BACTERIAL COMMUNITIES OF THE KYZYL-KUM DESERT - SPATIAL-DISTRIBUTION AND TAXONOMIC COMPOSITION

Bacterial communities in desert ecosystems have a pronounced stratifie d structure, which is expressed as irregular distribution of bacterial density and a change in taxonomic composition along the vertical from green leaves to soil. The maximal density of bacteria is typical of d ry plant debris, while the minimum is typical for mineral soil horizon s. Representatives of the genera Arthrobacter and Streptomyces predomi nate in gray-brown desert soil, myxobacteria are abundant on dry plant residues, and pigmented coryneform bacteria prevail on living plants. The desert bacterial communities are characterized by an unusually la rge share of bacteria belonging to the actinomycete line and specific bacterial forms resistant to unfavorable conditions.