TY  - JOUR
A1  - Ehrmann, Otto
A1  - Puppe, Daniel
A1  - Wanner, Manfred
A1  - Kaczorek, Danuta
A1  - Sommer, Michael
T1  - Testate amoebae in 31 mature forest ecosystems - Densities and micro-distribution in soils
JF  - European journal of protistology
N2  - 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.
KW  - Microhabitats
KW  - Soil thin-section
KW  - Soil moisture regimes
KW  - Soil reaction
Y1  - 2012
U6  - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejop.2012.01.003
SN  - 0932-4739
VL  - 48
IS  - 3
SP  - 161
EP  - 168
PB  - Elsevier
CY  - Jena
ER  -