I have been studying the effect of climate change on soil microbial activity for a few months now, so I thought to share the importance of soil microbial communities in food systems so you can understand its relevance even without being a scientist.
Microbes have existed for over 3.5 billion years. There are five major kinds of microbes; bacteria, algae, fungi, protozoa, and viruses.
Studies have shown that soil microbes contribute to soil fertility. The decomposition of dead plants and animals is due to the below-ground activity of microbes such as bacteria and fungi. The products of this process are the topsoil, minerals, and nutrients, which become available to other animals and plants.
Studies have also shown that declining human health and poor nutrition in the United States are related to nutrient-deficient foods produced on soils of poor health. Soil microbes are important for the development of healthy soil structure, and they produce substances that help cement soil aggregates and help to maintain the functional capacity of both agricultural and natural ecosystems
Soil microbes such as bacteria and fungi form symbiotic relationships with plant roots to exchange nutrients, thus improving resilience of plants to pests and disease.
Soil microbes also provide ecological services such as climate regulation, by sequestering carbon which is a significant way of reducing atmospheric greenhouse gasses such as C02 and help to reduce the impact of greenhouse gas-induced climate change. This is based on the fact that the soil houses the largest carbon pool in the terrestrial biosphere.
Overall, soil microbes aid vigorous plant growth via nutrient cycling as mentioned earlier; decomposition of organic substances leading to soil organic matter and aggregate formation; protection from plant pathogens; and synthesis of plant growth-regulating compounds for root growth stimulation and vegetative production.
AGSC 5110 Research Methods 