Soil samples were analyzed with community-level physiological profiles (CLPP) using Biolog™ ECO-plates in the Netherlands Soil Monitoring Network (NSMN; 704 samples) and in a European-wide transect (73 samples). The selection of sites was based on a representative sample of major soil texture types, land uses and climate zones. This method for determination of CLPP was specifically designed to be applied inlarge and long-term monitoring activities. It encompassed a solution for the inoculum-density depend-ence of colour formation patterns in ECO-plates, through stepwise dilution to extinction of the bacterialinoculum. The CLPP in Dutch and European soil samples appeared to be reproducible and sensitive toland use and/or soil texture. Although the method is selective, CLPP based parameters correlated wellwith other microbial parameters and soil characteristics. Consistent patterns in CLPP and soil habitatcharacteristics are emerging, as brought about by environmental disturbances, land management andsoil texture. The applicability of CLPP analysis in monitoring systems is discussed.