How application of chemicals, including fertilisers, affect the soil microbiome and plant health?
Yes, the application of chemicals, even fertilizers, can have a significant impact on the beneficial microbial population. Let's explore how. The soil microbiome, a community of diverse microorganisms, is influenced by various factors, including moisture, organic matter content, oxygen levels, pH, plant exudates, and microclimate. When fertilizers are applied, the soil's nutrient status changes, leading to corresponding shifts in the microbial population. Initially, as nutrients become available, plants may reduce the secretion of exudates that specifically induce certain microbial populations to function. However, excessive nutrient levels can alter the soil's pH and redox conditions through geochemical and biochemical processes. Ultimately, the need for specific microbial populations, such as nitrogen-fixing or phosphorus- and potassium-mobilizing bacteria, may diminish. Without plant support through exudates, these microorganisms may struggle to survive and f...