Microbiology is the branch of science that examines microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, viruses, algae, and protozoa. These organisms are critical to the functioning of life on Earth. Their applications are vast and essential, from nitrogen fixation in soil to food fermentation to literally running many important nutrient cycles.
In agriculture, microbes perform vital functions such as nutrient cycling, plant growth promotion, and disease suppression.
Quick facts
It can be difficult to see the impact of one microbe, considering how tiny they are! A way to simplify their impact on systems is to look at them in a group or community, also known as the microbiome. A little fun fact: the microbiome actually describes the genomes of all the microorganisms in a specific environment, along with the environmental factors that affect them.
On the other hand, microbiota describes the community of microorganisms that live in a specific environment, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or archaea.
Recently, they have been used interchangeably, but they are different! Imagine a large parking lot (representing the human body or a specific environment like the gut) filled with various types of vehicles (representing different microorganisms).
The microbiota is represented by all the cars in the parking lot. It's the actual collection of different vehicles present, including their makes, models, and quantities. This represents the population of microorganisms living in a particular environment.
The microbiome is represented by all the cars in the parking lot PLUS their operating manuals and blueprints stored in each car's trunk. These manuals contain detailed information about each car's design, function, and maintenance. This represents not just the microorganisms themselves but also their collective genetic material and functions.
Microbiology basics
Before understanding the interaction between microbiology, agriculture, and hydroponics, here is a quick rundown. Microorganisms exhibit incredible diversity and are classified into three domains based on genetic and biochemical characteristics: Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya.
Bacteria: These single-celled prokaryotes play diverse roles, including decomposing organic material and fixing nitrogen. They possess unique cell wall compositions and membrane structures.
Archaea: Also prokaryotic, archaea often thrive in extreme environments such as high-salinity soils, acidic waters, or high-temperature habitats. Their membrane lipids consist of branched hydrocarbon chains attached to glycerol by ether linkages, distinguishing them from bacteria.
Eukarya: This domain includes organisms with eukaryotic cells, such as fungi, algae, plants, and animals. Eukaryotic microbes like fungi and algae play significant roles in nutrient cycling and plant health.
Prokaryotes vs. Eukaryotes
Prokaryotes (Bacteria and Archaea): Microorganisms, including bacteria and archaea, that lack a distinct nucleus and membrane-bound organelles. Their genetic material is located in a nucleoid region within the cell.
Eukaryotes: Organisms whose cells contain their genetic material in a nucleus and various membrane-bound organelles. This group includes fungi, algae, plants, and animals.
Comparing prokaryotic cell to a eukaryotic cell. Image from https://www.biologynotes.site/prokaryotic-vs-eukaryotic-cells-structural-differences-and-cellular-process-comparison/
Microbiology in greenhouses, hydroponics, and vertical farms
Understanding microbiology is essential for modern agriculture, particularly in controlled environments. Greenhouses, hydroponic farms, and vertical farms rely on microbiological principles to optimize plant health and yield while minimizing chemical inputs.
Source: Healthy Hydroponics