ARS | Publication request: Discriminatory power of MicroResp analyses across variable spatial scales in semiarid ecological zones

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: June 17, 2011
Publication Date: August 8, 2011
Citation: Tahtamouni, M.E., Unc, A., Lucero, M.E., Khresat, S. 2011. Discriminatory power of MicroResp analyses across variable spatial scales in semiarid ecological zones [abstract]. Nature Proceedings. Available: http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/npre.2011.6204.1.

Technical Abstract: Indirect assessment of enzymatic activity potential via substrate induced respiration is a common tool used to evaluate variability in soil microbial activity induced by environmental or management variables. The MicroResp™ method for total soil sample catabolic profiling has been employed to estimate divergence in microbial activities under contrasting conditions. Here we evaluate the potential for the method to discriminate across samples exposed to similar ecological conditions at distinct geographical locations, and across samples exposed to distinct soil management conditions. Samples used in this report came from four spatially distinct arid or semi arid locations in New Mexico, USA and Jordan. For all scales of comparison, similar conditions such as rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere soils, disturbance levels, soil depth and distance from plants were considered as factors. Catabolic profiles vary within and between sampling locations as a function of soil characteristics as induced by proximity to plants, plant species, sampling depth and land disturbance.