Article Abstract:
Microbial community dynamics related to manure hot spots were investigated by applying a model system composed of a gel-stabilized mixture of soil and manure, placed between layers of soil, during a three-week incubation period. The microbial biomass, measured as the total amount of phospholipid fatty acids (PLFA) doubled within a 2-mm distance from the soil-manure interface after three days. The effect of the manure was strongest in the 2-mm-thick soil layer closest to the surface in which the PLFA composition was statistically significantly different from that of the unaffected soil layers for the whole incubation period.
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
Article Abstract:
The microbes present in the heavy metal polluted Scandinavian coniferous forests show an increase in the concentration of branched phospholipid fatty acids (PLFAs) and a decrease in the 20:4 and 18:2-omega-6 PLFAs that are the main PLFAs in most fungi. The change in the PLFAs content is due to a bacterial tolerance to pollution. The fungal part of the microbial populations is more sensitive to heavy metals than the bacterial part. The PLFA composition analysis and the tolerance of bacteria are useful in determining heavy metal pollution in field sites.
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
Article Abstract:
A study was conducted to describe the effects of artificial acidification on the humus microbial community structure using total-community-level methods. The water content of fresh humus was correlated with the water holding capacity prior respiration studies. Dry combustion was carried out to determine total organic carbon and nitrogen while bacterial growth rates were estimated by thymidine and leucine. Results showed that the humus was acidified as a result of the acid treatments.
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic: