Encyclopaedia Of Soil Microbiology

Bacteria are the smallest organisms in the soil and are the only soil microorganisms that are prokaryotic. All of the other microorganisms are eukaryotic, which means they have a more advanced cell structure with internal organelles and the advanced ability to reproduce sexually. A prokaryote has a very simple cell structure with no internal organelles. Bacteria are the most abundant microorganisms in the soil, and serve many important purposes, one of those being nitrogen fixation among other biochemical processes. Living organisms both plant and animal types constitute an important component of soil. Though these organisms form only a fraction of the total soil mass, but they play important role in supporting plant communities on the earth surface. While studying the scope and importance of soil microbiology, soil-plant-animal ecosystem as such must be taken into account. The book is complete and self sufficient in boosting their awareness and understanding about the microbes in soil and their effect on life.