**5.2 Application of probiotics in agriculture**

Other than human, probiotics application is extended to agriculture as well. One of them is probiotic farming, which is referred to as bio-intensive agriculture that combines various organic farming techniques to make soil healthier. It introduces beneficial microorganisms into the growing environment. The use of probiotics increases crop yield, limits the need for harmful fertilizers and pesticides and depletes damages caused by them. Probiotics also amplify plant's resistance to pests and diseases. Due to antagonistic effects exhibited by probiotic bacteria by 'induced systemic resistance,' plants are protected from pathogenic microorganisms. *Bacillus* spp., LAB, *Actinomycetous,* etc. Protect plants from cropping hazards. Furthermore, plant probiotic microorganisms (PPM) can influence the synthesis of phytohormones and their balance in plants. Some commercial plant products that use probiotic cultures are Kodiak (*Bacillus subtilis* GB03), YiedShield (*B. pumilis* GB34), Rotex (*Phlebiopsisgigantea*) [21]. Probiotics used in animal feed supplements advantageously alter gastrointestinal flora and improve host animals' health and productivity. Probiotic solely or in combination with prebiotic improves the pattern of microbial population in GIT and benefits host's health [86]. Probiotic is generously applied in poultry and aquaculture. Some feed additives can modulate the intestinal milieu and exert beneficial substances in the intestine [87]. Probiotics gained attention to use as an alternative to antibiotics in poultry to get the product with quality and safety [88]. It also reduces their mortality rate and increases bone quality. In ruminants, probiotics increase forage intake, increasing fiber digestion rate, which results in improved weight gain, milk yield, and milk fat content [86]. Probiotic also decreases the prevalence of coliform infection in pre-ruminant calves. The use of probiotics in aquaculture prevents the adhesion of pathogens from fishing intestinal mucus.
