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Book Field and Laboratory Microbial Ecology

Download or read book Field and Laboratory Microbial Ecology written by Robert W. Gorden and published by . This book was released on 1972 with total page 202 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Book Techniques in Microbial Ecology

Download or read book Techniques in Microbial Ecology written by Robert S. Burlage and published by . This book was released on 1998 with total page 484 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Microbial ecology is one of the fastest growing fields of microbiology. This practical volume is the bench and field scientist's guide to well-established techniques for investigating microbial communities. Both for biologists just entering the field and for experienced researchers wishingto explore new areas, this book provides the theoretical background, detailed protocols, and tips from experts for working in this field. Chapters on bacteria with interesting metabolic traits are augmented with chapters on molecular techniques, lipid analysis, and appropriate sampling techniques.The final section includes up-to-date information on biofilm development and study, the science and practice of bioremediation, modeling of biological systems (including the most useful statistical parameters), and the study of phylogenetics.

Book Molecular Microbial Ecology Manual

Download or read book Molecular Microbial Ecology Manual written by George A. Kowalchuk and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2004-08-09 with total page 1760 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Microbes are key drivers of the world's ecosystems. The vast majority of the world's diversity and metabolic potential lies within micro-organisms, yet we are just beginning to understand and utilize this ultimate resource of biological diversity. Critical to our exploration of the microbial world are methods that allow for the analysis of organisms that are invisible to our eyes, difficult to distinguish from each other, and often impossible to grow using available culture methods. The field of microbial ecology has been revolutionized in the past two decades by the introduction of molecular methods into the toolbox of the microbial ecologist. This molecular arsenal has helped to unveil the enormity of microbial diversity across the breadth of the earth's ecosystems, and has revealed that we are only familiar with a very small minority of the organisms that carry out key microbial functions in diverse habitats. The Molecular Microbial Ecology Manual, Second Edition (MMEM-II) provides a detailed and user-friendly description of the methods that have made this revolution in microbial ecology possible. However, what is perhaps most exciting about MMEM-II is that it contains a large number of new chapters, highlighting the newest trends in microbial ecology research, which seek to provide more quantitative and statistically robust data, and means of coupling microbial identity and function. In addition, the majority of the proven methods described in MMEM's first version have undergone significant revisions to provide the most up-to-date applications available. The state-of-the-art methods described in MMEM-II have not only been provided by experts in the field, but in most cases by the laboratories that actually first developed and applied the methods, thus providing the MMEM-II user with unique first-hand tips and insight. The new on-line format available forMMEM-II should also add to the utility of MMEM-II by allowing users to search for key topics throughout the manual, skip between interrelated chapters at the push of a button, and by providing immediate availability to protocol updates and new chapters dedicated to future technical developments.

Book Soil Microbiology  Ecology and Biochemistry

Download or read book Soil Microbiology Ecology and Biochemistry written by Eldor Paul and published by Academic Press. This book was released on 2014-11-14 with total page 603 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The fourth edition of Soil Microbiology, Ecology and Biochemistry updates this widely used reference as the study and understanding of soil biota, their function, and the dynamics of soil organic matter has been revolutionized by molecular and instrumental techniques, and information technology. Knowledge of soil microbiology, ecology and biochemistry is central to our understanding of organisms and their processes and interactions with their environment. In a time of great global change and increased emphasis on biodiversity and food security, soil microbiology and ecology has become an increasingly important topic. Revised by a group of world-renowned authors in many institutions and disciplines, this work relates the breakthroughs in knowledge in this important field to its history as well as future applications. The new edition provides readable, practical, impactful information for its many applied and fundamental disciplines. Professionals turn to this text as a reference for fundamental knowledge in their field or to inform management practices. New section on "Methods in Studying Soil Organic Matter Formation and Nutrient Dynamics" to balance the two successful chapters on microbial and physiological methodology Includes expanded information on soil interactions with organisms involved in human and plant disease Improved readability and integration for an ever-widening audience in his field Integrated concepts related to soil biota, diversity, and function allow readers in multiple disciplines to understand the complex soil biota and their function

Book Microbial Ecology Studies at Two Coal Mine Refuse Sites in Illinois

Download or read book Microbial Ecology Studies at Two Coal Mine Refuse Sites in Illinois written by R. Michael Miller and published by . This book was released on 1978 with total page 56 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Book Soil Microbiology  Ecology and Biochemistry

Download or read book Soil Microbiology Ecology and Biochemistry written by Eldor Paul and published by Elsevier. This book was released on 2024-01-01 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Soil Microbiology, Ecology, and Biochemistry, Fifth Edition addresses the increasingly important field of soil biota and their interactions in research and education. Soil biota are an important defining component of soils and one of Earth's most important natural resources. It is especially relevant to today's societal questions related to global change, ecosystem sustainability, and food security in our ever-changing environment. Revised by a group of world-renowned authors in many institutions and disciplines, Soil Microbiology, Ecology, and Biochemistry, Fifth Edition relates the breakthroughs in knowledge in this important field to its history as well as future applications. The new edition provides readable, practical, impactful information for its many applied and fundamental disciplines. There is no other available volume that, while providing the background and present knowledge in Soil Microbiology, Ecology and Biochemistry that also integrates the concepts such that they are of greatest usefulness by a broad group of readers.

Book Environmental Microbiology

Download or read book Environmental Microbiology written by Ian L. Pepper and published by Academic Press. This book was released on 2004-12-13 with total page 227 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Section one: Basic Protocols. Experiment 1: Dilution and Plating of Bacteria and Growth Curves. Overwiew. Theory and Significance. Procedure.Triks of the Trade. Potential Hazards. Example Calculation of mean Generation time. Questions and Problems. Reference. EXPERIMENT 2: Soil Moisture Content Determination. Overview.Theory and Significance. Procedure. Tricks of the Trade. Potential Hazards. Example Calculations. Questions and Problems. References. SECTION TWO: Examination of Soil Microorganisms Via Microscopic and Cultural Assays. EXPERIMENT 3: Contact Slide Assay. Overview.Theory and Significance. Procedure. Tricks of the Trade.. Potential Hazards. Questions and Problems. References.EXPERIMENT 4: Filamentous Fungi. Overview.Theory and Significance. Procedure. Tricks of the Trade. Potential Hazards.. Calculations. Questions and Problem.References. EXPERIMENT 5: Bacteria and Actinomycetes. Overview.Theory and Significance. Procedure. Tricks of the Trade. Potential Hazards. Questions and Problems. References.EXPERIMENT 6: Algae: Enumeration by MPN.Overview. Theory Procedure. Tricks of the Trade. Potential Hazards. Calculations. Questions and Problems. References. SECTION THREE: Microbial Transformations and Response to Contaminants. Overview.Theory. Procedure. Tricks of the Trade. Potential Hazards. Calculations.Questions and Problems.References. EXPERIMENT 8: Dehydrogenase Activity of Soils. Overview. Theory. Procedure. Tricks of the Trade. Potential Hazards. Example Calculations. Questions and Problems. Reference. EXPERIMENT 9: Nitrification and Denitrification. Overview. Theory.Procedure. Tricks of the Trade. Potential Hazards. Assignment and Questions. References. EXPERIMENT 10: Enrichment and Isolation of Bacteria that Degrade 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic Acid. Overview. Theory and Significance. Procedure; Tricks of the Trade. Potential Hazards. Questions and Problems.References. EXPERIMENT 11: Adaptation of Soil Bacteria to Metals. Overview.Theory and Significance. Procedure. Tricks of the Trade. Potential Hazards. Questions and Problems. References. EXPERIMENT 12: Biodegradation of Phenol Compounds. Overview. Theory and Significance. Procedure. Potential Hazards. Calculations. Questions and Problem. References. EXPERIMENT 13: Assimilable Organic Carbon. Overview. Theory and Significance. Procedure. Tricks of the Trade. Calculations. Questions and Problems. References. EXPERIMENT 14: Biochemical Oxygen Demand. Overview. Theory and Significance. Procedure.Tricks of the Trade. Potential Hazards. Calculations. Questions and Problems. References. SECTION FOUR: Water Microbiology. EXPERIMENT 15: Bacteriological Examination of Water: The Coliform MPN Test. Overview.Theory and Significance. Procedure. Tricks of the Trade. Calculations. Questions and Problems. Reference. EXPERIMENT 16: Membrane Filter Technique. Overview. Theory and Significance. Procedure. Tricks of the Trade. Potential Hazards. Calculations. Questions and Problems. Reference. EXPERIMENT 17: Defined Substrate Technology for the Detection of Coliforms and Fecal Coliforms. Overview. Theory and Significance.Procedure. Tricks of the Trade. Potential Hazards. Calculations. Questions and Problems.References. EXPERIMENT 18: Film Medium for the Detection of Coliforms in Water, Food, and on Surfaces. Overview. Theory and Significance. Procedure.Tricks of the Trade. Questions and Problems. References. EXPERIMENT 19: Dection of Bacteriophages. Overview. Theory and Significance. Procedure. Tricks of the Trade. Potential Hazards. Calculations. Questions and Problems. Reference. SECTION FIVE: Advanced Topics. EXPERIMENT 20: Detection of Enteric Viruses in Water. Overview. Theory and Significance.Procedure. Questions and Problems. References. EXPERIMENT 21: Detection of Waterborne Parasites.Overview. Theory and Significance.Procedure. Questions and Problems. References. EXPERIMENT 22: Kinetics of Disinfection. Overview. Theory and Significance. Procedure. Tricks of the Trade. Potential Hazards. Calculations. Questions and Problems. Reference. EXPERIMENT 23: Aerobiology Sampling of Airborne Microorganisms.Overview. Theory and Significance. Procedure. Tricks of the Trade. Potential Hazards. Calculations. Questions and Problems. Reference. EXPERIMENT 24: Detection and identification of Bacteria Via PCR and Subsequent BLAST Analysis of Amplified Sequences. Overview. Theory and Significance. Procedure. Tricks of the Trade. Potential Hazards. Questions and Problems. Reference. APPENDIX 1: Preparation of Media and Stains for Each Experiment. APPENDIX 2: Glossary.

Book Aquatic Microbial Ecology and Biogeochemistry  A Dual Perspective

Download or read book Aquatic Microbial Ecology and Biogeochemistry A Dual Perspective written by Patricia M. Glibert and published by Springer. This book was released on 2016-07-25 with total page 304 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book highlights perspectives, insights, and data in the coupled fields of aquatic microbial ecology and biogeochemistry when viewed through the lens of collaborative duos – dual career couples. Their synergy and collaborative interactions have contributed substantially to our contemporary understanding of pattern, process and dynamics. This is thus a book by dual career couples about dual scientific processes. The papers herein represent wide-ranging topics, from the processes that structure microbial diversity to nitrogen and photosynthesis metabolism, to dynamics of changing ecosystems and processes and dynamics in individual ecosystems. In all, these papers take us from the Arctic to Africa, from the Arabian Sea to Australia, from small lakes in Maine and Yellowstone hot vents to the Sargasso Sea, and in the process provide analyses that make us think about the structure and function of all of these systems in the aquatic realm. This book is useful not only for the depth and breadth of knowledge conveyed in its chapters, but serves to guide dual career couples faced with the great challenges only they face. Great teams do make great science.

Book Microbial Communities

    Book Details:
  • Author : Heribert Insam
  • Publisher : Springer Science & Business Media
  • Release : 2013-06-29
  • ISBN : 3642606946
  • Pages : 273 pages

Download or read book Microbial Communities written by Heribert Insam and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2013-06-29 with total page 273 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Research on decomposer communities of terrestrial ecosystems for a long time has focussed on microbial biomass and gross turnover parameters. Recently, more and more attempts are made to look beyond the biomass, and more specifically determine functions and populations on a smaller scale-in time and space. A multitude of techniques is being improved and developed. Garland and Mills (1991) triggered a series of publications on substrate utilization tests in the field of microbial ecology. Despite several promising results for different applications in different laboratories, many problems concerning the assay and the interpretation of results became evident. After individual discussions on the approach with colleagues from various laboratories we started to plan a workshop on the matter. The response on our first circular was extraordinary, and instead of a small workshop it became a meeting with almost 150 participants. The meeting was named 'Substrate use for characterization of microbial communities in terrestrial ecosystems' (SUBMECO) and was held in Innsbruck, Austria, from Oct. 16-18, 1996. The very focussed scope attracted enthusiastic advocates of the approach, and also serious critics. Some of the topics concerned improvements of current inoculation and incubation techniques, ranging from sample pre-treatment, inoculum density and incubation temperature to statistical data handling. New methods for calculating microbial diversity were proposed, as well as bootstrap methods that allow statistics with many variables on a relatively low number of replicates.

Book Manual of Environmental Microbiology

Download or read book Manual of Environmental Microbiology written by Cindy H. Nakatsu and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 2020-08-11 with total page pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The single most comprehensive resource for environmental microbiology Environmental microbiology, the study of the roles that microbes play in all planetary environments, is one of the most important areas of scientific research. The Manual of Environmental Microbiology, Fourth Edition, provides comprehensive coverage of this critical and growing field. Thoroughly updated and revised, the Manual is the definitive reference for information on microbes in air, water, and soil and their impact on human health and welfare. Written in accessible, clear prose, the manual covers four broad areas: general methodologies, environmental public health microbiology, microbial ecology, and biodegradation and biotransformation. This wealth of information is divided into 18 sections each containing chapters written by acknowledged topical experts from the international community. Specifically, this new edition of the Manual Contains completely new sections covering microbial risk assessment, quality control, and microbial source tracking Incorporates a summary of the latest methodologies used to study microorganisms in various environments Synthesizes the latest information on the assessment of microbial presence and microbial activity in natural and artificial environments The Manual of Environmental Microbiology is an essential reference for environmental microbiologists, microbial ecologists, and environmental engineers, as well as those interested in human diseases, water and wastewater treatment, and biotechnology.

Book Molecular Microbial Ecology Manual

Download or read book Molecular Microbial Ecology Manual written by Antoon D. L. Akkermans and published by Springer. This book was released on 2014-01-13 with total page 266 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: For a long time microbial ecology has been developed as a distinct field within Ecology. In spite of the important role of microorganisms in the environment, this group of 'invisible' organisms remained unaccessable to other ecologists. Detection and identification of microorganisms remain largely dependent on isolation techniques and characterisation of pure cul tures. We now realise that only a minor fraction of the microbial com munity can be cultivated. As a result of the introduction of molecular methods, microbes can now be detected and identified at the DNA/RNA level in their natural environment. This has opened a new field in ecology: Molecular Microbial Ecology. In the present manual we aim to introduce the microbial ecologist to a selected number of current molecular techniques that are relevant in micro bial ecology. The first edition of the manual contains 33 chapters and an equal number of additional chapters will be added this year. Since the field of molecular ecology is in a continuous progress, we aim to update and extend the Manual regularly and will invite anyone to depo sit their new protocols in full detail in the next edition of this Manual. We hope this book finds its place where it was born: at the lab bench! Antoon D.L. Akkermans, Jan Dirk van Elsas and Frans J. de Bruijn March 1995 Molecular Microbial Ecology Manual 1.3.6: 1-8, 1996. © 1996 Kluwer Academic Publishers.

Book Handbook of Molecular Microbial Ecology I

Download or read book Handbook of Molecular Microbial Ecology I written by Frans J. de Bruijn and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 2011-10-14 with total page 1155 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The premiere two-volume reference on revelations from studying complex microbial communities in many distinct habitats Metagenomics is an emerging field that has changed the way microbiologists study microorganisms. It involves the genomic analysis of microorganisms by extraction and cloning of DNA from a group of microorganisms, or the direct use of the purified DNA or RNA for sequencing, which allows scientists to bypass the usual protocol of isolating and culturing individual microbial species. This method is now used in laboratories across the globe to study microorganism diversity and for isolating novel medical and industrial compounds. Handbook of Molecular Microbial Ecology is the first comprehensive two-volume reference to cover unculturable microorganisms in a large variety of habitats, which could not previously have been analyzed without metagenomic methodology. It features review articles as well as a large number of case studies, based largely on original publications and written by international experts. This first volume, Metagenomics and Complementary Approaches, covers such topics as: Background information on DNA reassociation and use of 16 rRNA and other DNA fingerprinting approaches Species designation in microbiology Metagenomics: Introduction to the basic tools with examples Consortia and databases Bioinformatics Computer-assisted analysis Complementary approaches—microarrays, metatranscriptomics, metaproteomics, metabolomics, and single cell analysis A special feature of this volume is the highlighting of the databases and computer programs used in each study; they are listed along with their sites in order to facilitate the computer-assisted analysis of the vast amount of data generated by metagenomic studies. Handbook of Molecular Microbial Ecology I is an invaluable reference for researchers in metagenomics, microbiology, and environmental microbiology; those working on the Human Microbiome Project; microbial geneticists; molecular microbial ecologists; and professionals in molecular microbiology and bioinformatics.

Book Soil Microbiology  Ecology and Biochemistry

Download or read book Soil Microbiology Ecology and Biochemistry written by Eldor Paul and published by Academic Press. This book was released on 2013-10-22 with total page 286 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Soil Microbiology and Biochemsitry enconmpasses the broad spectrum of soil organisms and the dynamic processes carried on by them, including ecological relationships in the biota, the dynamics of the carbon and nitrogen cycles, and microbe-driven reactions involving sulfu, phosphorous, and metals. This reference source will prove invaluable to anyone involved in the study of agricultural and nonagricultural soils. This book provideda process-oriented approach on nutrient cycling and fundamental soil processes for students who are studying soil microbiology and biochemistryan up-to-date assessment of the diverse systems affected by soil organisms for researchers in the fields of agronomy, environmental quality, and natural sciencesthe application of molecular biology to soil organisms, mathematic modeling of soil processes, a supplementary reading list, and a glossary.

Book Microbial Biotechnology  A Laboratory Manual for Bacterial Systems

Download or read book Microbial Biotechnology A Laboratory Manual for Bacterial Systems written by Surajit Das and published by Springer. This book was released on 2016-09-10 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Microorganisms play an important role in the maintenance of the ecosystem structure and function. Bacteria constitute the major part of the microorganisms and possess tremendous potential in many important applications from environmental clean up to the drug discovery. Much advancement has been taken place in the field of research on bacterial systems. This book summarizes the experimental setups required for applied microbiological studies. Important background information, representative results, step by step protocol in this book will be of great use to the students, early career researchers as well as the academicians. The book describes many experiments covering the basic microbiological experiments to the applications of microbial systems for advanced research. Researchers in any field who utilize bacterial systems will find this book very useful. In addition to microbiology and bacteriology, this book will also find useful in molecular biology, genetics, and pathology and the volume should prove to be a valuable laboratory resource in clinical and environmental microbiology, microbial genetics and agricultural research. Unique features • Easy to follow by the users as the experiments have been written in simple language and step-wise manner. • Role of each reagents to be used in each experiment have been described which will help the beginners to understand quickly and design their own experiment. • Each experiment has been equipped with the coloured illustrations for proper understanding of the concept. • Trouble-shootings at the end of each experiment will be helpful in overcoming the problems faced by the users. • Flow-chart of each experiment will quickly guide the users in performing the experiments.

Book Molecular Microbiology Laboratory

Download or read book Molecular Microbiology Laboratory written by Bruce Geller and published by Academic Press. This book was released on 2012-12-31 with total page 321 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Molecular Microbiology Laboratory, Second Edition, is designed to teach essential principles and techniques of molecular biology and microbial ecology to upper-level undergraduates majoring in the life sciences and to develop students' scientific writing skills. A detailed lab preparation manual for instructors and teaching assistants accompanies the lab book and contains a general discussion of scientific writing and critical reading as well as detailed instructions for preparation and peer review of lab reports. Each experimental unit is accompanied by a number of additional writing exercises based upon primary journal articles. Exposes students to the new molecular-based techniques Provides faculty with an authoritative, accessible resource for teaching protocols The only manual to incorporate writing exercises, presentation skills and tools for reading primary literature into the curriculum Based on a successful course for which the author won a teaching award New to this Edition: - Presents a real-world study of bacterial populations in the environment in the final experiment - Provides an overview of molecular biology in a new review chapter - Demonstrates how to design an experiment and how to interpret the results - Covers grant proposal writing and how panels review proposals - Presents guidance on public speaking and preparing PowerPoint presentations - Includes tutorials on three widely used software packages

Book Handbook of Molecular Microbial Ecology II

Download or read book Handbook of Molecular Microbial Ecology II written by Frans J. de Bruijn and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 2011-10-14 with total page 632 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The premiere two-volume reference on revelations from studying complex microbial communities in many distinct habitats Metagenomics is an emerging field that has changed the way microbiologists study microorganisms. It involves the genomic analysis of microorganisms by extraction and cloning of DNA from a group of microorganisms, or the direct use of the purified DNA or RNA for sequencing, which allows scientists to bypass the usual protocol of isolating and culturing individual microbial species. This method is now used in laboratories across the globe to study microorganism diversity and for isolating novel medical and industrial compounds. Handbook of Molecular Microbial Ecology is the first comprehensive two-volume reference to cover unculturable microorganisms in a large variety of habitats, which could not previously have been analyzed without metagenomic methodology. It features review articles as well as a large number of case studies, based largely on original publications and written by international experts. This second volume, Metagenomics in Different Habitats, covers such topics as: Viral genomes Metagenomics studies in a variety of habitats, including marine environments and lakes, soil, and human and animal digestive tracts Other habitats, including those involving microbiome diversity in human saliva and functional intestinal metagenomics; diversity of archaea in terrestrial hot springs; and microbial communities living at the surface of building stones Biodegradation Biocatalysts and natural products A special feature of this book is the highlighting of the databases and computer programs used in each study; they are listed along with their sites in order to facilitate the computer-assisted analysis of the vast amount of data generated by metagenomic studies. Such studies in a variety of habitats are described here, which present a large number of different system-dependent approaches in greatly differing habitats. Handbook of Molecular Microbial Ecology II is an invaluable reference for researchers in metagenomics, microbial ecology, microbiology, and environmental microbiology; those working on the Human Microbiome Project; microbial geneticists; and professionals in molecular microbiology and bioinformatics.

Book Microbial Ecology in Sustainable Agroecosystems

Download or read book Microbial Ecology in Sustainable Agroecosystems written by Tanya E. Cheeke and published by CRC Press. This book was released on 2012-07-17 with total page 312 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: While soil ecologists continue to be on the forefront of research on biodiversity and ecosystem function, there are few interdisciplinary studies that incorporate ecological knowledge into sustainable land management practices. Conventional, high fossil-fuel input-based agricultural systems can reduce soil biodiversity, alter soil community structure and nutrient cycling, and lead to greater dependence on energy-intensive practices. Microbial Ecology in Sustainable Agroecosystems brings together soil ecologists, microbial ecologists, and agroecologists working globally to demonstrate how research in soil ecology can contribute to the long-term sustainability of agricultural systems. The book identifies five key areas of research that can be combined to support and direct sustainable land management practices: agriculture, biodiversity, ecosystem services, integrated soil ecology research, and policy. Topics include: A broad range of soil microbial processes in terms of the importance of microbial heterogeneity Inputs by soil microorganisms into wheat-farming systems The importance of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in making nutrients more available to crops The benefits and environmental problems associated with the use of crops genetically modified with Bacillus thuringiensis The incorporation of soil ecological or microbial ecological theory into agricultural practice to improve agricultural productivity and sustainability Challenges in sustainable agricultural research and the need for coalescing new avenues of research in agriculture and soil ecology The contributors range from long-time ecological researchers to graduate students and early career scientists, representing a wide spectrum of experience, ages, diversity, and research interests in this area. They cover the diversity and complexity of microbial activity and interactions in soil systems and the many ways in which microorganisms may be manipulated and managed to improve the functions of crop rhizospheres and thereby maximize crop yields and overall productivity. These recommendations can be used to direct and influence agricultural and environmental policy and guide future research in sustainable agricultural systems management.