Soil characteristics and algal diversity of cultivated fields

Soil algae are an important group of microorganisms that inhabit all terrestrial ecosystems. The nature of soil microalgae depends on soil physical and chemical characteristics. In the present study soil characteristics and soil algae inhabiting in Groundnut and Soybean fields were determined. Total of 115 species belonging to 46 genera of algae had been observed in these two fields. Cyanophycean algae showrd quite high species diversity. Slightly alkaline pH favoured growth of Cyanophycean members.