Diversity and Role of Microorganisms

Abstract

The focus on biodiversity changes is often on the conspicuous elements of ecosystems, like trees and flowers, birds and mammals, while the less visible part operating below ground has often been ignored. It is well established that soil communities are among the most species-rich compartments of terrestrial systems (Hall 1996). The implications of this enormous diversity for soil function are still very little known and difficult to address (Wolters 1997). The elucidation of species richness of soils in conjunction with sustainability assessments of soil-mediated ecosystem processes must therefore have a high priority in global biodiversity efforts (Freckman 1994). This holds particularly for soil microorganisms, which have the greatest impact on soil nutrient storage and turnover, but are the most poorly investigated components of the below-ground community. The major factors affecting microbial diversity in soils are climate, substrate conditions and other organisms. In recent times, these factors have been strongly modified by anthropogenic forces.