Peter M. Groffman and Moshe Shachak
There have been relatively few studies of microbial processes in desert soils, and very little
analysis of desert soil biodiversity (Parker et al. 1984, Schlesinger et al. 1987, Peterjohn
1991, Fließbach et al. 1994, Zaady et al. 1996a, b, Steinberger et al. 1999). Given this lack of
data, we cannot provide a comprehensive review of desert soil biodiversity, with comparison
to more mesic ecosytems. Rather, we can review some of the unique features of desert
microbial ecology and pose questions about desert soil biodiversity that should be …
Chapter 7
Peter M. Groffman and Moshe Shachak
There have been relatively few studies of microbial processes in desert soils, and very little
analysis of desert soil biodiversity (Parker et al. 1984, Schlesinger et al. 1987, Peterjohn
1991, Fließbach et al. 1994, Zaady et al. 1996a, b, Steinberger et al. 1999). Given this lack of
data, we cannot provide a comprehensive review of desert soil biodiversity, with comparison
to more mesic ecosytems. Rather, we can review some of the unique features of desert
microbial ecology and pose questions about desert soil biodiversity that should be …
Chapter 7