After reading this article you will learn about the symbiotic and non-symbiotic nitrogen fixing bacteria. Symbiotic N2-Fixing Bacteria: The heterotrophic bacteria that fix di-nitrogen gas (N2) from the atmosphere in plant root nodules (symbiotic bacteria) have a mutually beneficial relationship with their host plants. Legumes (pod-bearing plants such as peas, beans, alfalfa and clovers etc.) had a beneficial effect upon [...]
This article throws light upon the seven major conditions affecting activities of micro-organisms present in soil. The conditions are: 1. Moisture 2. Soil Reaction 3. Temperature 4. Nutrients 5. Organic Matter 6. Microbial Products 7. Microbial Enemy. Condition # 1. Moisture: Dryness kills many microbes and many micro-organisms develop resistant strains or enter a dormant stage. Micro-organisms are less active [...]
This article throws light upon the five main functions of micro-organisms present in soil. 1. Organic matter decomposition (By this process, plant and animal residues are broken down by micro-organisms into more simpler compounds, other slimy compounds, other slimy intermediate products organic acids and more resistant compound humus. All these products combinedly influence the physical and chemical properties of soil [...]