Soil microbiology is the microscopic community of organisms that play a vital role in determining productive soil characteristics and a healthy habitat for plant growth and long term establishment. The most productive soil systems have balanced populations of flourishing organisms, including bacteria, fungi, protozoa and nematodes. Bacteria and fungi break down and consume the organic matter and mineral content of soils, creating a storehouse of nutrients that are released slowly over time. Predatory organisms, such as protozoa and nematodes, consume the bacteria and fungi, releasing nutrients into the root zone of your plants naturally. They consume and/or out compete disease-causing organisms along the way, helping manage pathogenic populations and reduce monetary loss from infections.