摘要
We studied testate amoebae and possible correlated abiotic factors in soils of 31 mature forest ecosystems using an easily applicable and spatially explicit method. Simple counting on soil thin-sections with a light microscope resulted in amoeba densities comparable to previously reported values, i.e. 0.1 ¡Á 108 to 11.5 ¡Á 108 individuals m? (upper 3 cm of soil). Soil moisture and soil acidity seem to be correlated with amoeba densities. At sites of moderate soil moisture regimes (SMR 2-7) we found higher densities of testate amoebae at pH < 4.5. At wetter sites (SMR ?#xA0;8) higher individual densities were recorded also at less acidic sites. The in situ description of amoebae, based on the analysis of a complete soil thin-section, showed a relatively uniform spatial micro-distribution throughout the organic and mineral soil horizons (no testate amoeba clusters). We discuss the pros and cons of the soil thin-section method and suggest it as an additional tool to improve knowledge of the spatial micro-distribution of testate amoebae.