soil bacteria
Earth's tiny recyclers
Soil bacteria are microscopic single-celled organisms that live in dirt, playing essential roles in decomposition, nutrient cycling, and plant health.
They break down organic matter, fix nitrogen from the atmosphere, and form symbiotic relationships with plant roots.
A single gram of healthy soil contains billions of bacteria representing thousands of species.
Soil bacteria convert dead leaves into nutrients plants can absorb.
- decomposersOrganisms breaking down dead material
- microbiologyStudy of microscopic life
- root zoneSoil surrounding active roots
- aerobicRequiring free oxygen
- biofertilizersLiving organisms improving soil
biopesticides · microorganism · compost · biofilm · dirt · pathogen · organic · carbon sequestration · decay · loam · symbiosis · nitrogen · nutrient · organic matter · mulch · manure · humus · fertile
soil bacteriaearthworms
Soil-dwelling segmented invertebrates
plant roots · nematodes · burrowing mammals · moles · tree roots