About Soil Biology and Biochemistry

Soil Biology & Biochemistry describe and explain biological processes occurring in soil. These include the possible applications of such knowledge to issues of soil and environmental quality – in so far as such studies inform our understanding of the role of soil biology and biochemistry in mediating soil functions, agricultural sustainability and ecosystem services. The ecology and biochemical processes of soil organisms, their effects on the environment and their interactions with plants are major topics. The applications of new molecular, microscopic and analytical techniques to understanding and explaining population and community dynamics is of great interest. Soil biochemistry which is a sub-discipline of soil science deals with decomposition and synthesis of organic matter in soil and various biochemical reactions, activities and products of microorganisms in soil involving nitrogen, carbon, phosphorous, metals, xenobiotic and sulfur. It is simply the biochemistry at the soil-plant interface. Applying principles of Biochemistry for the protection of environment is the main concern of environmental biochemistry. The main themes include managing water quality and air resources, protection from radiation, to maintain industrial hygiene etc. Environmental biochemists employ living organism and their capabilities for such purposes.