It is the fundamental caske of soil microbiology to expound the roles of microorganisms in organic matter decomposition and plant n utrient taransformation,their relations to soil fertility and plant growth,and microbial Function in the purification of polluted soil and other environments.Based on the history and present status of soil microbiology,this paper introduces and discusses some currently active research areas in the following seven aspects:(1) material cycling and its quantification in pedosphere and other ecosystems.(2) biodiversity of soils.(3) rhidosphere microorganisms.(4) symbiotic systems formed by microbes and plants.(5) microbial autecology in the soil.(6) role of soil microorganisms in the protection of the environment;and (7) applicatin of microorganisms benefical to agriculture.The author places emphasis on the importance of basic research for both the development of this discipline and the utilization of microbes in agriculture.