Saran's Learn Microbiology

  SOIL MICROBIOLOGY ·        Soil Microbiology is the scientific discipline that is concerned with the study of all biological aspects of the microorganisms (bacteria, archaea, viruses, fungi, parasites and protozoa) that exist in the soil environment. ·        Soil Microbiology is a sub-discipline of Environmental Microbiology. ·        Soil microorganisms can be classified as Bacteria, Actinobacteria, Fungi, Algae and Protozoa. ·        Sergei N. Winogradsky is considered as the 'Father of Soil Microbiology'. MAJOR GROUPS OF SOIL MICROORGANISMS ·        Major group of microorganisms which live in soil are ü   Bacteria ü   Actinobacteria ü   Fungi ü   Algae ü   Bacteriophages ü   Protozoa ü   Nema­todes ·        Basically, Soil microorganisms are classified as 1) Autotrophs ·        Autotrophs are any organisms that are capable of producing their own food. This is achieved by using light energy from sun, water and carbon-di-oxide. Example – Alga

  CHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF SOIL 1. Macroelements in Soil ·        Macroelements are the most important nutrients for plants. ·        Macroelements occur naturally in the soil to some extent and can be supplemented with fertilizers, manure and compost. ·        Macroelements are Calcium (Ca), Magnesium (Mg), Potassium (K), Sulphur (S), Phosphate (P), Nitrogen (N) and Sodium (Na). 2. Microelements in Soil ·        Trace elements are nutrients that plants need in small doses. ·        The trace elements are Boron (B), Copper (Cu), Manganese (Mn), Cobalt (Co), Silicon (Si), Zinc (Zn), Iron (Fe) and Molybdenum (Mo). ·        Signs of shortage occur when the disappearance of trace elements through the crops is not compensated adequately with supplements by means of fertilizer, manure or compost, or when the availability of certain elements is limited by the pH or mineral imbalance in the soil. ·        Crop analyses can help to trace an acute shortage and to solve it at plant level.   3.