Mychorrhizal fungus

There are several N transfer pathways that can increase soil nitrogen. Fixed nitrogen, (e.g., ammonium and amino acids) have been shown to significantly contribute to total N rhizome deposition in early phase of legume growth. the deposition from roots can be absorbed into non-legumes, with uptake of inorganic and organic N, or via soil microbes transfer, making available indirect N transfer of root N exudates. These exudates contain some compounds which may stimulate arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi symbiosis, another important way of N transfer. The mycorrhizae can influence N transfer directly, via their mycelial connections between legumes and non-legumes, and therefore indirectly, by N uptake into the mycorrhizal system. This N can then be transferred and made available to non-legumes.

Bacteria, fungi, mycorrhiza, cyanobacteria are better biofertilizer which fixes nitrogen and increase soil fertility.

Dr Sunil Meghwanshi thank you for your contribution to discussion

Keeping the soil covered with mulch, straw or leaf litter is the first step in promoting soil biota. A living ground cover of plants is even better. Plants devote considerable energy to encouraging soil organisms by secreting sugars, vitamins and other organic compounds into the soil. Warmth, moisture, pH levels and oxygen levels are the four big physical and chemical factors affecting microbial growth.In the symbiosis, rhizobia or bradyrhizobia fix nitrogen gas from the atmosphere and make it available to the legume. In exchange, they receive carbon from the legume. The symbiosis is highly specific and particular species of rhizobia and bradyrhizobia are required for each legume. They increase soil fertility by incorporating air, minerals and nitrogenous compounds. They contribute in increasing plant growth by providing essential elements, minerals that plants cannot utilize by their Owen. Microorganisms decompose organic matter to simpler form that can be easily uptake by plants. Microorganisms like Rhizobium are present in the root nodules of the leguminous plants. Rhizobium fixes the nitrogen in the soil for the leguminous plants to absorb the nitrogen. They decompose dead and decaying matter and help in recycling nutrients back to the soil. This prevents the accumulation of dead organic matter and helps in adding nitrogenous compounds to the soil, thereby increasing soil fertility. 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. Bacteria help fix the atmospheric nitrogen with the help of nitrogenase enzyme and increase the nitrogen content in the soil. It is referred to as Nitrogen-fixing Bacteria. As Nostoc, Anabaena, Azotobacter, etc. Many heterotrophic bacteria live in the soil and fix significant levels of nitrogen without the direct interaction with other organisms. Examples of this type of nitrogen-fixing bacteria include species of Azotobacter, Bacillus, Clostridium, and Klebsiella.

The use of organic matter, the use of compost and the use of organic manure.

Dr Jude Aremu thank you for your contribution to discussion

Increasing Microorganisms in Soil

A thriving community of microorganisms is essential for healthy soil, as they contribute to numerous vital processes like nutrient cycling, decomposition, and disease suppression. Here are some ways to boost their numbers:

Feed the Microbes:

• Compost: Rich in organic matter and beneficial microbes, compost provides a readily available food source for existing microbes and attracts new ones. Apply compost regularly to your soil.📷Opens in a new window📷blackearthcompost.comCompost for soil
• Cover Crops: Growing cover crops, like legumes and clovers, adds organic matter to the soil when tilled under and also supports nitrogen-fixing bacteria.📷Opens in a new window📷www.agri-pulse.comCover crops for soil
• Mulch: Organic mulches like leaves, straw, or wood chips suppress weeds, retain moisture, and provide a slow-release food source for microbes as they decompose.📷Opens in a new window📷grow.ifa.coopMulch for soil

Create a Favorable Environment:

• Minimize Tillage: Excessive tillage disrupts the soil structure and harms microbial communities. Practice no-till or minimal tillage methods whenever possible.
• Maintain Moisture: Microbes need moisture to thrive. Water your soil deeply and regularly, avoiding overwatering.
• Diversify Plant Life: Planting a variety of crops encourages a wider range of beneficial microbes adapted to different plant needs.

Nitrogen-Fixing Microorganisms

Several types of microorganisms play a crucial role in fixing atmospheric nitrogen and making it available to plants:

• Rhizobia: These bacteria form symbiotic relationships with legumes, living in root nodules and converting atmospheric nitrogen into plant-usable forms.📷Opens in a new window📷www.krugerseed.comRhizobia bacteria
• Cyanobacteria: Found in both soil and water, cyanobacteria fix nitrogen independently and contribute to soil fertility in rice paddies and other environments.
• Azospirillum: These free-living bacteria live in the soil around plant roots and fix small amounts of nitrogen while also promoting plant growth through other mechanisms.

Encouraging Nitrogen-Fixing Microorganisms:

• Inoculate seeds: Introduce specific strains of nitrogen-fixing bacteria to legume seeds before planting to ensure their colonization and nitrogen fixation.
• Rotate crops: Include legumes in your crop rotation to build up soil nitrogen over time.
• Provide adequate nutrients: Nitrogen-fixing bacteria require other nutrients like phosphorus and molybdenum to function effectively. Ensure your soil has balanced nutrient levels.

By implementing these practices, you can create a thriving microbial community in your soil, leading to improved soil fertility, plant health, and overall ecosystem resilience.

Remember, a healthy soil teeming with life is the foundation for a productive and sustainable agricultural system.

Dr Murtadha Shukur thank you for your contribution to discussion

Legumes improve soil fertility through the symbiotic association with microorganisms, such as rhizobia, which fix the atmospheric nitrogen and make nitrogen available to the host and other crops by a process known as biological nitrogen fixation (BNF). 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 like Rhizobium are present in the root nodules of the leguminous plants. Rhizobium fixes the nitrogen in the soil for the leguminous plants to absorb the nitrogen. Both the organic nutrients and nitrogen can improve the soil fertility for better plant growth. The growth of soil microbes is usually carbon-limited, so the high amounts of sugars, amino acids, and organic acids that plants deposit into the rhizosphere represent a valuable nutrition source. Dead plant residues and plant nutrients become food for the microbes in the soil. Soil organic matter (SOM) is basically all the organic substances in the soil, both living and dead. Many heterotrophic bacteria live in the soil and fix significant levels of nitrogen without the direct interaction with other organisms. As type of nitrogen-fixing bacteria include species of Azotobacter, Bacillus, Clostridium, and Klebsiella. They increase soil fertility by incorporating air, minerals and nitrogenous compounds. They contribute in increasing plant growth by providing essential elements, minerals that plants cannot utilize by their Owen. Microorganisms decompose organic matter to simpler form that can be easily uptake by plants. This can be achieved through the use of grain legumes, which enhance soil fertility through biological nitrogen fixation, and the application of chemical fertilizers.