Taxonomic composition of denitrifying bacteria in soddy podzolic soil

The taxonomic composition of denitrifying bacteria in soddy podzolic soil w as studied by the succession analysis method. This method revealed a signif icant variation in the taxonomic composition of denitrifying microoganisms in the course of succession. In contrast to succession analysis, the single microbiological analysis of soil samples reflected only the late stage of succession and thus led to an underestimation of the major members of succe ssion. Myxobacteria were found to be the most active denitrifiers at the ea rly stages of succession, whereas bacilli dominated at its late stages. The bacilli were represented by three facultatively anaerobic species: Bacillu s cereus, Bac. circulans, and Bac. polymyxa.