Antimicrobial and Antibacterial Agents

Agricultural Microbiology and Soil Microbiology

Agricultural microbiology is a microbiology branch that discusses plant-associated microbes and diseases of plants and animals. It also addresses soil fertility microbiology, such as microbial degradation of organic matter and transformation of soil nutrients. Soil microbiology is the study of soil microorganisms, their functions and how they affect the properties of soil. It is assumed that the first ancient bacteria and microorganisms came into being on Earth's oceans about two and four billion years ago. Such bacteria could trap nitrogen, compounded over time, and oxygen released into the atmosphere as a result. This resulted in more advanced microorganisms that are significant because they influence the structure and fertility of the soil. Soil microorganisms can be classified as bacteria, actinomycetes, fungi, algae and protozoa. Each of these groups has features that define them and their soil functions.