Functions of Microorganisms 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

Functions of Microorganisms in Soil

	Functions of Microorganisms in Soil - Maximum microbial growth and activity in the soil is found around the roots of plants. This region is caned the rhizosphere. Practically all ecological interactions, such as symbiosis, syntrophism. synergism, commensalism and antagonism between plants and microorganisms, and among different microorganisms, is found m this region.
Some of these ate favourable to plants, some indispensable, some unfavourable, and others lethal. The most important function of soil microorganisms is to decompose various kinds of organic matter. Virtually all types of organic material, composed literally of everything under the sun, find their way to the soil or to the sea.
At first sight it would seem impossible to describe decomposition of such diverse material in anything but very general and nonspecific terms. However, the decomposition of organic matter in soils can be described in rather precise terms.

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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