The micro-organisms of the soil

Delve into the hidden world beneath our feet, where countless microscopic organisms quietly shape the health of crops and ecosystems. This volume outlines how soil microbes depend on plant roots for energy while simultaneously breaking down ancient plant residues, recycling nutrients, and even producing essential compounds like nitrates that feed growing vegetation. Readers will discover the delicate balance between beneficial microbes that enrich soils and those that can harm plants, revealing the complex interplay that underpins agricultural productivity.

Authored by a team of leading scientists from a renowned research station, each chapter is written by the specialist responsible for that group of organisms, ensuring clear, focused explanations. The book also traces the historical evolution of soil‑population concepts, from early observations of humus formation to modern understandings of nitrification and microbial ecology. Ideal for students and anyone curious about the unseen forces that sustain our food supply, it offers a compelling glimpse into a field where biology, chemistry, and agriculture converge.