This resource discusses soil microbiology, soil microbiological ecosystems and research into the analysis and maintenance of healthy soils and soil biological fertility, with Bioscience Managing Director, Dr Peter Keating.

The terms microorganisms or microbes refer to the vast range of living organisms that are too small to be visible to the naked eye. They include, but are not limited to, bacteria, some types of fungi and viruses. Microbes can be found in all parts of our planet where life is possible. The study of microorganisms is called microbiology.

The importance of microbes in soil is fundamental. Without them life on the planet would not be possible. Microbes play essential roles in maintaining soil fertility trough recycling nutrients and influencing their availability to plants, improving soil structure, supporting healthy plant growth and degrading organic pollutants. The functions and processes microbes perform or facilitate in our soil are incredibly complex and there are still significant gaps in our understanding of soil ecosystems. Filling these gaps presents a major challenge for the scientific community and for pastoral, agricultural and horticultural producers and land carers.

Until relatively recently science did not have the tools to research and fully appreciate the scale and complexity of microbiological activity in soil. Advancements in DNA technology, however, are now progressing research into the enormous biodiversity and complex ecology of soil microbial ecosystems.

Dr. Keating believes that understanding and maintaining the health of soils can provide the agricultural and horticultural industries with a foundation for sustainable practices and increased productivity. Dr Keating and his staff believe their approach is unique and holistic, taking into consideration the structural, chemical and biological properties of soil to build an integrated, soil fertility picture. The Bioscience laboratories in Forrestdale, Western Australia, are equipped to undertake the full range of analyses. They have invested in leading edge technologies to focus research on the link between soil microbiology, soil carbon and plant productivity, while retaining traditional methods of soil nutritional profiling, structural testing and microbiology analysis.