Actinomycetes -- Workhorses in Your Soil

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Actinomycetes are from the class actinobacteria. They are filamentous bacteria that generally live in soil and break down organic matter such as rotting trees and fallen leaves.

They produce secondary metabolites that are highly useful pharmaceutical products. In 1980, 70% of naturally occurring antibiotics were derived from actinomycetes.

Actinomycetes, sometimes called thread bacteria, are very common in the soil at a rate of 1/4 pound per cubic foot in healthy soil. They thrive in higher pH (alkaline) soil and drier soils.

They make up 5% of the soil's total bacteria population.

They perform and breed better in less fertile soils, making them ideal to introduce into poor soils.

Their work decomposing organic matter into humus will soon improve the soil.

Different species of actinomycetes work in the compost cycle at different phases of decomposition.

While doing their work, they give off a earthy smell. If you've ever turned over some soil and a white cottony mass and smelled a rich earthy odor, those are the work of actinomycetes.

During the decomposition cycle, these bacteria release carbon, ammonia and nitrogen, which in turn make the minerals in the soil more available for your plants.

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