Spatial and Resource Factors Influencing High Microbial Diversity in Soil

• DOI: 10.1128/aem.68.1.326-334.2002
• Publication Date: 2002-07-27T10:00:58Z
• Authors: Jizhong Zhou; Beicheng Xia; David S. Treves; L.-Y. Wu; Terry L. Marsh; Robert V. O’Neill; Anthony V. Palumbo; James M. Tiedje
• Keywords: Soil microbiology; Soil bacteria

To begin defining the key determinants that drive microbial community structure in soil, we examined 29 soil samples from four geographically distinct locations taken surface, vadose zone, and saturated subsurface using a small-subunit rRNA-based cloning approach. While communities low-carbon, saturated, soils showed dominance, low-carbon surface remarkably uniform distributions, all species were equally abundant. Two diversity indices, reciprocal of Simpson's index (1/D) log series index, effectively distinguished between dominant patterns. For example, profiles characteristic had values 2 to 3 orders magnitude greater than those for high-dominance, communities. In site richer organic carbon, consistently exhibited distribution pattern regardless water content depth. The implies competition does not shape these Theoretical studies based on mathematical modeling suggested spatial isolation could limit soils, thereby supporting high structure. Carbon resource heterogeneity may explain patterns observed high-carbon even zone. Very levels chromium contamination (e.g., >20%) high-organic-matter did greatly reduce diversity. Understanding mechanisms control structure, such as isolation, has important implications preservation biodiversity, management bioremediation, biocontrol root diseases, improved fertility.