Abstract Soil microbial biomass data derived from fumigation–extraction
(FE), substrate-induced respiration (SIR)
and ATP estimations differed significantly and were significantly
correlated, which agrees to previous studies. In a
second step, the SIR/FE, ATP/FE and SIR/ATP ratios were
calculated to evaluate the glucose-responsive and active
component of the microbial (active and resting) biomass
and the glucose-responsive component of the active microbiota.
Soils were sampled along gradients within and
between associated ecosystems in Northern Germany,
Denmark and along a gradient of heavy metal pollution
in Finland. The ratios indicated that the active portion and
glucose-responsive component decreased with proceeding
litter decomposition, higher degree of sustainable land
management practices and higher degree of heavy metal
contamination.