Fatty acids in cell membrane, wall, and in storage polymers can be directly extracted from soil and analyzed by gas chromatography. This method was originally developed to identify pure cultures of bacteria. Total phospholipid content is an estimate of total biomass. Ratios of some fatty acids to other fatty acids are indicators of nutritional status or stress. Lots of data, give indication of metabolic status as well as composition.
Color indicates activity on that carbon source.
This method was originally developed to identify pure cultures of bacteria. Pattern resulting indicates the metabolic diversity of the community. EASY, lots of data, minimal equipment needed.