Earth Environments

Ian L. Pepper, Terry J. Gentry

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

36 Scopus citations

Abstract

This chapter describes microbial aspects of Earth's living skin, which is a major habitat for environmental microorganisms. Both surface soils and subsurface vadose zones are discussed with respect to their solid, liquid and gaseous phases. Soil and vadose zones are also characterized with respect to their potential as a microbial environment. The major classes of microbes in soil are described including: indigenous bacteria; actinomycetes; fungi, algae; and protozoa. Similar information is also provided for both shallow and deep subsurface environments. Characteristics of soil bacteria, actinomycetes and fungi are provided in terms of their relative diversity similarities, functions and requirements for life within earth.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationEnvironmental Microbiology
Subtitle of host publicationThird Edition
PublisherElsevier Inc.
Pages59-88
Number of pages30
ISBN (Print)9780123946263
DOIs
StatePublished - 2015

Keywords

  • Deep vadose zone microbiology
  • Soil microorganisms
  • Subsurface microbiology
  • Surface soils
  • Vadose zone

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

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