Quantitative and qualitative microscale distribution of bacteria in soil

Abstract

Soil structure represents a mosaic of microenvironments differing in their physical, chemical and biological properties. At a microscale level, such structural organisation consequently provides different habitats in which indigenous bacteria are heterogenously distributed. This review provides an overview of the methodologies useful to microbiologists for assessing spatial distribution of bacteria in soil, and quantitative and qualitative bacterial distribution for determining the preferential location of bacteria and the definition of "favourable" habitats.