Bacterial Population, Diversity and Characterization of Balagonj and Goainghat Soil Series of Moulvibazar

Abstract Soil bacterial communities play a pivotal role in maintaining ecosystem functions, including nutrient cycling, organic matter decomposition, and soil fertility. The present study investigated the bacterial populations in agricultural soils from Balagonj and Goainghat, Bangladesh, through isolation, enumeration, and morphological characterization. Total viable counts revealed bacterial populations of 6.5×10⁶ CFU/g soil in Balagonj and 5.4×10⁶ CFU/g soil in Goainghat. A total of six morphologically distinct bacterial colonies were isolated from each site, exhibiting variation in colony size, shape, margin, elevation, and pigmentation. Morphological examination indicated the presence of both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, comprising rod-shaped and cocci forms arranged singly or in chains. Several isolates displayed spore-forming and capsule-forming capabilities, while acid-fast and non-acid-fast bacteria were also observed. The observed phenotypic diversity highlights the adaptability and ecological versatility of soil bacteria, reflecting their crucial role in sustaining soil health and fertility. These findings provide a foundation for further functional studies and potential applications in sustainable agriculture.