@article{EhrmannPuppeWanneretal.2012,
  author    = {Ehrmann, Otto and Puppe, Daniel and Wanner, Manfred and Kaczorek, Danuta and Sommer, Michael},
  title     = {Testate amoebae in 31 mature forest ecosystems - Densities and micro-distribution in soils},
  series = {European journal of protistology},
  volume    = {48},
  journal   = {European journal of protistology},
  number    = {3},
  publisher = {Elsevier},
  address   = {Jena},
  issn      = {0932-4739},
  doi       = {10.1016/j.ejop.2012.01.003},
  pages     = {161 -- 168},
  year      = {2012},
  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 x 10(8) to 11.5 x 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.},
  language  = {en}
}