A bacterial survey of some New Zealand forest lands, grasslands, and peats

Abstract

Samples of forest litters, forest soils, grassland soils, and peats from throughout New Zealand and the adjacent islands were examined. A number of the samples were analysed chemically and the faunae of several litter samples were examined.

Differences in the size of the population and the incidence of bacteria, streptomyces, and sporogenous fungi are noted. Four distinct bacterial habitats are recognised: the growing leaf surface; the accumulated forest litter; mineral soil; and peat. The principal quantitative, taxonomic, and physiological features of the florae of these four habitats are described.