Bacteria in Soil

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Soil Microbiology Nature of Soil Soil Habitats (Lithosphere) Microorganisms in Soil Decomposition of Organic Matter in Soil Bacteria in Soil Physiological Types of Bacteria in Different Soils Fungi in Soil Protozoa in Soil Algae in Soil Viruses in Soil Functions of Microorganisms in Soil Humus Functions of Humus Cycles of Elements Carbon Cycle Nitrogen Cycle

Bacteria in Soil

	Bacteria in Soil - Many types of bacteria are found in the soil. Of these some are autotrophic and utilize inorganic compounds for their energy and growth. The majority of bacteria, however, are heterotrophic and utilize large amounts of organic matter. These belong to the order Eubacleriales and Actinomycetales. The later group is most frequently represented by organisms of the genera Streptomyces, Nocardia and Micromonospora.
These have an earthy odour and are responsible for the much of the smell of a freshly plowed field. Direct microscopic counts of bacteria have been reported as high as several billions per gram. Plate counts from the same samples give only a fraction of this number (millions).
This is because a range variety of physiological types of bacteria are present. Thus no single cultural situation will provide adequate nutrient and physical conditions satisfactoy for the growth of every viable cell. The variety of physiological types of bacteria found in different soils.

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Sulphur Cycle Ammonification in Soil Nitrification in Soil Nitrate Reduction in Soil Denitrification in Soil Nitrogen Fixation Symbiotic Nitrogen Fixation Rhizobium Specificity of Bacteria and Legumes Non-Symbiotic Nitrogen Fixation Non-symbiotic Nitrogen Fixing Microorganisms Mechanism of Nitrogen Fixation Oxidation of Sulphur and Sulphur Compounds by Bacteria