This book “Essentials of Agricultural Microbiology” is a compilation that provides information about the fundamental characteristics of microorganisms and their extensive role in the field of agriculture. It is specifically designed to align with the syllabus of ASRB ICAR NET for the discipline: Agricultural Microbiology. It presents the concepts in Agricultural Microbiology in a lucid and simplified manner, supplemented with well-illustrated diagrams when necessary. Additionally, it includes topic-wise objective questions that enable students to assess their understanding of the subject matter. Apart from being useful for the students of Agricultural Universities, this book also covers most of the syllabus of various non-agricultural universities for Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in the subject of Microbiology and thus, hopefully it will equally serve as a valuable reference for them also.
Contents –
UNIT 1: HISTORY OF MICROBIAL WORLD
1.1 History and Development of Microbiology
1.2 Scope of Microbiology
1.3 Evolution of Microbial Life
1.4 Prokaryotes
1.5 Archaebacteria
1.6 Eukaryotes
1.7 Techniques used in the Identification and Classification of Bacteria
1.8 Some Important Groups of Prokaryotes
1.9 Viruses
Objective Questions
UNIT 2: MICROBIAL ECOLOGY AND PHYSIOLOGY
2.1 Microbial Ecology —An Introduction
2.2 Principles of Microbial Ecology
2.3 Microbiology of Soil Ecosystems
2.4 Microbiology of Water Ecosystem
2.5 Microbiology of Air
2.6 Microbial Interactions
2.7 Adaptation of Microorganisms to Various Ecosystems
2.8 Microbial Nutrition
2.9 Microbial Growth
2.10 Mathematical Expression of Growth in Batch Culture
2.11 Mathematical Expression of Growth in Continuous Cultures
2.12 Synchronous (or Synchronized) Growth
2.13 Diauxic Growth
2.14 Methods of Determining Bacterial Growth
2.15 Bacterial Metabolism
2.16 Respiration
2.17 Microbial Photosynthesis
2.18 Biosynthesis of Cell Wall
2.19 Catabolism of Organic Molecules other than Glucose
Objective Questions
UNIT 3: SOIL MICROBIOLOGY
3.1 The Soil Environment
3.2 Major Groups of Soil Microorganisms
3.3 Soil Organic Matter (SOM)
3.4 Soil Health
3.5 Nitrogen Cycle
3.6 Microbial Transformation of Phosphorus
3.7 Microbial Transformation of Sulfur
3.8 Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR)
3.9 Biofertilizers
3.10 Bioremediation of Problem Soils
Objective Questions
UNIT 4: ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY AND BASIC MICROBIOLOGICAL TECHNIQUES
4.1 Pollution of Soil, Water and Air
4.2 Microbiology of Sewage
4.3 Microbiology of Industrial Effluents and their Safe Disposal
4.4 Management of Solid and Liquid Organic Wastes
4.5 Isolation of Different Types of Microorganisms
4.6 Preservation of Different Types of Microorganisms
4.7 Methods of Sterilization and Disinfection
4.8 Microscopy
4.9 Microbial Assay of Vitamins, Enzymes and Antibiotics
Objective Questions
UNIT 5: MICROBIAL BIOTECHNOLOGY
5.1 Fermentation and Fermentation Technology
5.2 Fermenter Designs and Types
5.3 Stages of the Fermentation Process
5.4 Industrial Production of Metabolites
5.5 Microbial Products
5.6 Phytoremediation
5.7 Fermented Foods
5.8 Food Preservation
5.9 Contamination and Spoilage
5.10 Food-Borne Illness and Intoxication
5.11 Bioactive Foods
Objective Questions
