Detection and Diversity of Fungi from Environmental Samples: Traditional Versus Molecular Approaches -- Functional Genomic Approaches for Mycorrhizal Research -- Automated Fluoroscence Sequencing and Troubleshooting -- mRNA Quantitation Using Real Time PCR -- Laboratory Practice for the Production of Polyclonal and Monoclonal Antibodies -- Modern Techniques for Analyzing Immunological Responses -- Transcriptome Analysis -- RNAi Technology: a Tool for Functional Validation of Novel Genes -- Molecular Matchmaking: Techniques for Biomolecular Interactions -- Environmental Proteomics: Extraction and Identification of Protein in Soil -- DGGE and RISA Protocols for Microbial Community Analysis in Soil -- Soil Microbial Community Structure and Function Assessed by FAME, PLFA and DGGE - Advantages and Limitations -- Measurement of Microbial Biomass and Activity in Soil -- Immuno-Technology for the Localization of Acid Phosphatase Using Native Gel Bands in Piriformospora indica and Other Soil Microorganisms -- Use of Short Oligonucleotide Primers in Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA Techniques for Species Identification -- Co-Cultivation with Sebacinales -- Quantitative Histochemistry: a Forgotten Tool with New Applications -- Ion Cyclotron Resonance Fourier Transform Mass Spectrometry for Non-Targeted Metabolomics of Molecular Interactions in the Rhizosphere -- Application of Terminal-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism for MolecularAnalysis of Soil Bacterial Communities -- Molecular Symbiotic Analysis Between Arabiopsis thaliana and Piriformospora indica -- Biophysical Phenomics Reveals Functional Building Blocks of Plants Systems Biology: a Case Study for the Evaluation of the Impact of Mycorrhization with Piriformospora indica -- Analysis of the Plant Protective Potential of the Root Endophytic Fungus Piriformospora indica in Cereals -- Members of Sebacinales Confer Resistance Against Heavy Metal Stress in Plants -- Screening of Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria -- Research Methods in Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi -- Field Trials of Bioinoculants. "Advanced Techniques in Soil Microbiology" presents a wide range of biotechnological methods for application in soil microbiology analysis. These include all essential methods involving molecular biology, immunology, microbiology, and structural biology, such as transcriptome analysis, RNAi technology, molecular matchmaking, RAPD, T-RFLP and FT/MS. The techniques and procedures have been selected with the aim of offering practical guides for immediate use in the laboratory. The systems investigated range from individual molecules and cells to entire eukaryotic organisms, with a focus on bacteria, fungi, mycorrhiza, and higher plants. This volume of state-of-the-art, practice oriented methods will be of great use both to the first-timer and to the experienced scientist.