Methods in Applied Soil Microbiology and Biochemistry

''This book manages to cover all these areas in a user-friendly format which will be useful to ecologists, microbiologists and plant scientists.'' --Penny R. Hirsch in ANNALS OF BOTANY ''A very useful book in a very practical format. It is not just one for the library but will find a natural place on the bookshelf in the laboratory.'' --Alan P. Newman in BIOLOGICAL AGRICULTURE AND HORTICULTURE In recent years, rapid technological advances and changes in agricultural management have taken place. These have yielded benefits to society but have also generated new and significant environmental problems. Novel questions and challenges relating to agricultural practice and soil microbial ecology, ecotoxicology, biotechnology, and bioremediation must be addressed. As a consequence, the fields of soil microbiology and biochemistry have been highlighted. This book provides a modern, authoritative, and comprehensive collection of methods for the study of soil microbiology and biochemistry. Classical and modern, aerobic and anerobic, laboratory and field-based methods are presented. Detailed techniques are given, but in addition the theoretical basis behind such methodology is described, so that the origins and principles of the techniques are clear to the reader. Particular emphasis has been placed on uniform, simple, and clear presentation of the different methods. With respect to bioremediation of soils, this work provides a unique bridge between general and applied soil microbiology and biochemistry, presenting an integrated discussion of concepts, theories, and methods. This book will be essential for all scientists and students actively involved in natural and environmental sciences and engineering, and for those working in industry, authorities, and consulting companies. * * Uniform and clear presentation of the different methods. * Bridges the gap between general and applied soil microbiology. * Maintains a balanced discussion of concepts, theories, and methods. * Essential reading for all scientists and students involved in natural and environmental sciences and anyone working in the industry "In recent years, rapid technological advances and changes in agricultural management have taken place. These have yielded benefits to society but have also generated new and significant environmental problems. Novel questions and challenges relating to agricultural practice and soil microbial ecology, ecotoxicology, biotechnology, and bioremediation must now be addressed. As a consequence, the fields of soil microbiology and biochemistry have been highlighted." "This book provides a modern, authoritative, and comprehensive collection of methods for the study of soil microbiology and biochemistry. Classical and modern, aerobic and anaerobic, laboratory and field-based methods are presented. Detailed techniques are given, but in addition the theoretical basis behind such methodology is described, so that the origins and principles of the techniques are clear to the reader. Particular emphasis has been placed upon uniform, simple, and clear presentation of the different methods." "With respect to bioremediation of soils, this work provides a unique bridge between general and applied soil microbiology and biochemistry, presenting an integrated discussion of concepts, theories and methods. This book will be essential for all scientists and students actively involved in natural and environmental science and engineering, and for those working in industry, authorities and consulting companies."--Jacket Content: Preface , Page v , K Alef, P. Nannipieri Contributors , Pages xvii-xix 1 - Introduction , Pages 1-4 2 - Quality control and quality assurance in applied soil microbiology and biochemistry , Pages 5-47 , K. Totsche 3 - Soil sampling, handling, storage and analysis , Pages 49-121 , J.C. Forster 4 - Enrichment, isolation and counting of soil microorganisms , Pages 123-191 , K. Alef 5 - Estimation of microbial activities , Pages 193-270 6 - Anaerobic microbial activities in soil , Pages 271-310 , K. Alef 7 - Enzyme activities , Pages 311-373 8 - Microbial biomass , Pages 375-417 , R.G. Joergensen 9 - Community structure , Pages 419-462 , K. Alef, G.P. Sparling 10 - Field methods , Pages 463-490 , K. Alef 11 - Bioremediation of soil , Pages 491-568 , H. Burmeier Index , Pages 569-576 * ''This book manages to cover all these areas in a user-friendly format which will be useful to ecologists, microbiologists and plant scientists.'' --Penny R. Hirsch in ANNALS OF BOTANY ''A very useful book in a very practical format. It is not just one for the library but will find a natural place on the bookshelf in the laboratory.'' --Alan P. Newman in BIOLOGICAL AGRICULTURE AND HORTICULTURE Modern soil microbiology and biochemistry is confronted with new and different challenges derived not only from agricultural practices (e.g. water and soil treatment/management/ quality), but also from environmental protection (e.g. environmental impact statements, ecotoxicology, waste management, trend and risk assessment, intervention analysis), soil bioremediation and research. Provides a collection of methods for the study of soil microbiology and biochemistry. This book presents classical and modern, aerobic and anerobic, laboratory and field-based methods. It is intended for scientists and students involved in natural and environmental sciences and engineering, and for those working in industry.