Plant nutritional and soil factors in relation to microbial activity in the rhizosphere, with particular emphasis on denitrification

Examples of the effect of mineral nutrition of plants (N, P, K, Mg, Fe) on microbial activity in the rhizosphere are presented with emphasis on our own studies related to root exudation, bacterial numbers, oxygen consumption and denitrification. Direct effects concern changes of pH, e.g. by liming. As the microbial community in the rhizosphere depends on decomposable organic substances released from roots, plant nutrition also indirectly affects microbial activity via its influence on plant metabolism and growth. Important factors affecting denitrification in the rhizosphere are, besides stimulation of denitrifiers by root exudation, air‐filled porosity and readily decomposable organic matter content of the soil.