Interpretation of microbial biomass measurements for soil quality assessment in humid temperate regions

• Published in: Canadian journal of soil science Vol. 79; no. 4; pp. 507 - 520
• Main Authors: Carter, M.R, Gregorich, E.G, Angers, D.A, Beare, M.H, Sparling, G.P, Wardle, D.A, Voroney, R.P
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01.11.1999
• Subjects: assessment; biomass; edaphic factors; interpretation; measurement; problem analysis; quality; soil; soil microorganisms

Soil microbial biomass (SMB) measurements are often used in soil biological analysis; however, their interpretation can be problematic. In this review, both the limitations and benefits of indirect (both CHCl 3 fumigation incubation and fumigation extraction, and substrate-induced respiration) SMB m...