Microbial populations of three forest soils: seasonal variations and changes associated with Phytophthora cinnamomi

Abstract

Microbial populations of three forest soils were assayed by a dilution plate procedure and compared with garden soil. The forest soils were selected from areas subjected to die-back disease caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi Rands, and were from sites for which pathogen populations, soil temperatures, rainfall and soil water potentials were concurrently recorded. Forest soils showed low microbial populations compared with garden soil. This was associated with low organic content, low nitrogen status and poor water-holding capacity. Areas with severe disease and rapid disease extension had a small soil microbial population, particuarly of actinomycetes, compared with soil from areas with moderate disease and slow disease extension. Microbial populations were lowest in spring and autumn when P. cinnamomi was most active, and zoospore production, dispersal and infection was maximal. Microbial populations of forest soil were reduced following die-back; and the reduction of disease was highly significant (P < 0.01) for the Brisbane Ranges where plant mortality was high and the percentage of bare ground increased.