A study by the Department of Microbiology at the University of Málaga and the Institute of Subtropical and Mediterranean Horticulture ‘La Mayora’ (IHSM) demonstrated that organic farming can enhance the natural resistance of crops against drought.
After decades of chemical-free management, soils enrich beneficial microbial communities, especially bacteria of the genus Bacillus, which act as a “protective shield” for plants.
The results, published in the journal npj Biofilms and microbiomes of the Nature group, show that organic soils have a greater abundance of these bacteria, capable of surviving extreme conditions and improving the physiological state of plants under water stress.
Comparison of agricultural systems
The study analyzed two avocado fields in the Axarquía (Málaga):
- Organic farming: chemical-free, with organic matter and more than 20 years of sustainable management.
- Conventional farming: with fertilizers and intensive practices.
The comparison of the rhizosphere revealed key differences in physicochemical properties and microbial composition. In the laboratory, researchers found that isolated bacteria of the genus Bacillus improved plant growth under drought conditions.
Benefits of organic farming
- Reduction of chemicals: less use of synthetic fertilizers.
- Natural bioinoculants: products formulated with beneficial microorganisms that strengthen the soil.
- Climate resilience: more resistant crops in dry areas of southern Spain.
- Ecosystem protection: sustainable practices that prevent soil degradation.
“It’s not just about growing plants, but also about managing and training soil microorganisms,” said Professor José A. Gutiérrez Barranquero, co-author of the study.
Drought prevention: strategic actions
The research connects with a global challenge: ensuring food security and mitigating the effects of the climate crisis. Preventing drought is more economical and effective than acting in emergencies. Key measures include:
- Water conservation: repairing leaks, installing low-flow devices, reusing domestic water, and collecting cold shower water.
- Agricultural efficiency: drip irrigation, minimum tillage, and drought-tolerant seeds.
- Watershed protection: reforestation with native species, avoiding burns, and reducing river pollution.
- Innovation and management: investing in desalination, wastewater reuse, aquifer recharge, and urban network digitalization.
Global implications
The finding by the UMA and IHSM, along with the collaboration of researcher Kevin M. Bretscher from Leiden University, reinforces the idea that agricultural resilience begins underground. Managing soil microorganisms can be a decisive tool to face drought, reduce economic losses, and protect food security in vulnerable regions.
Organic farming not only produces more sustainable food but also strengthens the ability of crops to survive climate change. The key to resisting drought could lie in the invisible microorganisms inhabiting the soil, transforming the way we conceive agricultural production and natural resource management.
