Includes bibliographical references (295-325).

The Saprotrophs -- The habitat -- Sampling and enumeration -- Reconstructing the soil food web -- Spatial and temporal patterns -- Integrating the food web. "Decomposition is an ecological process that recycles dead tissues, mainly from primary production, into nutrients in the soil. This book describes trophic interactions between species that carry out the decomposition of organic matter in the soil. The key topics addressed are functional groups, spatial stratification and succession patterns over time involving bacteria, protists, fungi and micro-invertebrates. Emphasis is placed on the role of species diversity in functional groups. The book will be of significant interest to those working in areas of ecology, soil science and microbiology."--Jacket.