Experiments in Soil Biology and Biochemistry

Contents: Foreword. Preface. I. Enumeration of soil biota: 1. Counting and isolation of soil microbial population by Serial Dilution Plate Technique: determination of Rhizosphere effect. 2. Isolation of Rhizobium from root nodules and strain identification. 3. Isolation and study of root surface fungi using Serial Root Washing Technique. 4. Enumeration of soil algae by most probable number method. 5. Isolation and enumeration of soil protozoa. 6. Assessing nematode population in soil by Cobb's decanting and sieving method. 7. Study of mites and other microarthropods in soil. II. Determining soil biological activity: 1. Determination of soil biological activity by monitoring dehydrogenase activity. 2. Assessing soil biological activity through soil respiration: oxygen uptake determination. 3. Monitoring organic matter decomposition in soil through carbon dioxide evolution: alkali trap method. 4. Determination of soil microbial biomass carbon by fumigation-extraction method. 5. Determination of organic and inorganic carbon in soil by wet oxidation diffusion method. 6. Determination of organic acids in root exudates and soils by gas chromatography. 7. Study of cellulose decomposition by filter paper strip method. III. Soil enzymes: 1. Nitrogenase enzyme assay using Acetylene Reduction Technique. 2. Determination of dissimilatory nitrate reductase activity in soil. 3. Determination of Soil Urease Activity. 4. Assay of acid and alkaline phosphomonesterases in soil. 5. Assay of arylsulphatase in soil. IV. Biochemical transformations of soil nitrogen: 1. Determination of nitrogen mineralization potential of soil. 2. Determination of nitrifying potential of soil. 3. Determination of denitrifying potential of soil. V. Soil biotechnology: 1. Extraction of genomic DNA from soil. 2. Gel electrophoresis of genomic DNA from soil. 3. The Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) for study of soil organisms at DNA level. 4. Ribosomal Intergenic Spacer Analysis (RISA) for genetic fingerprints of soil bacterial communities. 5. Analysis of functional microbial diversity in soil: BIOLOG. VI. Biological methods of soil fertility assessment: 1. Bioassay of available potassium using Aspergillus niger. 2. Soil fertility evaluation using Neubauer Techniques. Annexures. Appendices. 

"This publication has been written primarily to meet the requirements of the practical component of the course 'Soil Biology and Biochemistry' prescribed by the education division of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research as compulsory course for the students pursuing PG studies in soil science. The publication is in instructional mode and is very well illustrated so as to serve as a kind of 'self help' document. No effort has been spared in presenting information in a clear and concise manner. 

It has exercises covering both soil microflora and fauna. Besides aspects relating to the enzymes and biochemical transformations of plant nutrients covered in, it has a chapter on the frontier area of soil biotechnology. This publication will be useful not only for the students but also help scientists engaged in research relating to soil biological and biochemical aspects at the ICAR institutes and other research establishments including those dealing with environmental and pollution related issues."