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Why are beneficial microorganisms added to soil in some restoration projects?
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ecological restoration
Wetland restoration along the Târnava Mică (Tîrnava Mică) River in Romania. A former gravel mine (left) was transformed into a functional wetland (right).
In ecological restoration, specialists often perform active restoration to rehabilitate sites where soil has been degraded by erosion, earth-moving, or other major disturbances. Inoculating these soils with beneficial microorganisms is a key strategy to restore the original biological characteristics of the environment.1
These microorganisms are essential for several reasons:
- Nutrient Cycling: Soil organisms act as catalysts in vital natural cycles, including the carbon cycle, nitrogen cycle, and sulfur cycle. They break down complex organic matter, such as decaying plant and animal tissues, into simpler chemical forms that plants can absorb to build their own tissues.2
- Symbiotic Support: Certain microorganisms, such as those involved in mycorrhiza, form mutually beneficial associations with plant roots. These fungi enhance nutritional support for the host plant, which is often critical for the establishment and growth of specific species. Similarly, bacteria like Rhizobium fix atmospheric nitrogen in root nodules, providing plants with essential nutrients.32
- Soil Health: By facilitating decomposition and the creation of humus, these organisms help maintain soil fertility, structure, drainage, and aeration, creating a more suitable environment for plant recovery.2