Soil Microbiome Study Based on DNA Extraction: A Review

Abstract

In recent years, many different methods that allow for the analysis of the biodiversity and structure of the community of microorganisms inhabiting the soil environment have emerged. Many of these approaches are based on molecular methods including the study of genetic biodiversity based on DNA and RNA analysis. They are superior to conventional methods because they do not rely on time-consuming laboratory in vitro cultures and biochemical analyses. Moreover, methods based on the analysis of genetic material are characterized by high sensitivity and repeatability. The abovementioned issues are the subject of many reviews. The novelty of this article is the summarization of the main aspects of soil biological research including genetic techniques, bioinformatics and statistical tools. This approach could be an introduction for scientists starting their work in the field of genetic soil analysis. Additionally, examples of the application of molecular methods in soil research are presented.