Propagule size: Its relation to population density of microorganisms in soil

Analysis of published data on occurrence of bacteria and fungi in soil revealed an inverse linear relationship between the logarithm of propagule size and the logarithm of population density among these microorganisms. The regression equation Y= 8.841? 0.540.X (in which Y is log numbers of propagules kg^?1 of soil and X is log volumes per 100 propagules), describing the relationship between propagule size and maximum population density of microorganisms in soil, afforded the predicted values of the population density very close to the reported values. The regression equation may also be used for predicting the possible propagule type of a microorganism in soil, if its population density is known.