Abstract
The microbial flora of semi-Arid agricultural soils is basically similar to that of other agricultural soils. Since the largest fraction of the soil biomass consists of heterotrophic microorganisms, it follows that they are directly dependent upon organic nutrients that are invariably supplied by autotrophic life forms, primarily plant roots and residues. Nutrition is well recognized as the most important selective force — in moderate environments — among microbial ecologists; thus the microflora of semi-Arid lands should not differ greatly from that of humid-temperate lands where similar crops are grown.
Keywords
These keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution.
Buying options
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Learn about institutional subscriptionsPreview
Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.
References
Alexander, M.: Introduction to soil microbiology. New York: John Wiley & Sons 1961
Alexander, M.: Biodegradation: problems of molecular recalcitrance and microbial infallability. Adv. Appl. Microbiol. 7, 35–76 (1965)
Alexander, M.: Degradation of pesticides by soil bacteria. In: The ecology of soil bacteria. Gray, T.R.G., Parkinson, D. (eds.). pp. 270–284. Liverpool: Liverpool Univ. Press 1968
Alexander, M.: Biochemical ecology of microorganisms. Ann. Rev. Microbiol. 25, 361–392 (1971)
Alexander, M., Lustigman, B.K.: Effect of chemical structure on microbial degradation of substituted benzenes. J. Agr. Food Chem. 14, 410–413 (1966)
Amer, F.M., Bartholomew, W.V.: Influence of oxygen concentration in soil air on nitrification. Soil Sci. 71, 215–219 (1951)
Anderson, J.P.E., Domsch, K.H.: Quantification of bacterial and fungal contributions to soil respiration. Arch. Mikrobiol. 93, 113–127 (1973)
Anderson, O.E., Boswell, F.C., Harrison, R.M.: Variations in low temperature adaptability of nitrifiers in acid soils. Soil Sci. Soc. Am. Proc. 35, 68–71 (1971)
Avnimelech, Y.: Nitrate transformations in peat. Soil Sci. 111, 113–118 (1971)
Avnimelech, Y., Raveh, A.: The control of nitrate accumulation in soils by induced denitrification. Water Res. 8, 553–555 (1974)
Avnimelech, Y., Raveh, A.: Nitrate leakage from soils differing in texture and nitrogen load. J. Environ. Qual. 5, 79–82 (1976)
Babiuck, L.A., Paul, E.A.: The use of fluorescein isothiocyanate in the determination of the bacterial biomass of grassland soil. Can. J. Microbiol. 16, 57–62 (1970)
Barber, L.E., Tjepkema, J.D., Russel, S.A., Evans, H.J.: Acetylene reduction (nitrogen fixation) associated with corn inoculated with Spirillum. Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 32, 108–113(1976)
Becking, J.H.: Studies on the nitrogen-fixing bacteria of the genus Beijerinckia. I. Geographical and ecological distribution in soils. Plant Soil 14, 49–81 (1961a)
Becking, J.H.: Studies on the nitrogen-fixing bacteria of the genus Beijerinckia. II. Mineral nutrition resistance to high levels of certain elements in relation to soil type. Plant Soil 14, 297–322 (1961b)
Becking, J.H. Family Frankiaceae.: In: Bergey’s manual of determinative bacteriology. Buchanan, R.E., Gibbons, N.E. (eds.). pp. 701–706. Baltimore: Williams and Wilkins 1974
Behera, B., Wagner, G.H.: Microbial growth rate in glucose-amended soil. Soil Sci. Soc. Am. Proc. 38, 591–597 (1974)
Birch, H.F.: The effect of soil drying on humus decomposition and nitrogen availablity. Plant Soil 10, 9–32 (1958)
Bond, G.: Root-nodule symbioses with actinomycete-like organisms. In: The biology of nitrogen fixation. Quispel, A. (ed.). pp. 342–378. New York: Elsevier 1974
Bondietti, E., Martin, J.P., Haider, K.: Stabilization of amino sugar units in humic-type polymers. Soil Sci. Soc. Am. Proc. 36, 597–602 (1972)
Bouwer, H., Lance, J.C., Riggs, M.S.: High-rate land treatment: II. Water quality and economic aspects of the Flushing Meadows Project. J. Water Pollut. Control. Fed. 46, 844–859 (1974)
Broadbent, F.E., Taylor, N.B., Hill, G.N.: Nitrification of ammoniacal fertilizers in some California soils. Hilgardia 27, 247–267 (1957)
Broadbent, F.E., Tusneem, M.E.: Losses of nitrogen from some flooded soils in tracer experiments. Soil Sci. Soc. Am. Proc. 35, 992 (1971)
Brown, A.D.: Microbial water stress. Bacteriol. Rev. 40, 803–846 (1976)
Burford, J.R., Stefanson, R.C.: Measurement of gaseous losses of nitrogen from soils. Soil Biol. Biochem. 5, 133–141 (1973)
Buswell, A.M., Shiota, T., Lawrence, N., Meter, I.V.: Laboratory studies on the kinetics of the growth of Nitrosomonas with relation to the nitrification phase of the BOD test. Appl. Microbiol. 2, 21–25 (1954)
Campbell, C.A., Biederbeck, V.O., Warder, F.G.: Influence of simulated fall and spring conditions in the soil system: II. Effect on soil nitrogen. Soil Sci. Soc. Am. Proc. 35, 480 – 483 (1971)
Cawse, P.A., Sheldon, D.: Rapid reduction of nitrate in soil remoistened after air-drying. J. Agric. Sci. Camb. 78, 405–412 (1972)
Chance, B.: Cellular oxygen requirements. Fed. Am. Soc. Exp. Biol. Fed. Proc. 16, 671–680 (1957)
Cheshire, M.V., Greaves, M.P., Mundie, C.M.: Decomposition of soil polysaccharide. J. Soil Sci. 25, 483–498 (1974)
Cooper, G.S.: Nitrification in soils incubated with pig slurry. Soil Biol. Biochem. 7,119–124 (1975)
Dagley, S.: Catabolism or aromatic compounds by microorganisms. Adv. Microbiol. Physiol. 6, 1–46 (1971)
Dobereiner, J.: Nitrogen-fixing bacteria in the rhizosphere. In: The biology of nitrogen fixation. Quispel, A. (ed.). pp. 86–120. New York: Elsevier 1974
Dolin, M.I.: Cytochrome-independent electron transport enzymes of bacteria. In: The bacteria, Vol. II. Gunsalus, L.G., Stanier, R.Y. (eds.). pp. 425–460. New York: Academic Press 1961
Dowdell, R.J., Smith, K.A.: Field studies of the soil Atmosphere: II. Occurrence of nitrous oxide. J. Soil. Sci. 25, 231–238 (1974)
Eskew, D.L., Ting, I.P.: Comparison of intact plant and excised root assays for acetylene reduction in grass rhizomes. Pl. Sci. Lett. 8, 327–331 (1977)
Eskew, D.L., Focht, D.D., Ting, L.P.: Nitrogen fixation, denitrification, and pleomorphic growth in a highly pigmented Spirillum lipoferrum. Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 34, 582–585 (1977)
Etinger-Tulczynska, R.: A comparative study of nitrification in soils from Arid and semi-Arid areas of Israel. J. Soil Sci. 20, 473–481 (1969)
Feibeck, G.T.: Structural chemistry of soil humic acids. Adv. Agron. 17, 317–368 (1965)
Fetter, C.W., Holzmacher, R.G.: Groundwater recharge with treated wastewater. J. Water Poll. Control Fed. 46, 260–270 (1974)
Filip, Z.: Clay minerals as factors influencing biochemical activity of soil microorganisms. Folia Microbiologica 18, 56–74 (1973)
Filip, Z., Haider, K., Beutelspacher, H., Martin, J.P.: Comparisons of IR-spectra from melanins of microscopic soil fungi, humic acids and model phenol polymers. Geoderma 11, 37–52 (1974)
Finch, P., Hayes, M.H., Stacey, M.: Studies on soil polysacchArides and on their interaction with clay preparations. Trans, of Commissions II and IV, Int. Soc. of Soil Sci., pp. 19–32. Aberdeen, Scotland, 1966
Flaig, W., Beutelspacher, H., Rietz, E.: Chemical composition and physical properties of humic substances. In: Soil components, Vol. I. Gieseking, J.E. (ed.). pp. 1–211. Berlin-Heidelberg-New York: Springer 1975
Focht, D.D.: The effect of temperature, pH, and aeration on the production of nitrous oxide and gaseous nitrogen — a zero-order kinetic model. Soil Sci. 118, 173–179 (1974)
Focht, D.D.: Methods for analysis of denitrifîcation in soils. In: Nitrogen in the environment, Vol. II. Nielsen, D.R., MacDonald, J.G. (eds.). pp. 429–490. New York: Academic Press 1978
Focht, D.D., Verstratete, W.: Biochemical ecology of nitrification and denitrifîcation. Adv. Microb. Ecol. 1, 135–214 (1977)
Frederick, L.R.: The formation of nitrate from ammonium nitrogen in soils. 1. Effect of temperature. Soil Sci. Soc. Am. Proc. 20, 496–500 (1956)
Fuller, W.H., Rogers, R.N.: Utilization of phosphorus of algal cells as measured by the Neubauer technique. Soil Sci. 74, 417–430 (1952)
Garribaldi, J.A.: Influence of temperature on the iron metabolism of a fluorescent pseudomonad. J. Bacteriol. 105, 1036–1038 (1971)
Gerdeman, J.W.: Vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhiza and plant growth. Ann. Rev. Phytopathol. 6, 397–418 (1968)
Gerdeman, J.W., Trappe, J.M.: The Endogmaceze in the Pacific Northwest. Mycologia Memoir No. 5, pp. 1–76. New York: Botanical Garden and Mycological Society of America 1974
Grass, L.B., MacKenzie, A.J., Meek, B.D., Spencer, W.F.: Manganese and iron solubility changes as a factor in tile drain clogging. I. Observations during flooding and drying. Soil Sci. Soc. Am. Proc. 37, 14–17 (1973a)
Grass, L.B., MacKenzie, A.J., Meek, B.D., Spenccer, W.F.: Manganese and iron solubility changes as a factor in tile drain clogging. II. Observations during the growth of cotton. Soil Sci. Soc. Am. Proc. 37, 17–21 (1973b)
Greenwood, D.J.: The effect of oxygen concentration on the decomposition of organic materials in soil. Plant Soil 14, 360–376 (1961)
Griffin, D.M.: Ecology of soil fungi. Syracuse, New York: Syracuse University Press 1972
Guckert, A.: Contribution a l’etude des polysacchArides dans les sols et de leur rôle dans les mécanismes d’agregation. Ph.D. Diss. Univ. Marcy, France, 1973
Haider, K., Martin, J.P.: Synthesis and transformation of phenolic compounds by Epicoccum nigrum in relation to humic acid formation. Soil Sci. Soc. Am. Proc. 31, 766–772 (1967)
Haider, K., Martin, J.P., Filip, Z.: Humus biochemistry. In: soil biochemistry, Vol. IV. Paul, E.A., McLaren, A.D. (eds.). pp. 195–244. New York: Marcel Dekker 1974
Haider, K., Martin, J.P.: Decomposition of specifically carbon-14-labeled benzoic and cinnamic acid derivatives in soil. Soil Sci. Soc. Am. Proc. 39, 657–662 (1975)
Harborne, J.B.: Biochemistry of phenolic compounds. London: Academic Press 1964
Harris, R.F., Chesters, G., Allen, O.N.: Dynamics of soil aggregation. Adv. Agron. 18, 107–169 (1966)
Haydon, A.H., Davis, W.B., Arceneaux, J.E.L., Byers, B.R.: Hydroxamate recognition during iron transport from hydroxamate-iron chelates. J. Bacteriol. 165, 912–918 (1973)
Horvath, R.S.: Microbial co-metabolism and the degradation of organic compounds in nature. Bacteriol. Rev. 36, 146–155 (1972)
Hurst, H.M., Burges, N.A.: Lignin and humic acids. In: Soil biochemistry. McLaren, A.D., Peterson, G.H. (eds.). pp. 260–286. New York: Marcel Dekker 1967
Ingraham, J.L.: Temperature relationships. In: The bacteria, Vol. IV. Gunsalus, I.C., Stanier, R.Y. (eds.). pp. 265–296. New York: Academic Press 1962
Ishaque, M., Cornfield, A.N.: Nitrogen mineralization and nitrification in relation to incubation temperature in an acid Bangladesh soil lacking autotrophic nitrifying organisms. Tropical Agric. 51, 37–41 (1974)
Jenkinson, D.S.: Studies on decomposition of C-labeled organic matter in soil. Soil Sci. 111, 64–70 (1971)
Jenny, H.: Factors of soil formation. New York: McGraw Hill 1941
Knowles, G., Downing, A.L., Barrett, M.J.: Determination of kinetic constants for nitrifying bacteria in mixed culture, with the aid of an electronic computer. J. Gen. Microbiol. 38, 263–278 (1965)
Kononova, M.M.: Soil organic matter. Oxford: Pergamon Press 1961
Kononova, M.M.: Humus of virgin and cultivated soils. In: Soil components, Vol. I, pp. 475–526. Berlin-Heidelberg-New York: Springer 1975
Lamanna, C., Mallette, M.F.: Basic bacteriology. Its biological and chemical background. Baltimore: Williams and Wilkins 1959
Lance, J.C.: Nitrogen removal by soil mechanisms. J. Water Pollut. Control. Fed. 44, 1352 – 1361 (1972)
Mahendrappa, M.K., Smith, R.L.: Some effects of moisture on denitrification in acid and alkaline soils. Soil Sci. Soc. Am. Proc. 31, 212–215 (1967)
Mahendrappa, M.K., Smith, R.L., Christianson, A.T.: Nitrifying organisms affected by climatic regions in western United States. Soil Sci. Soc. Am. Proc. 30, 60–62 (1966)
Martin, J.P., Focht, D.D.: Biological properties in soils. In: Soils for management of organic wastes and waste waters. Elliott, L.F., Stevenson, F.J. (eds.). pp. 115–169. Madison, Wisc. ASA-CSSA-SSSA 1977
Martin, J.P., Haider, K.: Microbial activity in relation to soil humus formation. Soil Sci. 111, 54–63(1971)
Martin, J.P., Martin, W.P., Page, J.B., Raney, W.A., DeMent, J.D.: Soil aggregation. Adv. Agron. 7, 1–38 (1955)
Martin, J.P., Haider, K., Farmer, W.J., Fustec-Mathon, E.: Decomposition and distribution of residual activity of some 14C-microbial polysacchArides and cells, glucose and wheat straw in soil. Soil Biol. Biochem. 6, 221–230 (1974)
Marx, D.H.: The influence of ectotrophic mycorrhizal fungi on the resistance of pine roots to pathogenic infections. II. Production, identification and biological activity of antibiotics produced by Leuropaxillus cerealis var. piceina. Phytopathology 59, 411–417 (1969)
Marx, D.H.: Mycorrhizae. In: Agrichemical age. McLaren, A.D. (ed.). pp. 13–16. New York: Marcel Dekker 1972
McLaren, A.D.: Biochemistry and soil science. Science 141, 1141–1147 (1963)
Meek, B.D., Grass, L.B., MacKenzie, A.J.: Applied nitrogen losses in relation to oxygen status of soils. Soil Sci. Soc. Am. Proc. 33, 575–578 (1969)
Meek, B.D., Page, A.L., Martin, J.P.: The oxidation of divalent manganese under conditions present in tile lines as related to temperature, solid surfaces, microorganisms and solution chemical compositions. Soil Sci. Soc. Am. Proc. 37, 542–548 (1973)
Misra, C., Nielsen, D.R., Biggar, J.W.: Nitrogen transformations in soil during leaching: II. Steady state nitrification and nitrate reduction. Soil Sci. Soc. Am. Proc. 38, 294–304 (1974)
Neilands, J.B.: Hydroxamic acids in nature. Science 156, 1443–1447 (1967)
Neyra, C.A., Dobereiner, J., Lalande, R., Knowles, R.: Denitrification by N2-fixing Spirillum lipoferum. Can. J. Microbiol. 23, 300–305 (1977)
Patrick, W.H., Jr., Gotoh, S.: The role of oxygen in nitrogen loss from flooded soils. Soil Sci. 118, 78–80(1974)
Pilot, L., Patrick, W.H., Jr.: Nitrate reduction in soils: Effect of soil moisture tension. Soil Sci. 114, 312–316(1972)
Pourbaix, M.: Atlas of electrochemical equilibria in aqueous solutions. Oxford: Pergamon Press 1966
Pratt, P., Broadbent, F.E., Martin, J.P.: Using organic wastes as nitrogen fertilizers. Calif. Agric. 27, 10–13 (1973)
Quispel, A.: The biology of nitrogen fixation. New York: Elsevier 1974
Reisinger, O., Kilbertus, G.: Biodegradation et humification. IV. Microorganismen intevenant dans la decomposition des cellules d’ Aureobasidium pullulons (De Bary) Arnaud. Can. J. Microbiol. 20, 299–306 (1974)
Roulier, M.H., Stolzy, L.H., Szuszkiewicz, T.E.: An improved procedure for sampling the Atmosphere of field soils. Soil Sci. Soc. Am. Proc. 38, 687–689 (1974)
Sabey, B.R., Bartholomew, W.V., Shaw, R., Pesek, J.: Influence of temperature on nitrification in soils. Soil Sci. Soc. Am. Proc. 20, 357–360 (1956)
Saiz-Jimenez, C., Haider, K., Martin, J.P.: Anthraquinones as intermediates in the formation of dark-colored, humic acidlike pigements of Eurotium echinulatum. Soil Sci. Soc. Am. Proc. 39, 649–653 (1975)
Schnitzer, M., Kahn, S.V.: Humic substances in the environment. New York: Marcel Dekker 1972
Shields, J.A., Paul, E.A., Lowe, W.E.: Turnover of microbial tissue in soil under field conditions. Soil Biol. Biochem. 5, 743–764 (1973)
Skujins, J.J.: Enzymes in soil. In: Soil biochemistry, McLaren, A.D., Peterson, G.H. (eds.). pp. 371–417. New York: Marcel Dekker 1967
Sorensen, H.: Studies on the decomposition of carbon-14 labeled barley straw in soil. Soil Sci. 95, 45–51 (1963)
Stevenson, F.J.: Organic acids in soil. In: Soil biochemistry. McLaren, A.D., Peterson, G.H. (eds.). pp. 119–146. New York: Marcel Dekker 1967
Stevenson, F.J., Butler, J.H.A.: Chemistry of humic acids and related pigments. In: Organic geochemistry. Eglinton, G., Murphy, M.T.J. (eds.). pp. 534–557. Berlin-Heidelberg-New York: Springer 1969
Stewart, B.A., Porter, L.K., Viets, F.G.: Effect of sulfur content of straws on rates of decomposition and plant growth. Soil Sci. Soc. Am. Proc. 30, 355–358 (1966)
Stewart, W.D.P.: Nitrogen fixation by free-living microorganisms. New York: Cambridge Univ. Press 1975
Swinzer, G.D., Oades, J.M., Greenland, D.J.: Studies on soil polysaccharides. I. The isolation of polysacchArides from soil. Aust. J. Soil Res. 6, 211–224 (1968a)
Swinzer, G.D., Oades, J.M., Greenland, D.J.: Studies on soil polysaccharides. II. The composition and properties of polysacchArides in soils under pasture and fallow-wheat rotation. Aust. J. Soil Res. 6, 225–235 (1968b)
Swinzer, G.D., Oades, J.M., Greenland, D.J.: The extraction, characterization and significance of soil polysacchArides. Adv. Agron. 21:195–235 (1969)
Tjepkema, J., Van Berkum, P.: Acetylene reduction by soil cores of maize and sorghum in Brazil. Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 33, 626–629 (1977)
Verma, L., Martin, J.P., Haider, K.: Decomposition of 14C-labeled proteins, peptides and amino acids; free and complexed with humic polymers. Soil Sci. Soc. Am. Proc. 39, 279–283 (1975)
Verstraete, W., Alexander, M.: Heterotrophic nitrification by Arthrobacter sp. J. Bacteriol. 110, 955–961 (1972)
Waid, J.S.: Hydroxamic acids in soil systems. In: Soil biochemistry, Vol. IV. Paul, E.A., McLaren, A.D. (eds.). pp. 655–101. New York: Marcel Dekker 1975
Wesseling, J., van Wijk, W.R.: Land drainage in relation to soils and crops: I. Soil physical conditions in relation to drain depth. In: Drainage of agricultural lands. Agron. 7. Luthin, L.N. (ed.). pp. 461–504. Madison, Wisc.: Am. Soc. Agron 1957
Wimpenny, J.W.: Oxygen and carbon dioxide as regulators of microbial growth and metabolism. In: Microbial growth. Meadow, P.M., Pirt, S.J. (eds.). pp. 161–198. Cambridge: Cambridge Univ. Press 1969
Wong-Chong, G.M., Loehr, R.C.: The kinetics of microbial nitrification. Water Res. 9, 1099–1106 (1975)
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 1979 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Focht, D.D., Martin, J.P. (1979). Microbiological and Biochemical Aspects of Semi-Arid Agricultural Soils. In: Hall, A.E., Cannell, G.H., Lawton, H.W. (eds) Agriculture in Semi-Arid Environments. Ecological Studies, vol 34. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-67328-3_5
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-67328-3_5
Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg
Print ISBN: 978-3-642-67330-6
Online ISBN: 978-3-642-67328-3
eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive