ABSTRACT
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As discussed in previous chapters, important ecosystem services, such as the
cycling of nutrients, the degradation of pollutants and the promotion of plant
growth, are carried out by the indigenous microorganisms of soil, such as the
prokaryotes (bacteria and archaea) and fungi. At the same time, it is now
known that soil often harbors a huge microbial diversity that presently can
neither be characterized functionally nor exploited for biotechnology, as many
organisms have thus far resisted cultivation (see also Chapter 2). In this
chapter, the focus will be on the detection of soil bacteria. These can
contribute significantly to global change issues such as global warming and
ozone layer depletion by virtue of their consumption and production of gases
such as carbon dioxide, methane and nitrogen oxides (see also Chapter 9 and
Chapter 10). Furthermore, the spread of detrimental bacteria, which are
pathogenic to humans or pose a risk to plant or animal production in
agriculture, is of growing concern. Whatever the perspective, it is important
to be able to detect and quantify the indigenous microbial populations
responsible for these beneficial or harmful effects.
