Microorganisms found in the soil, including bacteria and fungi, are essential in maintaining the health of plants. Which of the following is not an important contribution of these soil microbes? 1 point
Nutrient cycling – some soil bacteria and fungi form relationships with plant roots that provide important nutrients like nitrogen or phosphorus
Disease suppression – beneficial microbes suppress pathogenic organisms and shield roots from pathogens
Degradation of pollutants – some microbes breakdown toxins and pollutants
Nutrient transport – the microbes carry nutrients to the structures of the plant as they travel through the vascular system