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Development of a microbial community on cellulose buried in waterlogged soil

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Summary

The development of a microbial community on cellulose (cellophane film and filter paper) buried in waterlogged soil was observed under a microscope. Throughout the decomposition of the cellulose, the biomass, immobilized N, ATP and gas metabolism of the microbial community were examined. As cellulose decomposition progressed, a microbial succession was recognized. This succession was divided into two stages. In the first stage, a few types of cellulolytic microorganisms predominated on the cellulose. Vigorous decomposition of the cellulose was accompanied by a rapid increase in microbial biomass, and H2 was evolved from the microbial community on the cellulose. In the second stage, the rate of cellulose decomposition was slow. The cellulose remaining was thickly covered with various types of microoganisms. The H2 produced was consumed by the microorganisms closely adhering to the remaining cellulose. In addition, non-cellular organic N accumulated on the remaining cellulose. A large part of the microorganisms seemed to be dormant in this stage. The trends in this microbial succession were similar to those found in ecosystem successions.

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Saito, M., Wada, H. & Takai, Y. Development of a microbial community on cellulose buried in waterlogged soil. Biol Fertil Soils 9, 301–305 (1990). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00634105

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00634105

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