"Soil microbiology is the study of microorganisms in soil, their functions, and how they affect soil properties."
Study of microorganisms that live in soil, including bacteria, fungi, and other organisms, and their roles in soil fertility, nutrient cycling, and plant growth.
"It is believed that between two and four billion years ago, the first ancient bacteria and microorganisms came about on Earth's oceans."
"These bacteria could fix nitrogen, in time multiplied, and as a result released oxygen into the atmosphere."
"Advanced microorganisms are important because they affect soil structure and fertility."
"Soil microorganisms can be classified as bacteria, actinomycetes, fungi, algae, and protozoa."
"Up to 10 billion bacterial cells inhabit each gram of soil in and around plant roots, a region known as the rhizosphere."
"A team detected more than 33,000 bacterial and archaeal species on sugar beet roots."
"A region known as the rhizosphere."
"The composition of the rhizobiome can change rapidly in response to changes in the surrounding environment."
"The study of microorganisms in soil, their functions, and how they affect soil properties."
"Between two and four billion years ago."
"These bacteria...result released oxygen into the atmosphere."
"Advanced microorganisms are...important because they affect soil structure and fertility."
"More than 33,000 bacterial and archaeal species."
"Each of these groups has characteristics that define them and their functions in soil."
"The rhizosphere."
"Up to 10 billion bacterial cells inhabit each gram of soil in and around plant roots."
"In 2011."
Viruses (not mentioned in the paragraph)
"The composition of the rhizobiome can change rapidly in response to changes in the surrounding environment."