What is the major function of the bacteria and fungi which live in the soil? What is the importance of bacteria and fungi in decomposition?
Decomposers are the waste managers of any ecosystem. They are the final link in a food web breaking down dead organic matter from producers and consumers. The decomposition results in simple inorganic molecules which are returned to the soil. Fungi perform important functions within the soil in relation to nutrient cycling; disease suppression and water dynamics, all of which help plants become healthier and more vigorous. Along with bacteria, fungi are important decomposers of hard to digest organic matter. Bacteria and fungi feed on dead and decaying organic matter and convert complex organic molecules into simple ones. Thus, they perform the role of decomposers.Bacteria and fungi are decomposer because they break down the dead and decaying organic matter into a simpler substance. It provides the nutrients back to the soil. Bacteria perform many important ecosystem services in the soil including improved soil structure and soil aggregation, recycling of soil nutrients, and water recycling. Soil bacteria form micro aggregates in the soil by binding soil particles together with their secretions. These microorganisms increase the nutrient bioavailability through nitrogen fixation and mobilization of key nutrients to the crop plants while remediate soil structure by improving its aggregation and stability. Bacteria break down (or decompose) dead organisms, animal waste, and plant litter to obtain nutrients. But microbes don't just eat nature's waste, they recycle it. The process of decomposition releases chemicals that can be used to build new plants and animals. Fungi and bacteria are essential to many basic ecosystem processes. Some types of fungi and bacteria can break down fallen wood and litter returning nutrients to the soil. Other types can fix nitrogen in the soil and help plants get nutrients from the soil. Fungi and bacteria are the major organisms decomposing dead leaves and other organic matter. Most decomposers are microscopic organisms, including protozoa and bacteria. Other decomposers are big enough to see without a microscope. They include fungi along with invertebrate organisms sometimes called detritivores, which include earthworms, termites, and millipedes.
In answer to your question, specifically regarding fungi, it would depend upon the species of fungus. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AM Fungi) help to create soil aggregates, by binding soil particles together with sticky hyphal residues. Additionally, AM Fungi are obligate symbionts with some 95% of terrestrial vascular plants. Fungal mycelium travel further our into the edaphic environment than plant roots do, enabling the transfer of water and nutrients which the plants cannot access, in exchange for carbohydrates. AM Fungi are found inter- and intra-cellular in plants, but can only be observed under a microscope, following clearing and staining protocols.
Decomposers are the waste managers of any ecosystem. They are the final link in a food web breaking down dead organic matter from producers and consumers. The decomposition results in simple inorganic molecules which are returned to the soil. Soil bacteria and soil fungi are the start of the soil food web that supports other soil organisms and the functions of a healthy soil. Diverse populations of soil bacteria and fungi can suppress root diseases. Soil bacteria and fungi are encouraged by ground cover and organic matter inputs. Certain bacteria and fungi can enrich the soil with nutrients. Nitrogen fixers acquire nitrogen from the atmosphere, supplying it with ammonium while nitrifiers convert ammonium into nitrates. Mycorrhiza can provide phosphorus in exchange for carbon sources derived from the plants they colonize. Bacteria and fungi are required to maintain a healthy environment. Not only do they recycle natural wastes and dead animal and plant matter, they also produce many of the nutrients that plants need to grow. Bacteria, in particular, are the only living things that can fix nitrogen for use in plants. Bacteria and fungi feed on dead and decaying organic matter and convert complex organic molecules into simple ones. Thus, they perform the role of decomposers.
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