Soil microflora
9. Food and energy supply: Almost all microorganisms obtain their food and energy from the
plant residues or organic matter / substances added to the soil. Energy is required for the
metabolic activities of microorganisms. The heterotrophs utilize the energy liberated during
the oxidation of complex organic compounds in soil, while autotrophs meet their energy
requirement form oxidation of simple inorganic compounds (chemoautotroph) or from solar
radiation (Photoautotroph). Thus, the source of food and energy rich material is essential for
the microbial activity in soil. The organic matter, therefore serves both as a source of food
nutrients as well as energy required by the soil organisms.
10. Nature of Soil: The physical, chemical and physico-chemical nature of soil and its nutrient
status influence the microbial population both quantitatively and qualitatively. The chemical
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