Final answer:
If microbes were not present in soil, it would have a negative impact on plant growth and nutrient acquisition.
Step-by-step explanation:
If microbes were not present in soil, it would have a negative impact on plant growth.
Microbes, such as symbiotic fungi, play essential roles in the breakdown of dead plants and animals, as well as in nutrient cycling. In the absence of symbiotic fungi, plants would struggle to acquire necessary nutrients from the soil, leading to poor growth and reduced survival.
For example, mycorrhizal fungi form a mutualistic relationship with plant roots, helping them absorb nutrients like phosphorus. Without these fungi, the plants would have difficulty obtaining sufficient nutrients, resulting in stunted growth and decreased productivity.