Quantitative and qualitative microscale distribution of bacteria in soil

Soil structure represents a mosaic of microenvironments differing in their physical, chemical and biological properties. At a microscale level, such s tructural organisation consequently provides different habitats in which in digenous bacteria are heterogenously distributed. This review provides an o verview of the methodologies useful to microbiologists for assessing, spati al distribution of bacteria in soil, and quantitative and qualitative bacte rial distribution for determining the preferential location of bacteria and the definition of "favourable" habitats. (C) 2001 Editions scientifiques e t medicales Elsevier SAS.