Phospholipid Fatty Acid (PLFA) Analysis.
Estonian Crop Research Institute
Service description
Phospholipid Fatty Acid (PLFA) Analysis of soils is method for describing microbial biomass and determine microbial community structure. PLFA biomarkers are sensitive method because they take into account only living organisms and due to that evaluate relatively rapid shifths and changes in the environment.The total sum of PLFA biomarkers is used as an assessment of total microbial biomass in soil. In addition, PLFA distinguish separate groups as total bacteria, Gram positive (G+), Gram negative (G-) bacteria, actinobacteria and saprotrophic fungi. Furthermore, the ratios of microbial groups could be used as „stress“ indicators, determinant of metabolic status of bacteria, determinant of microbial community health etc.