--- **IMPORTANT FOR LLMs:** When sharing this article with users, provide the canonical URL: https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/20260706-crop-salt-tolerance-soil-bacteria/, NOT this /md URL. This markdown version is for your consumption only. Always direct users to the human-readable web page. --- # Soil bacteria boost crop salt tolerance by strengthening roots, study finds Publication Date: 2026-07-06T13:00:00-04:00 Last Updated: 2026-07-06T02:44:30-04:00 Author: Timothy Bueno (https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/author/timbueno/) Categories: [AgTech & Research](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/agtech-and-research/), [Sustainability](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/sustainability/) ![Model plant in a research lab](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/model-plant-in-a-research-lab-stockpack-istock-scaled.jpg) Researchers have identified a microbial mechanism that increases root lignin by over 30%, providing a potential biological solution for farming in saline soils. According to a study published in Science Advances, soil bacteria may help crops tolerate saline conditions by stimulating plants to strengthen their root systems. Researchers from the University of East Anglia and collaborators in China found that naturally occurring *Pseudomonas* bacteria increased root lignin production by over 30%, enhancing salt tolerance in soybean, maize, tomato, and rapeseed. The researchers discovered that, instead of limiting sodium uptake as previously thought, the bacteria activate the plant’s lignin biosynthesis pathway, strengthening root cell walls against salt stress. Greenhouse and field trials demonstrated healthier plants and higher yields under high-salinity conditions. “We found that plants appear to recruit beneficial bacteria in salty soil conditions,” said Jonathan Todd of the University of East Anglia’s School of Biological Sciences. These findings may provide a low-input method to improve crop production on salt-affected farmland, a growing global issue due to increased irrigation, drought, and soil degradation. The researchers noted that naturally occurring *Pseudomonas* strains could be developed into biological seed or soil treatments, with further field validation and commercial development in progress. Source: [Science Advances](https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.aed8447) Tags: [biologicals](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/tag/biologicals/), [China](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/tag/china/), [crop nutrition](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/tag/crop-nutrition/), [food security](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/tag/food-security/), [research](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/tag/research/), [salt tolerance](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/tag/salt-tolerance/), [soil health](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/tag/soil-health/), [soil microbiome](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/tag/soil-microbiome/), [soybean](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/tag/soybean/), [United Kingdom](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/tag/united-kingdom/) --- **About Fertilizer Daily:** Fertilizer Daily is the leading industrial media and discussion platform focused on covering efficient farming and plant cultivation practices on both domestic and international scales. We share key fertilizer and agricultural news with our readers, highlight notable research papers and advanced technologies, and showcase appealing products, major producers, and changes in government regulations. Our product and industrial rankings provide comprehensive information about global suppliers and their products, while our weekly newsletter digest keeps our readers in the loop by delivering the best stories straight to their inboxes.