Integrating electroactive microorganisms into active soil management strategies

Author

Modesto, Lenon Romano and Baquedano, Ignacio and Ramalhete, Ezgi Öğün and Mena, Silvia and Sharma, Mukesh and Rodríguez-Núñez, Pablo and Danilov, Ivana and Nath, Dibyojyoty and Tait, Natasha and Moro, Ignacio Javier and Reutina, Uliana and Yücel, Işıl and Vučetić, Snežana and Prieto, Alicia and Colliaux, David and Barriuso, Jorge and Guirado, Gonzalo and Ieropoulos, Ioannis Andrea and Munoz-Berbel, Xavier and Grahovac, Jovana and Hanappe, Peter and Uria, Naroa and Schmidt, Markus R and Armstrong, Rachel

Abstract

Electroactive microorganisms (EAMs) can be incorporated into active soil management as a strategy for regenerative agriculture. Through extracellular electron transfer, they drive nutrient cycling, biofertilization, and pollutant degradation while also producing bioelectricity. Soil microbial fuel cells exemplify their use as self-powered biosensors and platforms for bioremediation. Reframing soils as dynamic bioelectronic interfaces, EAMs enable nutrient recovery, waste valorisation, and resilience. The concept of ``gardening microorganisms'' integrates them as programmable agents within managed ecosystems. By coupling microbial consortia engineering, bioelectronic scaffolds, and circular nutrient recovery, soils work as intelligent, self-regulating systems. This review positions EAMs as a tool in soil management for shaping climate-smart, regenerative agroecosystems that sustain productivity and ecological balance.