Nutrient Recycling by Microbes for Healthy Soil

Soil is a source of various forms of life on the earth and performs various services in the ecosystem. Nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and sulphur are the major nutrients required by for the growth and development of plants. Microorganisms, present in large numbers in soil, help in the nutrient recycling by various processes including decomposition of organic matter and breakdown of the insoluble forms of nutrients to make them available to plants. Bacteria, fungi, actinomycetes, algae and archaea belonging to different genera help to facilitate recycling of nutrients. Additionally, the processes performed by microorganisms other than decomposition and breakdown also facilitate to provide other micronutrients to plants. Sustainable agriculture is one of the consequences along with other contributions by microorganisms towards healthy soil. This chapter focuses on the importance of microorganisms in the recycling of nutrients and improving the quality, structure and nutrient status of soil.