Frequently 2-10 cells per colony. In fact, it is uncommon to find microorganisms in nature not surrounded by extracellular polymers. Majority of population usually associated with organic matter. Soil pores a. bacteria often colonize pores only slightly larger than they are b. Clay, sand and silt don't exist as separate entities, but in clusters.
Fungi colonize surfaces and between aggregates.
Higher the reduction, the lower the redox potential with more and more negative. Facultative and obligate anaerobic reduction occurs. Forms and transformations of different elements under anaerobic conditions 1. Work of facultative and obligate anaerobes. Nitrogen is in form of ammonia resulting from mineralization of organic N, some N fixation.