Microbiological Reactions of Iron in Soils

Abstract

Numerous microorganisms in soil stimulate the reactions of Fe, i.e., oxidation, reduction, and formation or decomposition of complexes. Table 20-1 gives a list of such organisms and their role in Fe chemistry. As indicated in the Table, part of these organisms need Fe as a source of energy (Table 20-1, 1.1) or as a sink for electrons (Table 20-1, 2.1), whereas the influence which other microbes have on these reactions seems to be a ``by-product'' of their metabolism, as shown in Table 20-1, 1.2.