Abstract
The population densities of physiological groups of bacteria were studied in a beech forest soil in order to assess the role of bacteria as decomposer organisms in the ecosystem. A direct multipoint method was used to estimate the numbers of bacteria in different physiological groups. Large numbers of bacteria were found decomposing xylan and pectin. The numbers of each physiological group differed considerably between horizons. Fluctuations in numbers within physiological groups were greater in the upper horizons. No consistent patterns of fluctuations caused by seasonal changes could be observed. A defoliation of the forest by Dasychira pudibunda larvae in the middle of the experimental period resulted in a significant increase in numbers of chitin decomposers and a small decrease of starch hydrolyzers.
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