Soil microbiology is the study of microorganisms in soil, their functions, and how they affect soil properties. [1] . It is believed that between two and four billion years ago, the first ancient bacteria and microorganisms came about on Earth's oceans.

Bacteria perform many important ecosystem services in the soil including improved soil structure and soil aggregation, recycling of soil nutrients, and water recycling. Soil bacteria form microaggregates in the soil by binding soil particles together with their secretions.

Sep 30, 2021 · Some of the most beneficial soil bacteria help plants utilize nutrients that they otherwise wouldn't be able to intake with their roots. Perhaps the most well-known and studied type of soil bacteria, nitrogen-fixing bacteria assist many different types of …

Jun 1, 2023 · Soil microorganisms are classified into seven different categories; bacteria, fungi, virus, blue-green algae, actinomycetes, protozoa, and nematodes. Each of these groups has different characteristic features and their role in the soil they inhabit.

Soil bacteria are involved in numerous biogeochemical cycles, and they have been used for crop production. Distinct types of bacteria are present in rhizosphere soil and interact with the plants, and they improve soil fertility and plant health.

In addition to tetanus, anthrax, and botulism, soil bacteria may cause gastrointestinal, wound, skin, and respiratory tract diseases. The systemic fungi are largely acquired via inhalation from contaminated soil and near-soil environments. These fungal infections are particularly life-threatening in those with compromised immune systems.

Most soil microbes can be classified as fungi, bacteria, archaea, protozoa, or viruses. It has been estimated that a single gram of soil can contain up to several billion bacteria alone.

May 25, 2024 · Soil microflora consists of bacteria, fungus, algae, and protozoa, the five primary classes of microorganisms. Each subpopulation of the microorganisms that make up the soil’s microbial community contributes significantly to the overall health of …

Jan 19, 2018 · Here we conducted a global analysis of the bacterial communities found in surface soils from 237 locations across six continents and 18 countries (fig. S1) to (i) identify the most dominant (i.e., most abundant and ubiquitous) soil bacterial phylotypes worldwide; (ii) determine which of these dominant phylotypes tend to co-occur and share ...

Microbes in the soil perform a number of functions. where plant roots and leaves are broken down and consumed. Decomposition is important for releasing nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus that are trapped in plant and animal residues.