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    Soil Microorganisms The Unsung Heroes of Fertility

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    kurmapukumari198

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    Soil Microorganisms The Unsung Heroes of Fertility

    Uploaded by

    kurmapukumari198
    3 views10 pages

    Original Title

    Soil Microorganisms the Unsung Heroes of Fertility

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    Copyright:

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    Download as pptx, pdf, or txt
    3 views10 pages

    Soil Microorganisms The Unsung Heroes of Fertility

    Uploaded by

    kurmapukumari198

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as pptx, pdf, or txt
    of 10

    Soil

    Microorganisms:
    The Unsung
    Heroes of Fertility
    Soil microorganisms are microscopic organisms that play a vital
    role in maintaining soil health and fertility. They are essential for
    nutrient cycling, decomposition of organic matter, and plant
    growth.
    The Role of
    Microorganisms in Soil
    1 Decomposition 2 Nutrient Cycling
    Microorganisms break They transform nutrients
    down organic matter, into forms available for
    releasing nutrients for plant uptake.
    plants.

    3 Soil Structure
    They improve soil structure by binding soil particles together.
    Types of Soil Microorganisms
    Bacteria Fungi Other Organisms

    The most abundant, involved in Play crucial roles in decomposition, Includes protozoa, nematodes, and
    nitrogen fixation, decomposition, nutrient uptake, and plant disease microarthropods, contributing to
    and nutrient cycling. suppression. nutrient cycling and food webs.
    Factors Affecting Soil
    Microbial Communities
    1 Soil pH
    Influences the activity and diversity of microorganisms.

    2 Organic Matter
    Provides food and habitat for microorganisms.

    3 Temperature
    Affects microbial activity and growth rates.

    4 Moisture
    Water availability influences microbial metabolism and populations.
    Importance of Soil
    Microbial Diversity
    Resilience Nutrient Cycling
    Diverse communities are Different microorganisms
    more resilient to have specialized roles in
    environmental stresses. nutrient transformations.

    Plant Growth
    Diverse communities support plant growth through various
    mechanisms.
    Soil Microorganisms and
    Nutrient Cycling
    Nitrogen Fixation Bacteria convert atmospheric
    nitrogen into usable forms for
    plants.

    Nitrification Bacteria convert ammonia


    into nitrate, a readily
    available form for plants.

    Denitrification Bacteria convert nitrate back


    into atmospheric nitrogen.
    Beneficial Microorganisms and
    Plant Growth

    Growth Promotion
    Microorganisms produce plant hormones and nutrients.

    Disease Suppression
    They compete with pathogens for resources and produce antibiotics.

    Water Use Efficiency


    Microorganisms enhance soil water retention and nutrient uptake.
    Strategies for Enhancing Soil Microbial Activity
    Organic Matter Addition
    Compost, manure, and cover crops provide food and habitat.

    Reduced Tillage
    Minimizes disturbance to soil structure and microbial populations.

    Crop Rotation
    Diversifies plant species and improves soil health.

    Biofertilizers
    Introduce beneficial microorganisms to enhance nutrient cycling.
    Soil Testing and Monitoring Microbial
    Populations

    Microbial Counts Enzyme Activity


    Quantitative analysis of different microbial groups. Measures the activity of key enzymes involved in nutrient cycling.
    Conclusion and Future Considerations
    Understanding and managing soil microorganisms is crucial for sustainable agriculture. Future research should focus
    on further exploring microbial diversity and its impact on soil health and plant productivity.

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