What are beneficial microorganisms (bacteria & fungi)?
Beneficial microbes are a large group of organisms that can be used as soil inoculants to increase the microbial diversity of soils, improve soil’s quality, health, and the growth, yield, and performance of crops. These microorganisms are sometimes unknown or not very well identified and the beneficial effects are difficult to predict. The beneficial microorganisms can help improve the effect of management practices such as crop rotations, incorporation of organic amendments, conservation tillage, crop residue recycling, and biocontrol of pests. Bacteria are only observable when they grow in colonies on nutrient agar or under the light and electronic microscopes. Bacteria carry out metabolic activities such as respiration, photosynthesis, and the synthesis of biological macromolecules. Bacteria have the ability to form a resting spore, which allow them to survive extreme periods of heat, cold, and desiccation.
