SOIL
MICROBIAL
BIOMASS
Growing insight
Millions of microorganisms living and reproducing in soil play an
Nguyen Quang Chon, PhD
essential role in decomposing organic matter, cycling nutrients and
Business Development Manager - AgroScience
Eurofins Sac Ky Hai Dang
Soil microbial biomass
and organic carbon
The microbial biomass consists
mostly of bacteria and fungi,
which decompose crop residues
and organic matter in soil. This
process releases nutrients, such
as nitrogen (N), sulfur (S) and, to
a lesser extent, phosphate (P)
into the soil that are available for
plant uptake. About half the
microbial biomass is located in
the surface of a soil profile and
most of the nutrient release also
occurs here. Generally, up to 5%
of the total organic carbon and N
in soil is in the microbial biomass.
When microorganisms die, these
nutrients are released in forms
that can be taken up by plants.
the development of healthy soil structure.
Plant, soil microbial
biomass and soil
organic carbon pool
In soil the microbial biomass is usually ‘starved’ because soil is too dry or does not have enough organic
carbon (OC). The amount of labile carbon is of particular importance as this provides a readily available carbon
energy source for microbial decomposition. Soils with more labile carbon tend to have a higher microbial
biomass. Important sources of organic carbon as food for the microbial biomass are crop residues and soluble
compounds released into the soil by roots (root exudates).
Soil microorganisms are responsible for most of the nutrient release from organic matter. When
microorganisms decompose organic matter, they use the carbon and nutrients in the organic matter for their
own growth. They release excess nutrients into the soil where they can be taken up by plants. If the organic
matter has a low nutrient content, micro-organisms will take nutrients from the soil to meet their requirements.
For example, applying organic matter with carbon to nitrogen ratios lower than 24:1 to soil generally increases
mineral nitrogen in soil. In contrast, applying organic matter with carbon to nitrogen ratios higher than 24:1,
generally results in microorganisms taking up mineral nitrogen from soil.
Factors affecting microbial biomass
The microbial biomass is affected by factors that change the
water regime or carbon content of soil, and include soil type,
climate and management practices. Soil properties that affect
microbial biomass are clay, soil pH, and organic C. Soils with
more clay generally have a higher microbial biomass as they
retain more water and often contain more organic C. A soil pH
near 7.0 is most suitable for the microbial biomass.
Management of crop residues influences microbial biomass as
they are one of the primary forms of organic carbon and
nutrients used by the microbial biomass. Retaining crop
residues rather than burning them provides a practical means
of increasing the microbial biomass in soil by increasing the
amount of organic carbon available to them. Tillage practices
that are less disruptive to soil can increase the microbial
biomass because of by increasing labile carbon in soil. These
management practices also protect soil aggregates and do not
break fungal networks, which are an important habitat for the
Soil microbial
microbial biomass in soil. The type of crops in a rotation can
biomass and plant
affect the microbial biomass. The residues of legume crops can
available nutrients
increase microbial biomass due to their high N contents.
Measurement of soil microbial biomass at Eurofins AgroScience About Eurofins Agro SERVICES OF EUROFINS
Measures of microbial biomass usually measure either the weight of carbon or nitrogen in Eurofins Agro is a leading laboratory in SAC KY HAI DANG
soil microorganisms. A challenge in interpreting values of microbial biomass is the difficulty of the agricultural sector with nearly 100
knowing the attainable microbial biomass for a given land use and what level of microbial biomass years of experience. We provide innovative
may constrain production. analyses, accurate and timely data and clear, PROFESSIONAL AND
case-specific advice, to help agricultural
EXPERIENCED TEAM
Eurofins AgroScience uses an innovative method, near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) technique, entrepreneurs to manage their production
process. Our products and services are the Together with the AgroScience in
which gives insight in the microbial soil life. This information can be used to adjust the soil fertility. result of everyday, practical knowledge
Eurofins AgroScience measures three indicators together provide a picture of the microbial soil life: the Wageningen, the Netherlands,
supported by scientific research. established and experienced almost
microbial biomass, microb ial activity, and the fungal-to-bacteria ratio. These indicators as standard in
100 years ago, has a very large
soil fertility management as an example shown in the below table. Eurofins Agro's Vision and Mission calibration dataset in soil analysis
• Microbial biomass: The total amount of biomass in a soil sample is determined based on the
We help you to collect the right data, and provide
phospholipid fatty acids (PLFAs) present. These fatty acids are an important component of the cell walls REASONABLE COST
insight into soil and crop health,
of all microorganisms in the soil. Because these fatty acids break down rapidly in the soil when an
fertilization, irrigation, feed value, and food
organism dies, Eurofins Agro uses PLFAs to measure the living soil life. Service at Eurofins Sac Ky Hai
safety. We give you greater insight with the
• Microbial activity: By measuring how much organic matter is being broken down by the soil life, we can Dang guarantees fast results, high
obtain an impression of the activity of the microorganisms present. The amount of nitrogen (N) released prospect of profitable growth – growth that you
reliability and reasonable cost.
when organic matter breaks down within a certain time determines the microbial activity. can be proud of.
• Fungal-to-bacteria ratio: The fungal-to-bacteria ratio provides a picture of the mineralization process in
the soil. If there are large numbers of fungi in the soil, organic matter will build up. In soils with relatively
larger numbers of bacteria, however, the amount of organic matter will decline as it breaks down and OPTIMIZE YIELD
nitrogen and sulfur mineralization will be relatively higher. AND QUALITY

Unit Result Target value Low Rath. low Good Rath. high High A detailed Soil Analysis Report that
Microbial biomass mg C/kg 237 165 - 495 helps you be proactive in your
Microbial activity mg N/kg 74 60 - 80 fertilizer and irrigation management
Fungal/bacterial ratio 0.7 0.6 - 0.9 to optimize yield and quality

An understanding of the indicators of soil life is essential if we want to improve the resilience and fertility of
our soil. With this information, we can put the right measures in place to maintain or even improve our soil
ecosystem.

In addition, Eurofins AgroScience also determines the quality of organic matter in relation to
soil microorganisms. Organic matter consists primarily of C, N, P, S. If the organic matter contains relatively
high amounts of N and/or S, this makes it attractive to soil organisms. N and S are released in the process
and the amount of organic matter decreases slightly (dynamic organic matter). Organic matter can also
contain a lot of C. This is generally less attractive to soil organisms (bacteria). As a result, the organic
matter is not consumed as quickly by the soil organisms; making the organic matter more stable. Stable
organic matter contributes - among other factors - to the workability of the soil and the looseness. Dynamic
organic matter contributes primarily to the release of N and S and is therefore a source of these nutrients
for the crop. The quality of the organic matter can be changed (gradually) by paying attention to the
properties of soil improvers such as animal manure, compost and crop residues.

Ho Chi Minh Can Tho

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