Effects Of Bush Burning On Soil Microorganisms (Bacteria And Fungi):- Ibeh, Chinwendu V

ABSTRACT The present study was aimed at determining the effects of bush burning on the bacterial and fungal populations of the soil. This work was carried at National Root Crop Research Institute Farm and University General Course Farm in Umudike. The soil was sandy loam and the pH was acidic (4.90). This could further explain the high counts ofmicroorganisms obtained from all the sampling sites because most microorganisms thrive well as such pH value. A total of 18 isolates identified are bacteria and fungi 12. The major bacteria isolates identified include Bacillus spp, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Micrococcus spp. The fungal isolates comprised of Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus Flavus, Rhizopus Stolonizer and Rhodotorula spp. Bacteria and fungi maintain overall forest health. They play a crucial role in nutrient uptake, extended root life and protection against root pathogens. The results of this study have shown that bush burning could only cause temporal decline in microbial number, but the improvement of the physicochemical properties could favour the proliferation of microorganisms. An increase in soil pH values increases the diversity and abundance of bacteria. It is therefore recommended that farmers should ensure they slash and bum their farmland thirty-two days before planting in order to enable the soil to fully regain their microorganisms and fertility back.