Back K. M. Goh
Professor, Soil and Physical Sciences Group, Soil, Plant and Ecological
Sciences Division,
PO Box 84, Lincoln University, Canterbury New Zealand
Full Paper (PDF File: 66KB)
Abstract
Organic and nature farming systems are driven by nature. In these farming systems, soil micro-organisms play a pivotal role as the main driving forces. The use of soil microbial technologies to improve the efficiency of farming and to ensure the safe management of the environment is an important development because the ultimate success of humankind and the health of the planet relies on the development of efficient and sustainable agricultural systems and improved environmental stewardship.
Many important processes in soils (e.g. biological nitrogen fixation, residue decomposition, mineralization/immobilization turnover, nutrient cycling, denitrification) are mediated by soil micro-organisms. Although these processes at the cellular level are well understood and documented, less is known about them in practical farming systems especially in organic farming. Microbial interactions and activity in soils are complex and are affected not only by environmental factors (e.g. temperature, soil moisture, soil pH) but also by soil management practices. The latter is generally within the control of farmers and thus provides a means for farmers to manipulate microbial activity and processes to enhance crop yields and long-term soil productivity.
This review discusses the major roles of soil micro-organisms in organic farming and the impact of soil management practices on microbial population and functions in soils. The manipulation of soil microbial activity to benefit organic farming systems through soil management practices is emphasized. Recent research findings are highlighted.