MICROBIOLOGIA	Métodos de estudio de los cambios estructurales en ecosistemas microbianos edáficos y su aplicación ambiental
	© Leonidas Carrasco Letelier , 2003   lcarrasco@netexplora.cl

[RESUMEN]ABSTRACT

The last decade has seen an increase in the studies of soil microbes due to the recognition of its main role in supporting the functions and services of ecosystems. Therefore, the analysis of the structure of these ecosystems would allow the monitoring and prediction of soil quality changes. However, such structural analysis has not been carried out for lack of knowledge about the biodiversity of these ecosystems, especially after Torsvik et al. (1980, 1990) found the inefficiency and inadequate representation of classical microbiological studies. In recent years, new methods have been developed to study the structural changes of soil microbial ecosystems, which although developed as an assessment tool to determine environmental impacts, its use in this field has been minimal. This article reviews the advantages and disadvantages of the main methods used today from the perspective of the needs of developing countries that require: (i) to assess its environmental impacts on soil quality; and (ii) to screen soil microbial biodiversity as a biotechnological resource of the country.