General features of main microbial groups. Structure of prokaryotic cell. General concepts of microbial metabolism. Microbial growth. Influence on microbial growth of environmental factors. Microorganisms and biogeochemical cycles. Role of microorganism soil in nitrogen and carbon cycles. Microorganisms, humus, and soil fertility. Plant/microorganism interactions. Composting of organic wastes. Observation, isolation, and cultivation of main microbial groups.
Microbiologia generale e agraria. Editori Bruno Biavati e Claudia Sorlini, Casa Editrice Ambrosiana, Milano.
Microbiologia agroambientale. Editori Bruno Biavati e Claudia Sorlini, Casa Editrice Ambrosiana, Milano.
Learning Objectives
Knowledge acquired:
Basic principles of microbiology, soil microorganisms in biogeochemical cycles, plant-microbe relationships, environmental application of microorganisms.
Competence acquired:
Students will be able to recall and integrate key knowledge and concepts about:
- importance of microorganisms in the soil environment
- use of PGPR activities for increasing plant production.
Skills acquired:
- Preparing of microorganism samples for basic light microscope observation.
- Quantification, and isolation of soil bacteria.
- Recognizing of the association between roots and fungi and/or diazotrophic bacteria
Prerequisites
Inorganic and organic chemistry. Biochemistry.
Teaching Methods
Lectures: 32 hours
Laboratory-field: 16 hours
Further information
Attendance of lectures and lab, although not compulsory, is recommended.
The material provided by the teacher has the sole purpose of facilitating the understanding of the topics taught in the lesson and of representing a link between lessons and personal study. Therefore, this material should not be used instead of the recommended textbooks. Do not photocopy or use the material provided for purposes other than the individual exam preparation.
Student Reception: by appointment by e-mail
luciana.giovannetti@unifi.it
Type of Assessment
Oral exam on the topics covered in lectures and laboratory class. The exam will be conducted in such a way as to verify that, in addition to gaining specific information, the student has achieved an appropriate technical-scientific language and the ability to think about the issues dealt with during the course
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. Principles of the microbial respiration, fermentation, and photosynthesis. Interactions among microbial populations. Development and structure of soil microbial communities. Interaction plant-microbe: phyllosphere, rhizosphere, dinitrogen fixation symbiosis, mycorrhizal symbiosis. Microbial activity and soil fertility. Microorganisms and biogeochemical cycles. The carbon cycle and humus. The nitrogen cycle: dinitrogen fixation (non-symbiotic and symbiotic), ammonification, nitrification, nitrate reduction and denitrification. Composting of organic wastes. Techniques for the detection of soil microorganisms.
Laboratory classes
Preparation of microorganism samples for basic light microscope observation. Gram staining. Sterilization techniques. Preparation of microbiological culture media. Enrichment cultures. Making agar plates. Quantification, and isolation of soil bacteria.