Earth Science, Earth's System, ES 1: Geochemical Cycles (HS), ES 1: Materials/Energy Flow (MS), ES 2: Hydrological Cycle (MS), ES 3: Earth's Resources (MS), ES 3: Hydrological Cycle (HS), ES 4: Carbon Cycling (HS), ES 5: Life on Earth (HS), Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems, IR 1: Ecosystem Interactions (MS), M&E 3: Food Webs (MS), M&E 4: Biogeochemical Cycles (MS), M&E 5: Matter/Energy Cycles (HS), M&E 6: Biogeochemical Cycles (HS), Matter & Energy in Organisms/Ecosystems, W&C 2: Biomes (MS), Weather and Climate

Protozoa and plant growth: the microbial loop in soil revisited

GwynneL.

Protozoa and plant growth: the microbial loop in soil revisited (NOT OPEN ACCESS)

SUMMARY: This is an in-depth review on the rhizosphere and the interactions between protozoa, nematodes, and plant roots.

LESSON COMMENTS: This can be read like a textbook for students. Alternatively, teachers can assign relevant sections. The rhizosphere can be grown and observed in a petri dish (see pictures in section III). This small ecosystem near the roots of plants and its role in ecosystems has greater implications when it comes to agriculture, fertilizers, nitrogen and carbon used by plants, and pollutants changing the interactions between microorganisms.

Bonkowski, Michael. (2004). Protozoa and plant growth: The microbial loop in soil revisited. New Phytol. 162. 617–631. 10.1111/j.1469-8137.2004.01066.x.