How do plants interact with soil microorganisms and contribute to soil fertility and role of microorganisms in the decomposition of organic matter present in soil?
The abundance of microorganisms in the soil is expressed by the clean and healthy soil. Microorganisms feed on plant roots, plant residues, and animal residues and serve in their decomposition, increasing organic matter in the soil. For example, comparing the microorganisms of healthy soil and polluted soil, it was proved that there are fewer microorganisms in polluted soil
Plants are essential components of the ecosystem and play a crucial role in soil fertility. One of the key ways in which plants interact with soil microorganisms is through a symbiotic interaction as mycorrhizae. Plants and microbes are involved in the active strategy and successfully establish an interactive relationship between themselves by competition, mutualism, or co-evolution in the rhizosphere area. Such types of relations depend upon the physical as well as the chemical properties of soil. When microorganisms decompose organic matter, they use the carbon and nutrients in the organic matter for their own growth. They release excess nutrients into the soil where they can be taken up by plants. Soil organisms play key roles in ecosystems through their effects on physical properties and processes, and the biological contributions to carbon and energy fluxes and cycling of nutrients. The importance of soil fauna for soil physical properties generally increases with larger body sizes. Soil fertility can be further improved by incorporating cover crops that add organic matter to the soil, which leads to improved soil structure and promotes a healthy, fertile soil; by using green manure or growing legumes to fix nitrogen from the air through the process of biological nitrogen fixation. Microorganisms such as algae, bacteria, and fungi are present in the soil. Bacteria and fungi present in the soil feed on dead plant and animal matter to form humus, which is rich in nutrients and makes the soil fertile. This is how microorganisms make the soil fertile.Soil microorganisms promote the decomposition of organic matter by secreting enzymes. The changes of biochar on soil enzyme activity are affected by the interaction between biochar, enzymes, and enzyme substrates. The active sites of biochar can absorb or desorb enzymes and their substrates. During the decomposition process, microorganisms convert the carbon structures of fresh residues into transformed carbon products in the soil. There are many different types of organic molecules in soil. Some are simple molecules that have been synthesized directly from plants or other living organisms. They are known as decomposers. By far the most important microscopic decomposers are bacteria, which do the lion's share of decomposition in the compost heap. But there are other microscopic creatures such as actinomycetes, fungi, and protozoa, that also play an important role. However, micro-organisms such as bacteria, fungi, and actinomycetes–even though they go unnoticed in your compost pile–are responsible for most of the organic material breakdown. They are chemical decomposers because they use chemicals in their bodies to break down organic matter.
Absolutely! Plants and soil microorganisms have a fascinating and mutually beneficial relationship. This network of interactions is essential for healthy plant growth and overall soil fertility.
Plant-Microorganism Interactions
The zone around plant roots where this exchange happens is called the rhizosphere. Plants release sugary compounds like carbohydrates through their roots, attracting a diverse community of microbes including bacteria, fungi, and nematodes. These microbes in turn provide a variety of benefits to the plant, including:
- Nutrient Acquisition: Many soil nutrients, like phosphorus and nitrogen, are locked up in forms that plants can't directly absorb. Certain microbes, like mycorrhizal fungi, form symbiotic relationships with plant roots, extending their reach and helping them take up these essential nutrients .📷Opens in a new window📷www.finegardening.comMycorrhizal fungi on plant roots
- Disease Suppression: Some beneficial microbes can help protect plants from pathogens by producing antibiotics or competing with harmful microbes for space and resources.
- Improved Soil Structure: Microbial activity helps to break down organic matter and create aggregates, which are clumps of soil particles that improve drainage and aeration.
Microorganisms and Decomposition
Organic matter, such as dead leaves and plant material, constantly accumulates on the soil surface. Decomposers, including bacteria and fungi, break down this organic matter into simpler forms that can be used by plants and other organisms. This process is essential for returning nutrients to the soil and maintaining soil fertility.
The diversity of the soil microbial community plays a critical role in decomposition. Different microbes have different abilities to break down different types of organic matter. A healthy and diverse soil microbiome ensures that all types of organic matter are efficiently decomposed and nutrients are cycled back into the ecosystem.
The Takeaway
The health and productivity of our soils depend on this intricate dance between plants and soil microorganisms. By understanding these interactions, we can promote sustainable agricultural practices that nurture soil health and fertility.
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