DIVERSITY OF FUNGI AND ACTINOMYCETES AND THEIR ECOLOGICAL FUNCTIONS

The data of long-term investigations on the geographical distribution of microorganisms of different groups in the main soil types of CIS ar e given. A well-defined correlation is shown between the species compo sition of microbial complexes, ecological functions of microorganisms, and their confinement to certain soil types. Several environmental fa ctors prove to be responsible for structure of microbial complexes, wh ich reflects the adaptation of microorganisms to natural conditions of soil zones. Further discussed is the succession approach, capable of making a more complete accounting for the microbial diversity in soils .