A sandy loam soil was brought to 6 water contents (13-100 % WHC) to study the effects of extreme soil moistures on the physiological status of microbiota (represented by biomass characteristics, specific respiration, bacterial growth, and phospholipid fatty acid, PLFA, stress indicators) and microbial community structure (assessed using PLFA fingerprints). In dry soils, microbial biomass and activity declined as a consequence of water and/or nutrient deficiency (indicated by PLFA stress indicators). These microbial communities were dominated by G(+) bacteria and actinomycetes. Oxygen deficits in water-saturated soils did not eliminate microbial activity but the enormous accumulation of poly-3-hydroxybutyrate by bacteria showed the unbalanced growth in excess carbon conditions. High soil water content favored G(-) bacteria.