SLSC 342

An introduction to the principles of soil microbiology in agroecosystems. The bacteria, archaea and fungi that live in soil have many critical roles in agroecosystems. They affect crop growth through their roles in nutrient cycling and acquisition, by regulating soil physical and chemical characteristics and by protecting plants from pathogens. They are responsible for the nutrient transformations that can lead to nutrient losses as runoff, leaching or gaseous emissions. Impacts of on-farm management practices that affect the abundance and activity of microbes in the soil will be discussed. Approaches for optimizing soil health and crop productivity will be explored.