THEORETICAL BACKGROUND FOR THE ECOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT OF SOIL MICROBIAL CAPACITY

Various approaches have been developed in recent years at the Soil Bio logy Department of Moscow State University for assessing microbial div ersity in soil ecosystems. The geographical approach involves comparat ive taxonomic analysis of microbial populations in different natural z ones. The stratigraphic approach involves simultaneous identification of microbial communities throughout all biogeocenotic layers, that is, phyllosphere, aboveground substrates (mosses, litter, etc.), and soil horizons. The microlocal approach involves determination of spatial r estrictions for specific microbial groups. The successional approach i nvolves temporal monitoring of microbial community structure. These ap proaches elucidate the spatial and temporal specificity of microbial c ommunities, substantially extend the diversity of studied microbial gr oups and ecological niches, and provide a theoretical basis for direct ed screening of microbial taxa in natural substrates.