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 [...]
After reading this article you will learn about observing and examining micro-organisms. Observation of Microbes in Hanging Drop: This method is used for the study of motility, germination or fission of micro-organisms which is not possible when they are killed and fixed in stained preparations. For this observation the following are needed: 1. A depression slide with a circular concavity [...]