Microorganisms & Plants

Of the soil organisms, bacteria are the most numerous.  Bacteria breakdown organic matter and minerals into forms that can be used by plants.  

Effective growers need to know the job microorganisms do so that he or she can manage them.  Growers also need to know which strains of beneficial organisms do the best job of decomposing organic matter, releasing food elements, break down minerals, work with enzymes and hormones for plants to use, and which strains best condition soils for plant utilization.  

To begin to understand what microorganisms do, here briefly is their function…they are the most vital force in the decay of dead plant material and making nutrition available to plants.  Feeding on dead plant materials in soils, micro-organisms breakdown the sugars, starches, cellulose, lignin, proteins and fatty substances of plant tissues and excrete as waste products the carbon dioxide, ammonia and minerals needed by plants for growth and production.  In soilless mediums, microbes make nutrient additives more readily available for the plants

As organic materials decompose, large quantities of carbonic acid is produced. This acid has solvent effect on soil minerals, and these acids change minerals from insoluble to soluble for plants to use. 

During decomposition of organic matter, a continuous supply of carbon dioxide, nitrogen in various forms, phosphorus, and other nutrients essential the plant growth are liberated. Organic matter serves as a storage facility for mineral nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, and many others, lessening the danger of nitrogen loss by leaching. 

Microorganisms produce growth regulation substances such as hormones, auxins, and others that function directly in the plants much like vitamins in our nutrition.