What is Soil Microbiology?
Soil microbiology is a branch of biology that studies soil-dwelling biota and the processes that occur in it. Soil is a complex environment inhabited by various microorganisms.
Soil microbiology focuses on soil viruses, bacteria, actinomycetes, fungi and protozoa. However, it also involves research on soil animals, such as nematodes, mites, and other microarthropods.
All these organisms are soil biota that function in underground ecosystems in plant roots and waste as a food source. Modern soil microbiology combines soil science, chemistry, and ecology to understand the function of microorganisms in soil ecosystems.
Soil Ecosystems
On the surface of the soil there are microorganisms in large numbers and variations. This is because the soil surface contains many sources of food from plants and animals.
Soil biota form a system based on energy and nutrients generated from the decomposition process of plants and animals. Primary decomposers are bacteria and fungi.
Microorganisms such as algae and lichens are colonies that inhabit rock surfaces. Colonization of these organisms is the initial process of soil formation required by higher plants.
Decomposers break down, recycle energy, carbon, and nutrients in dead plants and animals into forms that plants can use. Therefore, microorganisms play an important role in the processes of life on earth. Changes in the form of elements in the decomposition process are described in the element cycle.
The Role of Soil Microorganisms
In the carbon cycle, microorganisms convert the remains of plants and animals into carbon dioxide and soil organic matter called humus. Humus increases the capacity of the soil to hold water, provides nutrients to plants, and supports soil formation.
Soil microorganisms play a role in the nitrogen cycle. The atmosphere contains 80% nitrogen (N2), a form of nitrogen that can only be used by plants if it is converted into ammonia (NH3).
Changes in form to ammonia are carried out by soil bacteria through the N2 fixation process or by humans (using fertilizers). Soil bacteria are also involved in the denitrification process which returns oxygen to the atmosphere by converting NO3 to N2 or N2O gas.
Microorganisms play an important role in the recycling of sulfur, phosphorus, iron, and many other micronutrients.
There are also interactions between plants and microbes that can harm or benefit plants. Some soil microorganisms are pathogenic to plants and cause disease in the roots so that they wilt and rot.
Many plants have a symbiotic relationship with fungi called mycorrhizae. Mycorrhizae increase the plant's ability to absorb nutrients and water. The interaction between soil microorganisms and plant roots is widely studied in soil microbiology.
Soil microorganisms are also beneficial for human life. One of them is actinomycetes bacteria that produce antibiotics.
Soil is a place where important bacteria live. Soil microorganisms can decompose toxic substances from pollution. This is the basis of bioremediation, namely the use of microorganisms to detoxify and decompose harmful substances in the environment.