Impact of matric potential and pore size distribution on growth dynamics of filamentous and non-filamentous soil bacteria.

ABSTRACT: The filamentous growth form is an important strategy for soil microbes to bridge air-filled pores in unsaturated soils. In particular, fungi perform better than bacteria in soils during drought, a property that has been ascribed to the hyphal growth form of fungi. However, it is unknown if, and to what extent, filamentous bacteria may also display similar advantages over non-filamentous bacteria in soils with low hydraulic connectivity. In addition to allowing for microbial interactions and competition across connected micro-sites, water films also facilitate the motility of non-filamentous bacteria. To examine these issues, we constructed and characterized a series of quartz sand microcosms differing in matric potential and pore size distribution and, consequently, in connection of micro-

SUBMITTER: Wolf AB 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3877067 | biostudies-literature | 2013

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature