Microbial communities were factorially inoculated in 4 sterilized soils of pH 4.1–8.3.
Fungal growth and bacterial growth and pH-tolerance were monitored during 2 months.
Bacterial pH tolerance was influenced most by the soil pH but also by inoculum.
A mismatched pH tolerance to soil pH compromised bacterial growth and respiration.
Fungal growth appeared unaffected by pH tolerance but was influenced by inoculum size.