ePrints

Soil microbial biomass-Interpretation and consideration for soil monitoring

Lookup NU author(s): Dr Elizabeth Stockdale

Downloads

Full text for this publication is not currently held within this repository. Alternative links are provided below where available.

Abstract

Since 1970, measurement of the soil microbial biomass (SMB) has been widely adopted as a relatively simple means of assessing the impact of environmental and anthropogenic change on soil microorganisms. The SMB is living and dynamic, and its activity is responsible for the regulation of organic matter transformations and associated energy and nutrient cycling in soil. At a gross level, an increase in SMB is considered beneficial, while a decline in SMB may be considered detrimental if this leads to a decline in biological function. However, absolute SMB values are more difficult to interpret. Target or reference values of SMB are needed for soil quality assessments and to allow ameliorative action to be taken at an appropriate time. However, critical values have not yet been successfully identified for SMB. This paper provides a conceptual framework which outlines how SMB values could be interpreted and measured, with examples provided within an Australian context.

Publication metadata

Author(s): Gonzalez-Quinones V, Stockdale EA, Banning NC, Hoyle FC, Sawada Y, Wherrett AD, Jones DL, Murphy DV

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: Soil Research

Year: 2011

Volume: 49

Issue: 4

Pages: 287-304

Print publication date: 19/05/2011

ISSN (print): 1838-675X

ISSN (electronic): 1838-6768

Publisher: CSIRO Publishing

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/SR10203

DOI: 10.1071/SR10203

Altmetrics

Share