Soil is home to a diverse array of living organisms that interact within a complex food web, facilitating energy and nutrient cycling essential for sustaining life above ground. Among these organisms, soil microbes play a crucial role in supporting plant growth.

• Beneficial microorganisms: Enhance nutrient availability, improve soil structure by increasing porosity, and strengthen plant resistance to diseases.
• Harmful microorganisms: Such as plant pathogens, which can hinder plant growth and reduce crop yields when present in high concentrations.
• Neutral microorganisms: Naturally inhabit the soil and contribute to the soil ecosystem without directly impacting plants.

A single teaspoon of soil contains over a billion microorganisms, yet only about 1% of them can be cultured in laboratory conditions. This highlights soil as one of the richest reservoirs of microbial diversity on Earth.