ABSTRACT
Fungi are an important component of the soil microbiota and fundamental for soil ecosystem functioning especially in forest and agricultural soils. Considering the broad spectrum roles of Aspergillus fungus, the review throws up insights into various beneficial effects imparted by Aspergillus species in agricultural soil and environment in contrast to their saprophytic or pathogenic identity. The ability of filamentous soil fungi Aspergillus niger has been discussed broadly regarding high solubilization activity of insoluble phosphates, such as Ca, Fe and Al phosphate. Organic phosphorous occurs in soil at the expense of plant and animal remains which are mainly composed of nucleic acids, phospholipids, sugar phosphates, phytic acids, polyphosphates and phosphonates. The saprophytic, asexual reproducing fungus Aspergillus fumigatus is commonly found in soil and compost piles with its primary ecological function of recycling carbon and nitrogen through the environment. The species of Aspergillus has been involved in the purification of soil contaminated with heavy metals, oil spills and microbial toxins.
