Question

What is the importance of microorganisms in agriculture?

Answer 1

Agriculture:

The practice of planting crops on a large scale is called agriculture.

Microorganisms play an important role in agriculture:

1. Microorganisms help increase soil fertility. Some microorganisms such as bacteria are very good decomposers. They decompose dead organic matter. This substance when mixed with the soil will make it fertile.
2. Some microorganisms like Rhizobium form symbiotic associations with plants and form root nodules. These organisms fix atmospheric nitrogen and supply it to plants.
3. Biological fertilizers obtained from microorganisms are very good for improving soil quality and fertility. They are also environmentally friendly and do not cause any toxic or dangerous effects.
4. Rhizobium, Azotobacter, Azospirillum, and Mycorrhiza act as biofertilizers.
5. Microorganisms such as filamentous fungi play an important role in soil agglomeration.
6. Microorganisms play an important role in the nutrient cycle.
7. Some bacteria (Plant Growth Promoting Bacteria) secrete phytochemicals and organic acids that are helpful in the growth and development of plants.
8. Microorganisms help maintain soil pH but balance nutrients and minerals.