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Soil biota plays a critical role in the functioning of ecosystem. In terrestrial regions nitrogen is limiting constituent that determines the growth of plants, primary productivity therefore net productivity of an ecosystem can be controlled by combined activities of microflora and fauna of soil which facilitate the conversion of nitrogen to usable forms. Varieties of microorganisms that are highly diverse in terms of taxa and activities are engaged in N cycle including nitrogen fixers, ammonia oxidizers, autotrophic nitrifiers, heterotrophic nitrifiers, anammox bacteria, denitrifiers, archaea, and fungi. In addition, soil fauna perform the significant role in maintaining the structure and function of soil ecosystems including organic matter mineralization, productivity regulation, and nutrient cycling (N, S, C). Soil fauna generally includes nematodes, micro-arthopods, and macrofauna. These soil fauna play pivotal role in nitrogen cycling via performing mineralization process. In order to improve the effectiveness of agricultural systems and practices that ultimately lead to better productivity of food, understanding of different phases of N cycle along with activities of microflora and fauna is necessary. In this regard, present chapter centers on exploring variety of soil microflora and fauna and their potential roles in nitrogen cycle. Here, we also review critical insights related to various processes of nitrogen cycling in soil ecosystem and their ecological importance. |
