ABSTRACT

Microorganisms play a major role in breaking down plant and animal residues and are also an important reservoir of organic C in soil. Particular groups of microorganisms are thought to play key roles, especially those producing extracellular enzymes. Both plants and microorganisms produce organic anions and phosphatases that solubilize mineral phosphates. This chapter discusses a better understanding of the microbiology that underpins soil nutrient cycling will aid the management of nutrients and suggests mitigation strategies, leading to more sustainable agricultural practices. In addition to providing a substrate for plants, soil also hosts a complex food web of microorganisms, microfauna, and mesofauna. Soil microorganisms are involved in the “weathering” of rocks to release soluble elements from the constituent minerals and in solubilizing mineral fertilizers. Managing agricultural soils to minimize the adverse effects on the microbiome and to select for beneficial active groups by optimizing pH, organic matter, and moisture, may be a more efficient way of supporting sustainable agriculture.