What are the potential roles of soil microorganisms in regulating the effect of soil nutrient heterogeneity on plant performance?
Soil microorganisms have a significant role in regulating the effects of nutrient heterogeneity on plant performance. They mobilize nutrients, cycle them through decomposition and mineralization processes, and form symbiotic associations with plants, such as mycorrhizal fungi. Microorganisms compete with plants for nutrients but can also facilitate plant growth by acquiring and releasing nutrients. Additionally, microbial activities influence soil structure and water availability, aiding in nutrient distribution and water retention.
Soil microorganisms have diverse, direct effects on plants, e.g., mineralization of organic matter and homogenization of patchy nutrients. Plants interact with soil microorganisms through metabolites exuded by the roots, particularly in the rhizospheric zone. Soil microbes play a vital role in the sustained growth of plants. They decompose and recycling nutrients bound in organic materials. They help access minerals in rocks large and small and, they can even refine nitrogen from the air into a useful form for plants. Microorganisms are responsible for the degradation of organic matter, which controls the release of plant nutrients, but is also important for the maintenance of soil structure and sustainability of soil quality for plant growth. Soil organisms are responsible for many important functions in the soil, including decomposing and breaking down organic matter, fixing atmospheric nitrogen, cycling nutrients, improving soil structure, improving soil fertility, and improving water holding capacity. Microorganisms increase the source of nitrogen in the soil, or they can supply it directly to the plant, as they have the ability to take and set nitrogen from the atmosphere. Thanks to microorganisms, there is an increase in the bioavailability of phosphorus in the soil. Within food plant cropping systems, microorganisms provide vital functions and ecosystem services, such as biological pest and disease control, promotion of plant growth and crop quality, and biodegradation of organic matter and pollutants. Retaining nutrients in the soil, preventing them from leaching, competing with, inhibiting and consuming diseases, decomposing plant residue, toxic materials and pollutants that kill plant roots, and. forming soil aggregates that improve water infiltration, root penetration and water-holding capacity of the soil. Like other living creatures, the organisms in the soil also need food and shelter. Some feed on dead organic matter, and some eat other microbes. As a group, they cycle nutrients, build the soil and give it structure.
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