THE USE OF A PERCOLATION TECHNIQUE IN STUDYING ANTIBIOTIC PRODUCTION IN SOIL

Abstract

The adaptation of a percolation technique to the study of the production of antibiotics in soil is described. Antibiotic activity is determined by assays of a continuously circulating soil solution without disturbing the soil sample itself. The advantages of this technique over existing methods of study are discussed. Results are presented illustrating the production of antibiotics in sterile soil by a Penicillium sp. and two unidentified Streptomyces spp.