FUNGI
They have well developed organelles including nuclei, mitochondria, they are more developed than bacteria.
The most important characteristic of fungi is the possession of a filamentous body consisting of strands of hyphae. The mycelium can be sub-divided into cross-wall called septa, however there many non-septate fungi.
They about 5 μm in diameter the population range between 0.1 – 1 million propagules per gram of soil. Almost all fungi are heterotrophic in nature and all are aerobic thus they do not occur in diverse environment as bacteria.
Importance:
1. Fungi are important in decomposition of organic residues in soil
2. They are especially important in decomposing woody material which many bacteria cannot decompose.
3. They are important in processes leading to humus formation
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They play important roles in the formation of stable aggregates
5. Some soil fungi cause plant and animal diseases
6. Some fungi form symbiotic association with roots of higher plants.
ACTINOMYCETES
Structurally, these organisms lie between bacteria and fungi, they bear similarity to bacteria in terms of cell size and structure characteristic and they are filamentous organisms like fungi.
They are the next populous in soil after bacteria, the number ranging from 105- 4x106 cell/g of soil
The organisms prefer moist and well aerated soil. They are sensitive to acidic condition, optimum pH ranging from 6 – 7.5
Importance
1. They are important in decomposition of organic matter, especially cellulose, chitin
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