General features of main microbial groups. Structure of prokariotic cell . General concepts of microbial metabolism. Microbial growth. Influence on microbial growth of environmental factors. Microrganisms and biogeochemical cycles. Role of soil microrganims in nitrogen and carbon cycles. Microrganisms, humus and soil fertility. plant/microorganism interactions. Composting of organic wastes. Observation, isolation and cultivation of main microbial groups.
Textbooks:
Microbiologia generale e agraria. Editori Bruno Biavati e Claudia Sorlini, Casa Editrice Ambrosiana, Milano 2012.
Microbiologia agroambientale. Editori Bruno Biavati e Claudia Sorlini, Casa Editrice Ambrosiana, Milano 2008.
Learning Objectives
Knolewdge acquired:
Main characteristics of microorganisms and microbial metabolism, role of soil microorganisms in biogeochemical cycles, microbe-plant interactions, basic principles of microbiological techniques
Competence acquired:
Students will be able to recall and integrate key knowledge and concepts about:
-role of microorganisms in the soil environment
-increasing of plant production by using microorganisms activities.
Skills acquired (at the end of the course):
handling microorganisms in aseptic conditions, preparation of samples for basic light microscope observation, quantification, isolation and identification of bacteria from soil habitat ,- recognition of association between roots and fungi and/or diazothrophic bacteria, preparation and/or use of microbial inoculants.
Prerequisites
Courses recommended:
Inorganic and organic chemistry,. Biochemistry.
Frequency of lectures and lab, although non compulsory, is strongly recommended.
Type of Assessment
Multiple choice questions during semester (optional), oral examination at the end of semester
Course program
introduction to soil microbiology; main characteristics of major soil microbial groups; prokaryotic cell morphology and structure; microbial nutrition and nutritional classification; microbial growth, brief outline of the microbial respiration, fermentation and photosynthesis; interactions among microbial populations; development and structure of soil microbial communities; interaction plant-microbe: phillosphere, rizhosphere, dinitrogen fixation symbioses, mycorrhizal symbioses; microbial activity and soil fertility; microorganisms and biogeochemical cycles; the carbon cycle and humus synthesis; the nitrogen cycle: dinitrogen fixation (non symbiotic and symbiotic), ammonification, nitrification, nitrate reduction and denitrification; composting of organic wastes; microorganisms and bioremediation; techniques for detection of soil microorganisms.
Laboratory experiments
Preparation of microbial samples for basic light microscope observation; Gram staining; sterilization methods and media preparation; plate count technique; enrichment cultures and isolation of bacteria; observation of root nodules; visit of a composting plant.