THE IMPORTANCE OF SOIL MICROBIAL ACTIVITIES Microbiology of Turf grass Soil

Turfgrass soils vary considerably in physical and chemical composition. However, regardless of their properties, most contain a vast array of living organisms, ranging from larger creatures such as earthworms and insects, to microscopic invertebrates, bacteria, fungi, actinomycetes, yeasts, algae and protozoa. All of these organisms affect turfgrass health in important ways. However, perhaps the most important and least understood are the bacteria, fungi and actinomycetes. Microorganisms occur in turfgrass soils in extremely high populations, making soils among the most dynamic sites of biological activity in nature. Many people assume that some turfgrass soils, such as those with high sand content or those that have received high doses of pesticides, lack microorganisms. This is untrue. Regardless of the soil type, texture or history, abundant microbial populations are present. (However, microbial activities may be lower and certainly are different in sandy soils or those that have been treated with pesticides.) Considerable diversity exists among turfgrass-soil microorganisms. It probably is safe to say that more biological diversity exists among the microorganisms in an ounce of soil than in the entire Amazon rain forest. This diversity is important in the maintenance of optimum soil and turfgrass health.