Which microorganism is responsible for maintaining soil fertility and in recycling of matter and role of bacteria living in the soil in recycling nitrogen?
Various microorganisms play crucial roles in maintaining soil fertility and recycling matter, and one group of key players in this process is bacteria. Specifically, nitrogen-fixing bacteria are essential for recycling nitrogen in the soil.
Nitrogen-Fixing Bacteria:
Nitrogen is a vital element for plant growth, and it often limits plant productivity in natural ecosystems. Nitrogen-fixing bacteria, such as those belonging to the genera Rhizobium and Bradyrhizobium, form symbiotic relationships with certain plants, especially legumes (e.g., peas, beans, clover).
These bacteria take atmospheric nitrogen (N2) and convert it into a form (ammonium, NH4+) that plants can use. This process is known as nitrogen fixation.
The plants, in turn, provide the bacteria with sugars and other organic compounds. This mutualistic relationship enhances soil fertility by making nitrogen more accessible to plants.
Decomposer Bacteria:
Decomposer bacteria, such as Pseudomonas, Bacillus, and Clostridium, play a crucial role in the decomposition of organic matter in the soil.
They break down complex organic compounds from dead plant and animal material into simpler forms, releasing nutrients back into the soil. This process is a fundamental part of the nutrient cycle.
Nitrifying Bacteria:
Nitrifying bacteria, including Nitrosomonas and Nitrobacter, are responsible for converting ammonium (NH4+) into nitrites (NO2-) and then into nitrates (NO3-).
This nitrification process is important because it transforms nitrogen into a form that is readily taken up by plants.
Denitrifying Bacteria:
Denitrifying bacteria, like Pseudomonas and Paracoccus, participate in the final step of the nitrogen cycle by converting nitrates (NO3-) into nitrogen gas (N2) or nitrous oxide (N2O), which is then released into the atmosphere.
This helps prevent the accumulation of excessive nitrates in the soil, balancing the nitrogen cycle.
Overall, the activities of these bacteria contribute to soil fertility by recycling essential nutrients and making them available to plants in a form they can use for growth.
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