## 9 Challenges and Opportunities in Translating Lab Findings to Field Applications  
It is significantly challenging to translate the promising results of engineered microbial inoculants and SynComs from laboratory and greenhouse settings to real-world field applications. Field environments are highly complex and variable, leading to the inconsistent performance of introduced microbes compared to controlled conditions. Field conditions differ greatly from lab settings due to variations in soil type, climate, and agricultural practices, all of which influence the establishment, survival, and efficacy of microbial inoculants [184; 185; 186; 187]. Native microbial communities in the soil can outcompete or inhibit introduced strains, making it difficult for inoculants to establish and persist as they do in controlled environments [188]. The beneficial effects observed in the lab often do not translate directly to the field, with outcomes varying widely depending on local environmental factors and the presence of indigenous microbes. Microbial interactions in the field are more complex, and competitive or synergistic dynamics may differ from those seen in the lab, leading to unpredictable results. Maintaining the viability and effectiveness of microbial inoculants during storage, transport, and application at scale remains a technical challenge. There is a need for improved formulations and delivery methods to enhance the survival and activity of inoculants in diverse field conditions with the integration of metatranscriptomics, a set of techniques used to study gene expression of microbes within natural environments, and other novel techniques [108; 189; 190]. Co-creating inoculant strategies with farmer input and integrating multidisciplinary approaches can help tailor solutions to specific field conditions, improving adoption and effectiveness. Advances in predictive modeling, smart delivery systems, and the selection of plant genotypes that interact well with beneficial microbes offer promising avenues for overcoming current barriers.  
Figure 3: A schematic diagram describes the main aspects discussed in this review.  
To address these challenges, research increasingly focuses on identifying microbial \"core taxa\", the set of microbial taxa consistently found across multiple samples or conditions within a given habitat, which are stable across environments and capable of establishing robust associations with the host plant [191]. Adaptive field trials, multi-location experiments, and long-term studies are essential to evaluate the performance and persistence of microbial inoculants under real-world conditions. Additionally, standardized protocols, improved formulation technologies (e.g., encapsulation and carrier materials), and regulatory frameworks that support bioinoculants' commercialization are required. In addition, these various technologies, like microbial engineering with digital agriculture and precision farming, can be integrated to develop microbes for sustainable agriculture. Remote sensing tools, machine learning, and soil microbiome diagnostics can help in site-specific recommendations of microbial products, enhancing their efficacy and adoption. Public-private partnerships, farmer engagement, and interdisciplinary collaborations will be crucial in scaling up microbial technologies and ensuring their alignment with sustainable agricultural practices.