Microbes in terrestrial environments are important catalysts of global carbon and nitrogen cycles, including the production and consumption of greenhouse gases in soil. Some microbes produce the greenhouse gases carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrous oxide (N2O) while decomposing organic matter in soil. Plant and soil surface-associated bacteria can promote plant growth in multiple ways such as nutrient cycling, mineral solubilization, and protecting plants against biotic and abiotic stresses. Biofilm bacteria play an important role in enhancing soil fertility and bioremediation. Both plants and microorganisms obtain their nutrients from soil and change soil properties by organic litter deposition and metabolic activities, respectively. Microorganisms have a range of direct effects on plants through, e.g., manipulation of hormone signaling and protection against pathogens.

Plant and soil surface-associated bacteria can promote plant growth in multiple ways such as nutrient cycling, mineral solubilization, and protecting plants against biotic and abiotic stresses. Biofilm bacteria play an important role in enhancing soil fertility and bioremediation. Microbes in terrestrial environments are important catalysts of global carbon and nitrogen cycles, including the production and consumption of greenhouse gases in soil. Some microbes produce the greenhouse gases carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrous oxide (N2O) while decomposing organic matter in soil.Beneficial soil microbes perform fundamental functions such as nutrient cycling, breaking down crop residues, and stimulating plant growth. While the role of microbes to maintain soil health and contribute to crop performance is clear, the soil biological component is extremely difficult to observe and manage. Bacteria improve the soil so that new plants can become established. Without bacteria, new plant populations and communities struggle to survive or even exist. Bacteria change the soil environment so that certain plant species can exist and proliferate. Bacteria help in fixing atmospheric nitrogen and increase the nitrogen available for the plants. Bacteria decompose the decaying matter and increase the nutrient content. They also help in improving the texture and quality of the soil.