Role of Soil Microorganisms in Soil and Water Loss Control

Soil erosion and sediment yield in the watersheds are the major limitations in achieving the sustainable development. Hence, the stabilizers and soil amendments such as natural, organic and synthetic materials have been used or tested on erodible soil surface in order to increase the soil stability and reduce soil erosion. However, the use of stabilizers and amendment are somewhat challenged due to their limitations such as having instabilities and temporary nature as well as having the destructive effects to the environment. Therefore, the present study has attempted to provide comprehensive information about microorganism’s application as a sustainable and biological strategy for the restoration of degraded soils. According to the results reported in literatures, the effective role of biological soil crust made by microorganisms especially cyanobacteria, bacteria and fungi in aggregate stability, soil particles shear strength, permeability, moisture retention, carbon and nitrogen sequestration has been documented. It increases soil quality for the presence and growth of vegetation and other organisms through secreting polysaccharides and developing aggregate adhesions. Thus, these soil microorganisms with dynamic role create the suitable conditions for stabilization, vegetation present and other organisms. Therefore, the support and richness of soil microorganism through the development of this organism as the first stage of plant ecosystem of soil would cause the suitable conditions for the sustainable restoration and promotion of ecosystems and eventually would lead to runoff and soil loss control. Therefore, it is necessary to examine the role of soil microorganisms especially cyanobacteria and bacteria in soil erosion processes analysis and their application as an alternative to other conventional stabilizers and additives. However, it is initially needed to be examined under laboratory conditions with further attention to environmental aspects.