SOIL MICROBES

Purpose

To understand that millions of microorganisms live in a handful of soil and these microorganisms, some too small to see with the naked eye, eat organic matter such as grass clippings, fallen plant leaves, and algae. In doing so, they reduce dead organic matter on Earth's surface and release nutrients from the decomposing organic matter for living plants to use.

Overview

Various types of organisms and microorganisms live in soil. Moles, groundhogs, prarie dogs, and others of moderate size churn up the soil while making tunnels and burrows. Some microorganisms also burrow and channel through soil, which improves soil structure and aggregation, while other microorganisms have the ability to break down resistant organic matter such as lignin, toxins, and pesticides. Microorganisms also have the ability to protect plants from antagonistic pathogens and some can dissolve minerals, making nutrients available to plants.

Earthworms are like "Nature's Tillers". They incorporate dead organic matter into soil, ingest it, and excrete the nutrient rich casts on to and in soil. Earthworms improve aeration, water infiltration, drainage, and they enhance nutrient availability and cycling. Dung Beetles and Termites also incorporate dead organic matter into soil.

Fungi are able to break down resistant materials such as cellulose, gums, and lignin. They dominate in acidic, sandy soils and in fresh organic matter.

Actinomycetes also are able to decompose resistant substances in soil. One type, Frankia, help plants get nutrients needed from the air by breaking triple bonded nitrogen down into ammonium that plants can use. Antibiotics are made from soil Actinomycetes.

Bacteria decompose a wider range of earth material than any other microbe group. Heterotrophs gain their energy and Carbon from other organisms, while Autotrophs synthesize their own energy from light or by chemical oxidation. Some bacteria can fix nitrogen in to forms plants can use.

How quickly decomposition of dead organic matter occurs depends on soil temperature and soil moisture.

Without the microorganisms, dead organic matter would pile high on Earth's surface.

Time

15-30 minutes to perform initial activity steps. Then 30 minutes, once each week for four weeks, to observe changes, make comparisons, and write down observations.

Level

Beginner to Advanced

Key Concepts

• Microorganisms live in soil and decompose organic matter and detritus in various ways.
• Microorganisms differ in size and composition
• Microorganisms improve soil structure
• Microorganisms release nutrients from organic matter during decomposition, some dissolve minerals to release nutrients, while other microorganisms bring subsurface soil, and nutrients, to the surface for plants to use.
• Some microorganisms form a symbiotic relationship with plants: they get sugars from plants and they help plants get nutrients from organic matter.
• Some protect plants from antagonistic pathogens
• Some microorganisms can break down toxins and pesticides in soil, which prevents toxins and pesticides from entering into the groundwater
• Without microorganisms, the surface of earth would be piled high with dead organic matter

Skills

• Identifying the different types of microorganisms and where microorganisms live in the natural environment
• Understanding that their ability to break down dead organic matter, minerals, and toxins which results in the release of nutrients and the improvement of water quality
• Understanding competition exists between microorganisms and as a result some form symbiotic relationships with plants to get sugars, while providing a source of nutrients for plant roots.
• Applying this knowledge to what occurs in the natural environment (e.g. fallen leaves pile up, but over time they become wet from rainfall, become compacted, and available for microorganisms to decompose the organic matter).
• Acknowledging the importance of microorganisms in the environment and what would happen to Earth's surface and plant vitality without them

Materials and Tools

• 2 Handfuls of grass clippings
• 1 cup of potting soil
• 2 zip-closing plastic bags
• A sharp pencil
• A teaspoon

Preparation

Conduct a discussion about microbes, their composition, what they do, and where they are found in the natural environment. Discuss the decomposition of dead organic matter, toxins and pesticides. Discuss their relationship wth plants, the importance of microorganisms, and what would occur if they were not present in the food chain.

Background

The existence of soil is a primary component in the decompostion of dead organic matter. Soil needs to be at a minimum temperature and moisture level for active decomposition to occur. Air must be available for microorganisms to respire and decompose the dead organic matter. Over time, dead organic matter is reduced in size and volume, continually keeping Earth's surface clear of dead debris.

Composting is the process through which microbes in soil transform dead organic material, such as dead plants and animals, into humus. Humus is an important source of soil nutrients. Gardeners make compost piles by placing layers of kitchen scraps and dead plants in between layers of garden soil. The soil provides a place for soil microbes to live and to decompose dead organic matter. Earthworms contribute by helping to digest the dead organic matter and excreting it as casts which are also rich in nutrients.

Preparation

• Go out to a freshly mowed yard and gather grass clippings.
• Purchase zip-closing plastic bags.
• Obtain a teaspoon and a sharp pencil

What to Do and How to Do It

1. Place one handful of grass clippings in each of two plastic bags.

2. In one bag, add a cup of fresh potting soil and mix well. In the other, leave the clippings as they are. Seal both bags.

3. With a pencil, carefully poke 5-10 air holes in each side of each plastic bag. Be careful not to poke yourself.

4. Place the bags in a dark place place. Once each week, open the bags and add a teaspoon of water.

5. After one week open the bags and look inside. Look closely at the grass. Aside from being dirty in the soil bag, does the grass in either bag look like it has changed from when you placed it in the bag initially? Write down your observations. Close the bags and put them back into a dark place.

6. After one more week, open the bags and look closely again at the grass in each bag. Compare what you see. Write down your observations. Close the bags and put them back into a dark place.

7. Continue to observe the bags for the next few weeks. Write down your observations and explain what you think is happening to the grass, and what is going on in the soil.

class investigation- What has happened to the grass that was initially placed in the soil? What happened to the grass without soil? Over time, what is occuring to the grass in the soil? What is occuring to grass that has no soil? What factor does air, water, and temperature play in the decomposition process? If the air, water, and temperature levels are low what do you think will happen or wont happen to the grass, soil, and microorganisms living in the soil?

Further Investigations

Study microorganisms in more detail. Get books from the library and search on the Internet for interesting facts and information about microorganisms.

Make a school compost pile using appropriate lunch scraps (not including jello, cookies, etc!)

Plan a school garden and use the compost material you have "made" to fertilize your crops, like farmers do.

Student Assessment

• Students should know that soil is a key component in the decomposition of dead organic matter, as soil is the microorganisms habitat and without soil organic matter decomposition would not occur.
• Students should be able to understand that soil air, soil moisture, and soil temperature determine the ability of and rate of decomposition.
• Students should be able to understand that microorganisms are part of the food chain, they play a key role in the appearance of Earth's surface, they help protect plants from pathogens and help plants obtain nutrients , and they are capable of breaking down harmful toxins and pesticides. Some microorganisms help humans and animals fight off diseases.

Acknowledgments:

Adapted from From Grass to Soil- Let Microbes Toil, WonderScience magazine on soil science. Also adapted from L.J. Johnson. 1979. Introductory Soil Science: A Study Guide and Laboratory Manual., MacMillan Publishing Co., Inc., N.Y.