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The microbial community in the soil is just as important as that in the human gut. So, what type of bacteria is found in healthy soil? Let’s find out.
What Type of Bacteria is Found in Healthy Soil? 5 Heroes & Permanent Soil’s Inhabitants
The bacteria found in the soil surrounding us are directly related to the recycling of nutrients, more specifically carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulphur. They are the main class of microorganisms that keep the soil healthy as well as productive and can survive under harsh or changing soil conditions.
Do you want to find out what type of bacteria is found in healthy soil? Keep reading this short guide to find out.
#1 Bacillus
The genus Bacillus is one of the dominant bacterial genera that can be found in soil. It is endowed with enormous genetic and metabolic diversity and serves multiple ecological functions in the soil ecosystem.
Members of the genus Bacillus have multiple beneficial properties such as general improvement of growth through the production of phytohormones and protection from pathogens.
#2 Rhizobium
Rhizobium species of bacteria are usually associated with the host plant to form nitrogen nodules to fix nitrogen for plant growth. In short, they take nitrogen from the atmosphere and convert it into a form that will be useful to plants.
Precisely because of all their effects, these bacteria are considered important for the process of improving soil yield and fertility and are considered an integral part of every healthy soil.
Some even like to call them soil engineers because they can be very helpful in protecting against phytopathogens and soil-borne diseases.
#3 Arthrobacter
Arthrobacter is a group of pleomorphic bacteria of ubiquitous origin. They are difficult to classify, but they are known for being able to efficiently utilize organic and inorganic compounds as metabolic substrates, thus acting as a bioremediation tool in agriculture.
Furthermore, it is very important to emphasize that this type of bacteria is directly related to the growth-promoting activity.
#4 Pseudomonas
Pseudomonas is an extremely diverse genus of γ-Proteobacteria, and frankly one of the most important members of any microbial community. Their distribution in the soil plays a key role in promoting growth and controlling pathogenicity.
They are efficient colonizers of below-ground parts of plants, and most members have both disease-suppressive and anti-insect pest activities.
#5 Flavobacterium
The amazing genus Flavobacterium is characterized by its ability to metabolize complex organic compounds and its gliding motility mechanism. They are dominant rhizosphere bacteria with beneficial effects on agricultural crops and are mandatory inhabitants of every healthy soil.
This genus promotes plant growth by increasing the availability of nutrients, production of plant hormones, as well as increased tolerance to abiotic stresses, and adaptation to environmental variations.
Learn more about beneficial bacteria for your plants.
To Wrap Things Up
Everyone will agree that bacteria are an important part of the soil’s biotic component because they are responsible for numerous physiological activities in the soil.
So, whether you’re a beginner or a master gardener, feel free to use these powerful helpers in your garden, plants have been doing it for millions of years.
Author’s bio
Tony Manhart is the founder and editor in chief at Gardening Dream. Tony’s enthusiasm and rich experience in all things related to growing plants have led him to share his knowledge with gardening aficionados all over the world. When he is not working around his garden, Tony spends his time writing tips and tricks on various subjects related to plant cultivation and soil maintenance.
