Dynamic Interplay of Soil and Microbes for Sustainable Ecological Balance

Abstract

A microorganism is a term given to small living beings whose size is measured in microns. Bacteria, fungi, algae, and protozoans are a few of them that reside in the air, water, and soil. This review is about the microorganisms found in soil. These microorganisms have different functions in soil decomposition of dead organic matter, such as ecological food web balance, and making nutrients available to plants. Recently, their role in alleviating different abiotic stresses like salinity and drought has been marvelous. These microbes are also being used in biopesticide form, which is environmentally friendly and safe for other living organisms. Bacteria convert the inaccessible nutrients from dead matter into usable forms. Actinomycetes give off the typical smell of soil, and these microorganisms are also being used as a source of therapeutic medicines. Fungi are helpful in the way that they break down impossible nutrients, which are then available to other microbes. They also colonize plant roots and thus aid in plant growth. Algae promote submerged aeration as their photosynthesis is faster and adds more oxygen. Algae also help prevent the loss of nitrates that help in building soil structures by promoting the weathering of rocks. Nematodes help maintain the ecological equilibrium of their habitat. Viruses are the mode of gene transfer between organisms in the soil. Thus, these microorganisms have different functions in the soil to maintain the soil's structure and the balance between the environment and its living beings.

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Identifiers

DOI

10.2174/9789815039955122010011

Journal

Industrial Applications of Soil Microbes

Year

2022