Russian Scientists Discover How to Assess Soil Fertility Using Bacteria
10:16 08.11.2026 (Updated: 10:24 08.11.2026)
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Russian Scientists Discover How to Assess Soil Fertility Using Bacteria
Researchers at RUDN University have demonstrated that the bacterial population is what determines the potential of arable land, according to a statement from the institution.
Various agricultural techniques—whether traditional, no-till, or involving no soil cultivation at all—alter the proportion of microorganisms in the soil. This, in turn, affects the soil's ability to provide nutrients to plants.
"We have created a method to identify genetic characteristics associated with beneficial functions for plants: nitrogen and phosphorus metabolism, and the synthesis of phytohormones," said Alexey Vatlin, a researcher at the university's Institute of Ecology.
This bacterial analysis can be used by farmers to accurately evaluate soil quality before the sowing season, the university added.
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