Historical developments in soil microbiology
Unculturable microorganisms - Metagenomic approach
Factors influencing the soil microbial diversity
Unit II Microbial Processes in soil
Carbon cycle: Organic matter decomposition and humus formation
Organic matter decomposition and humus formation- C:N ratio.. Carbon cycle. Nitrogen cycle - biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) – nodulation and biochemistry of BNF. Phosphorus cycle and sulphur cycle. Microbial transformation of potassium, zinc and silica in soil – role of soil enzymes