Soil and Water Microbiology

Description

Soil and water microbiology is the scientific discipline that is concerned with the study of all biological aspects of the microorganisms (bacteria, archaea, viruses, fungi, parasites and protozoa) that exist in the soil environment and water. Soils into which crop plants root and from which they obtain essential minerals and water contain huge arrays of microbes. Many have highly beneficial effects on crop growth and productivity, others are pathogens causing diseases and losses to yield and quality, a few microbes offer protection from these pathogenic forms and others have little or no effect. This book explores current knowledge for each of these aspects of soil and water microbiology and indicates where future progress is most likely to aid in increasing crop productivity by means which are environmentally benign and beneficial. This is a valuable book for those who require up to date knowledge of the impact of soil and water microbiology on sustainable crop production. This edition provides readable, practical and impactful information for its many applied and fundamental disciplines. Professionals will turn to this text as a reference for fundamental knowledge in their field or to study management practices.