← Elaine Ingham · Research and publications
Microbial biomass: why the measurement method matters
Two methods give different pictures in fungal-rich forest soils.
Study published:
The comparison
Direct biomass estimates were compared with chloroform fumigation–incubation, using ectomycorrhizal mat soils and adjacent non-mat soils. [1]
What the estimates showed
Direct estimates were 10–300 times higher and revealed seasonal peaks. Fumigation–incubation showed less seasonal variation. The difference concerned the forest samples examined. [1]
A question for our work
At our Center, we want comparisons of results to begin with the method used. In our archive, we plan to record the measurement unit, preparation and sample type together. This is our own educational use of the paper.
Presentation context
This presentation draws on the published abstract and concerns the particular fumigation–incubation method in forest soils.
Sources and references
- Ingham, E. R., Griffiths, R. P., Cromack, K. & Entry, J. A. (1991). Soil Biology and Biochemistry, 23(5), 465–471. DOI: 10.1016/0038-0717(91)90011-8 Original publication and study record