Soil microorganisms play a central role in decomposing organic matter, in determining the release of mineral nutrients, and in nutrient cycling. Recently, extensive studies have focused on soil microbial diversity. Ho...Soil microorganisms play a central role in decomposing organic matter, in determining the release of mineral nutrients, and in nutrient cycling. Recently, extensive studies have focused on soil microbial diversity. However, understanding the diversity of this complex microbial community in the soil environment is a challenging task. Thus, it is important to master and comprehend appropriate methods for studying soil microbial diversity. Concepts of soil microbial diversity and major methods of study are briefly introduced in this paper. Then, the application of biochemical-based and molecular-based techniques in this area, and their advantages and disadvantages are evaluated. Based on recent related research, perspectives for studying microbial diversity in soils are presented.展开更多
基金Project supported by the National Key Basic Research and Development Program of China (No. 2002CB111505).
文摘Soil microorganisms play a central role in decomposing organic matter, in determining the release of mineral nutrients, and in nutrient cycling. Recently, extensive studies have focused on soil microbial diversity. However, understanding the diversity of this complex microbial community in the soil environment is a challenging task. Thus, it is important to master and comprehend appropriate methods for studying soil microbial diversity. Concepts of soil microbial diversity and major methods of study are briefly introduced in this paper. Then, the application of biochemical-based and molecular-based techniques in this area, and their advantages and disadvantages are evaluated. Based on recent related research, perspectives for studying microbial diversity in soils are presented.