An overview of spatial variability of soil microbiological properties using geostatistics

Soil forms an integral part of the ecosystem and at present the quality of a soil is defined not only in terms of its productive capacity, but also by taking the ecosystem into consideration. Consequently, when soil productivity has to be maximized, environmental effects must be given proper consideration. Thus the changes in soil quality caused by different types of land use must first be quantified for attaining sustainability in use and management. In order to understand the soil function on a firm scientific basis one cannot neglect the biological and biochemical processes taking place in the soil. Microbiological parameters form an important component of the soil ecosystem perturbations. Information on soil microorganisms and their activity used to determine microbiological characteristics are very important for soil quality and productivity.