DOI: https://doi.org/10.5513/JCEA01/27.2.4956
Review article
Actinomycetes as an indicator of the quality and health of agricultural soil
2026, 27 (2) p. 491-506
Soňa JAVOREKOVÁ, Róbert MATUŠÍK
Abstract
Soil quality and health can be assessed in both natural and agricultural ecosystems using indicators that sensitively reflect, in particular, adverse disturbances in these complex environments. However, selecting appropriate indicators is complicated by the complexity of soil, its previous use, and climatic influences. In addition to physical and chemical parameters, assessments often include organic matter, xenobiotics, and biological indicators. Among biological indicators, it is recommended to monitor microorganisms – not only their abundance, but also their activity. In addition to genetic, functional or biochemical diversity, microbial biomass, respiration and enzyme reactions, selected microbial groups also respond to changes in the soil environment. It is most often recommended to evaluate oligotrophic and nitrogen-fixing bacteria, microscopic filamentous fungi, and, in recent years, actinomycetes. This article summarises current knowledge confirming the importance of evaluating actinomycetes as sensitive indicators of soil quality and health. Their indicator value is mainly related to their significant contribution to the decomposition of organic matter, suppression of pathogens, improvement of soil structure and rapid response to changes in pH and conductivity. Their ability to fix nitrogen and biocontrol activity are also important for increasing fertility. Soils with high activity of non-pathogenic actinomycetes are characterised by healthy, fertile and biologically stable soil.
Keywords
attribute, plant nutrition, soil, streptomycetes, sustainability
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