MANAGEMENT-DRIVEN RESTRUCTURING OF THE COCONUT RHIZOSPHERE MICROBIOME: IMPLICATIONS FOR SOIL HEALTH, NUTRIENT CYCLING AND PALM PRODUCTIVITY

Abstract

The coconut rhizosphere is an active zone where coconut roots, soil properties and microorganisms interact and influence nutrient availability, soil health and palm performance. In coconut production systems, changes in fertilizer use, organic amendments, irrigation, intercropping and biomass recycling can alter the microbial environment around the roots. These changes are important because rhizosphere microorganisms contribute to nutrient cycling, nutrient solubilization, plant growth promotion and the biological functioning of coconut soils. Beneficial bacteria, including plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria, and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi have been associated with improved nutrient acquisition and better adaptation of coconut palms to environmental stresses. Organic resource recycling and diversified coconut-based cropping systems also provide opportunities to maintain microbial activity and improve soil quality. Recent studies using molecular approaches have expanded the knowledge of bacterial and fungal diversity in coconut rhizosphere soils and have revealed microbial associations that are difficult to characterize through conventional culture-based methods. Microbial communities also have an important role in plant health, particularly through nutrient competition, antagonistic activity and interactions with soil conditions that influence disease development. This review examines how major coconut production practices influence the rhizosphere microbiome and discusses their implications for soil health, nutrient cycling, plant growth, stress adaptation and palm productivity. The review also highlights the potential of integrating organic matter management, balanced nutrient application, suitable intercrops, water management and beneficial microorganisms for developing more resilient coconut production systems. Greater attention to long-term field studies, site-specific microbial communities and functional microbiome analysis will be important for translating these findings into practical coconut production strategies.