Establishment of a New Method for Soil and Water Microbiological Analysis

The Agro Mediterranean Faculty established a new method for microbiological analysis of soil and water. The project team carried out these activities as part of the scientific research project titled Microbiological and Chemical Quality of Inputs in Vegetable Production in the Neretva Valley, led by Assistant prof. Vedrana Komlen. This project aims to improve and ensure the sustainability of vegetable production in the region by analysing and assessing the quality of soil and irrigation water.

As part of the project, first-year students of the Microbiology in Agriculture course will conduct practical training to determine soil microbiological parameters, including total bacterial count, ammonifiers, Azobacter species, fungi, actinomycetes, and soil dehydrogenase activity.

The results obtained will enhance the understanding of complex interactions between plants and microorganisms and will enable the assessment of soil quality through chemical and microbiological indicators. These insights are essential for determining soil fertility and implementing good agricultural practices and environmental protection.

One of the outcomes of the project is the procurement of chemicals and the establishment of methodologies for identifying microorganisms in soil and water samples. These advancements will significantly benefit teaching, scientific research, and doctoral studies at the Agro Mediterranean Faculty.