Chapter 1 introduction to soil microbiology

The relationship between soil microorganisms and agriculture has been studied for centuries, with early
farmers recognizing the importance of maintaining healthy soil for crop production. In the 19th century,
Louis Pasteur and other scientists began to study the role of microorganisms in soil fertility. In the early
20th century, the development of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides led to a decline in the use of organic
farming practices, which resulted in a decline in soil microbial diversity and health. In recent years, there
has been a growing interest in sustainable agriculture and the role of soil microorganisms in maintaining
healthy soils. Today, there are a number of ways that farmers can manage soil microorganisms to improve
crop production, including: Using organic farming practices - Applying compost or manure to the soil -
Using cover crops Reducing the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides By understanding the
relationship between soil microorganisms and agriculture, farmers can improve soil health and crop
production while also reducing the environmental impact of agriculture.

Soil microorganisms play a crucial role in agriculture by cycling nutrients, decomposing organic matter,
and suppressing pests and diseases that inhabits crop production. Nitrogen-fixing bacteria convert
atmospheric nitrogen into a form that plants can use. Mycorrhizal fungi form symbiotic relationships
with plant roots, helping them absorb water and nutrients from the soil. Soil microorganisms help to
decompose organic matter, such as crop residues and manure, which releases nutrients back into the soil. -
Some soil microorganisms produce antibiotics that can suppress pests and diseases. The diversity of soil
microorganisms is essential for a healthy agricultural ecosystem. Agricultural practices that promote soil
health, such as crop rotation, cover cropping, and reduced tillage, also promote the diversity and activity
of soil microorganisms.

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 1.1 Soil Microbiology
What is soil microbiology?
Soil microbiology is the study of microorganisms, which are live in soil and their functions how they
affect properties of soil because the soil is home to a large portion of the world's diverse organisms.
The name indicates microbiology has three terms “micro” means very small or organisms cannot see by
naked eye while “bio” means living things and logy means science of study. Therefore soil microbiology
is the science which deals very small living things lives in the soil system. There are millions of
microorganisms in one gram of soil, including fungi, bacteria, actinomycetes, algae, and single-celled

organisms like protozoa, Arthropods, algae and animalia species such as nematodes. The biomass and
activity of each microbial species varies and evolves throughout the soil’s lifecycle: fungi typically
dominate the biomass of a healthy soil, despite their fragility and sensitivity, while bacteria remain the
most resistant to changing conditions. Soil microbial biomass can range from several hundred to
thousands of pounds per acre. Variations in microbial levels and activity are directly correlated with soil
management. Some of microorganisms found in the soil are:-
Bacteria and Fungi are the most abundant microorganisms in soil. They play a vital role in nutrient
cycling, decomposition, and the formation of soil structure. Some bacteria are also pathogenic and
can cause disease in plants and animals. Fungi are a diverse group of organisms that include yeasts,
molds, and mushrooms. They play an important role in the decomposition of organic matter and
nutrient cycling. Some fungi are also pathogenic and can cause disease in plants and animals.
Protozoa are a group of single-celled organisms that are found in soil. They play a role in nutrient
cycling and predation on bacteria and other microorganisms.
Nematodes are a group of roundworms that are found in soil. They play a role in nutrient cycling
and predation on bacteria and other microorganisms.
Why microorganisms live in the soil? Because microorganism can extract or accessed their basic needs from
soil example: nutrient as a food, air for reparation, water for drinking, Habitat, housing and shelter for
protecting them from damage and predators.
1.2. Studying soil microorganisms
Why do we study soil microorganisms?
Because microorganism live in the soil has valuable role in the soil and environment. Each of these
organisms plays a unique role in the edaphic ecosystem. By any means studying soil organism is studying
soil health and studying soil health is studying production capacity of agricultural land. Hence, dealing
the distribution and diversity of soil microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, actinomycetes, algae,

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 protozoans, and viruses are important to understand their significance function at a given site of
agricultural soil.
Therefore, we are going to studying soil microorganisms for the following purpose:
1. Nutrient cycling:
 Soil microorganisms are responsible for the breakdown of organic matter and the release of
nutrients that plants can use.
 They play a crucial role in the cycling of carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus, which are essential
for plant growth.
 By studying soil microorganisms, we can better understand how to manage soil fertility and
improve crop yields.
2. Suppress plant pest and diseases:
 Some soil microorganisms produce antimicrobial compounds that can inhibit the growth of
harmful bacteria, fungi, and nematodes.
 Beneficial soil microorganisms can also compete with pathogens for resources, making it more
difficult for pathogens to establish and cause disease.
 By studying soil microorganisms, we can identify beneficial microbes that can be used as bio
control agents to suppress plant diseases.
 Microorganisms can produce antibiotics and other chemicals that inhibit the growth of harmful
pests and diseases. This helps to protect plants and animals from disease.
3. Improve soil physico-chemical properties
 Soil microorganisms produce a variety of polysaccharides and other compounds that help to bind
soil particles together and create a more stable soil structure. Improved soil structure allows for
better water infiltration and drainage.
 By studying soil microorganisms, there will be better understanding how to manage soil health
and improve water use efficiency.
4. Degrade environmental pollutants:
 Soil microorganisms can degrade a wide range of environmental pollutants, including pesticides,
herbicides, and heavy metals.
 By studying soil microorganisms, we can identify microbes that can be used for bioremediation,
the process of cleaning up contaminated soil and water.
5. Source of new antibiotics and other pharmaceuticals:
 Soil microorganisms produce a wide range of secondary metabolites, many of which have
antimicrobial, antifungal, or antiviral properties.

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  These compounds have the potential to be developed into new antibiotics and other
pharmaceuticals.
 By studying soil microorganisms, we can identify new sources of these valuable compounds.
1.3. Application areas of soil microbiology
As it is known soil microbiology is a science deals microorganisms in their natural environment and their
role in the earth surface. Each of these organisms plays a unique role in the edaphic ecosystem. For example,
soil microorganisms are primarily responsible for decomposing organic matter and degrading pollutants. They
break down dead plant and animal material into simpler substances, contributing to nutrient cycling and soil
fertility. So, soil microbiology is applicable in the following areas:
1. Agriculture:
In the edaphic ecosystem, microbial processes determine the exchange of matter and flow of energy between
plant and soil which affect productivity and ecosystem stabilization.
 Soil microorganisms play a crucial role in nutrient cycling by decomposing organic matter, soil
fertility, and plant growth.
 Microbial inoculants can be used to improve soil health, enhance crop yields, and reduce the need for
chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Microorganisms can also be used in bioremediation of
contaminated soils. Soil microbes protect roots from pests and pathogens and also provide a greater
root area for nutrient and water uptake.
2. Environmental remediation:
Soil microbiology plays a vital role in environmental remediation, the process of removing or reducing
pollutants from contaminated environments also known as bioremediation. Soil microorganisms are a
promising component of soil for environmental remediation, as it is a natural, cost-effective, and
sustainable method for removing or reducing pollutants from contaminated environments
Common mechanisms in which microorganisms degrade pollutants include biodegradation,
biotransformation, bio stimulation, bio augmentation and bioventing. Soil microorganisms can be used to
degrade and immobilized pollutants, such as heavy metals, pesticides, and petroleum hydrocarbons and can
also be used to clean up oil spills and other environmental disasters.
Bio degradation: The breakdown of organic compounds by microorganisms occurs naturally in the
environment.
Bio transformation: The chemical transformation of organic compounds by microorganisms can occur
as part of biodegradation and can also be used to produce new compounds from organic waste.
Bio stimulation: The addition of nutrients and other substances to a contaminated site to stimulate the
growth of microorganisms that can degrade contaminants. It used to accelerate the biodegradation of
contaminants.

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 Bio augmentation: The addition of microorganisms to a contaminated site to degrade contaminants. *
Used when the native microbial population is unable to degrade the contaminants.
Bioventing: The introduction of air into a contaminated site to stimulate the growth of aerobic
microorganisms that can degrade contaminants.
3. Biotechnology:
 Soil microorganisms are a source of enzymes, antibiotics, and other bioactive compounds that can be
used in various industrial and pharmaceutical applications.
4. Medicine:
 Soil microorganisms are a source of antibiotics and other antimicrobial agents that can be used to
treat infections also be used to develop new vaccines and other immunotherapies.

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