title: Testate amoebae in 31 mature forest ecosystems--densities and micro-distribution in soils.
abstract: We studied testate amoebae and possible correlated abiotic factors in soils of 31 mature forest ecosystems using an easily applicable and spatially explicit method. Simple counting on soil thin-sections with a light microscope resulted in amoeba densities comparable to previously reported values, i.e. 0.1 × 10(8) to 11.5 × 10(8) individuals m(-2) (upper 3 cm of soil). Soil moisture and soil acidity seem to be correlated with amoeba densities. At sites of moderate soil moisture regimes (SMR 2-7) we found higher densities of testate amoebae at pH<4.5. At wetter sites (SMR ≥ 8) higher individual densities were recorded also at less acidic sites. The in situ description of amoebae, based on the analysis of a complete soil thin-section, showed a relatively uniform spatial micro-distribution throughout the organic and mineral soil horizons (no testate amoeba clusters). We discuss the pros and cons of the soil thin-section method and suggest it as an additional tool to improve knowledge of the spatial micro-distribution of testate amoebae.
authors.affiliation: Bureau for Soil Micromorphology and Soil Biology, Münster 12, 97993 Creglingen, Germany.
authors.forename: Otto
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Ehrmann
authors.forename: Daniel
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Puppe
authors.forename: Manfred
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Wanner
authors.forename: Danuta
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Kaczorek
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sommer
mesh_terms: D000656:Amoeba / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D017753:Ecosystem; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D008853:Microscopy; D012987:Soil / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000469:parasitology*; D014197:Trees; D014867:Water
chemical_list: D012987:Soil; D014867:Water