Fertile soil is teeming with beneficial soil microbes. It is estimated that there could be billions of microbes in a gram of soil.
Bacteria, fungi, and protozoa are major players in soil microbial processes. They perform a variety of functions beneficial to soil and the plants growing in that soil. Other soil organisms of importance are nematodes, arthropods, and earthworms.
Benefits of Microbes in Soil
- Decompose organic matter
- Foster soil aggregate stability
- Recycle and regulate carbon, nitrogen and phosphorous
- Fix nitrogen for plant uptake
- Increase the available plant root area for nutrient uptake
- Degrade pesticides
- Improve soil structure
- Help control diseases
Additional Information:
West
Texas – The Truth About Microbes
Texas – Soil Microbiology FAQs
Midwest
Ohio – Understanding Soil Microbes and Nutrient Cycling