Interactions in Soil: Promoting Plant Growth

• Corporate Author: SpringerLink (Online service)
• Other Authors: Dighton, John (Editor), Krumins, Jennifer Adams (Editor)
• Format: Electronic eBook
• Language: English
• Published: Dordrecht : Springer Netherlands : Imprint: Springer, 2014.
• Series: Biodiversity, Community and Ecosystems, 1
• Subjects: Environment.; Agriculture.; Ecology.; Biodiversity.; Microbial ecology.; Forestry.; Soil science.; Soil conservation.; Soil Science & Conservation.; Microbial Ecology.
• Physical Description: X, 231 p. 14 illus., 7 illus. in color. online resource.
• ISBN: 9789401788908
• ISSN: 2211-7822 ;

Soil is a heterogeneous medium which supports more biodiversity per unit volume than any other system. This book explores how that biodiversity is translated into ecological functions supporting plant growth by providing both essential minerals for plant growth and other growth promoting factors like pathogen suppression. Interactions between plants and associated soil organisms evolve through trophic and non-trophic feedback mechanisms which are moderated by plant-plant interactions (allelopathy), invasive plant species and land use change and pollution. These factors are discussed in natural, agricultural and urban soil systems to provide a framework for a holistic understanding of soil as a dynamic living entity.