Prior to your laboratory, complete these questions: 1. Why are bacteria populati

Question

Prior to your laboratory, complete these questions: 1. Why are bacteria populations critical to a soil's fertility (its ability to support plant growth)? 2. Why is the abundance and diversity of soil organisms (such as macroinvertebrates and fungi) often higher when bacteria are more abundant and diverse? 3. Why do soil bacteria link strongly to human well-being? 4. How might adding i) a source of N (e.g, fertilizer) or (i) a source of C (eg, mulch) influ- ence the abundance and diversity of bacteria living in a particular soil? How might the effects of adding either-or both- of these amendments (N and/or C) dif- fer depending on the source of the soil (e.g, soil from an Arizona desert vs. lowa corn field)? 5.

Explanation / Answer

Ans 1. Bacteria populations present in soil play an important role in the formation of humus which is rich in organic nutrients by decomposing dead remains of plant and animals. They help in nitrogen fixation also.

Ans2. Bacteria may be more abundant and diverse than many soil microorganisms but many of them cannot thrive on soil as they depend on temperature, pH and other factors of their surroundings. Some bacteria are found in only cold climates, some in very hot climates and others in the digestive tract of humans and animals. Soil microorganisms on the other hand complete their whole life cycle in the soil.

Ans3. Soil bacteria provide nutrients for plants. Plants and crops are our major source of food. Bacteria population indirectly affects our well being.

Ans4. The biomass of bacteria living in soil increases as fertilizers provide nutrients to these microorganisms.

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