Role of Bacteria in Pedogenesis

Most commonly microorganisms are known as disease causing agents amongst common people but when we turn towards their positive aspects they do wonderful things. Microbes have remained an integral part of soil since ever earth originated. They are capable of turning soil into waste land and further into productive soil. A teaspoon of soil contains millions of bacteria which functions to increase soil fertility and plant growth by providing air, minerals and organic compounds. These microbes are primary decomposers of organic matter. The physical and chemical composition of soil varies throughout the earth. The soil bearing high number of microorganisms considered as most fertile soil. These tiny creatures ensure the permanent existence of nutrients in soil. Due to their role in pedogenesis and improvement of soil fertility these minute entities have become major subject of investigation in recent past. Nutrient development in soil is carried out via biological transformation through action of microorganism. Without microbes, soil would be a virtually inert (lifeless) body but with them, soil is truly a living, dynamic system. Microbes and the humus produced by them work as a glue to hold soil particles together in aggregates hence improves soil tilth and decrease soil depletion or erosion. Well aggregated soil provides the rightful combination of air and water to plant roots.