12 The role of soil microbiology in sustainable intensive agriculture

Abstract

Publisher Summary To understand the rationale for sustainable agriculture, one must appreciate the critical importance of soil. Soil a complex, living, fragile medium that must be protected and nurtured to ensure its long-term productivity and stability. Because the maintenance of soil structure and fertility is of paramount importance for plant growth and because this in turn is dependent on the activities of soil organisms, soil microbiology has a significant role to play in intensive sustainable agriculture. Consideration of this role will focus on those aspects of soil microbiology that contribute directly and indirectly to plant growth. This includes discussion of the importance of soil micro-organisms to the maintenance of soil structure, their role in nutrient recycling, and their beneficial and detrimental interactions with plants. Consideration is also given to prospects for the management of soil micro-organisms in sustainable agricultural systems and the potential of using microbial activities and/or populations of soil micro-organisms as indicators of sustainability.