Agricultural Microbiology

Agricultural microbiology is a branch of science that studies different microorganisms that are associated with plants, soil fertility, and even animal diseases.

  • The microorganisms associated with plants include organisms of different groups like bacteria, fungi, actinomycetes, and protozoa.
  • Agricultural microbiology has been extensively studied for the decade as it helps to understand the importance of relevant microbial strains to agricultural applications to minimize agricultural loss, increase soil fertility, and harvest.
  • There is a symbiotic relationship between plants and the associated microorganisms where both benefit from each other.
  • Besides, different topics within agricultural microbiology help in the diagnosis and prevention of plant diseases that might result from plant pathogens.
  • Agricultural microbiology helps in the understanding of the specific plant requirements that include soil texture, soil nutrients, water content, and associated microorganisms.
  • Based on the studies made in agricultural microbiology, different microorganisms can be used for different purposes, all ultimately leading to minimizing loss of plant and plant products and increasing fertility and harvest.
  • These studies also help reduce production costs and explore areas for the production of plants in laboratories via techniques like plant tissue culture.
  • The dominant group of microorganisms found in the soil and plants is bacteria. These bacteria are present in a symbiotic relationship with the plants to help in processes like nitrogen fixation and mineral supply.
  • Bacteria are followed by actinomycetes, as the second most dominant group. Actinomycetes are also studied in agricultural microbiology as they produce different groups of antibiotics and also help in increasing the fertility of the soil.
  • Well-aerated, cultivated, or acidic soils are mostly colonized by fungi which in association with plants help in increasing the harvest by providing necessary minerals and vitamins.
  • Agricultural microbiology allows for the exploration of new and advanced techniques that can be used in agricultural practices to make the practices safer and reliable.