

Kamil Kuca is a distinguished scholar who has held professorial positions and served as an invited or adjunct faculty member at esteemed academic institutions worldwide. Professor Kuca is currently working at University of Hradec Kralove in Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic. Recognized for his scholarly impact, Prof. Kuca boasts an impressive H-index of 70 and has accumulated over 20,000 citations in the Web of Science. In 2021, he was honoured as a Highly Cited Researcher by Clarivate Analytics. Additionally, Prof. Kuca holds five patents and serves as a scientific advisor to several technology companies, further demonstrating his leadership and expertise.

Rajni Dhalaria is an emerging botanist specializing in mycology, ethnobotany, and phytochemistry. She earned her Ph.D. in Botany from Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences, India, focusing on the mycorrhizal impact on phytochemicals and biological properties of medicinal plants. Currently serving as Assistant Professor at Minerva PG College, she has published 28 scientific papers, including research articles, reviews, and book chapters, with over 759 citations and an h-index of 10. Dr. Dhalaria actively contributes to the scientific community as a peer reviewer for esteemed journals and has presented her work at various national and international conferences, showcasing her strong interdisciplinary expertise and innovative research capabilities.