In order to understand the role of microbial communities in different environments it is essential to have knowledge of functions and functional diversity of microbial communities.However, the quant itative description of microbial communities is one of the most difficult tasks facing microbial ecologists.Now the BIOLOG redox technique proposes a simple and quick method for studying soil microbial community function diversity, based on the community-level carbon source utilization patterns.But BIOLOG is also a culture-based method, and the presentation of metabolic diversity patterns doesn't necessarily reflect the functional diversity of the soil microbial communities.Consequently, there are many problems as well as benefits using the approach, and a series of skills are needed for the application.The application of BIOLOG to the study on soil microbial community functional diversity is summarized in this paper, including theories, procedures, problems, and countermeasures during the application.The problems worthy of further research are also put forward.The objective of the study is to accelerate understanding how to apply BIOLOG properly to the study on soil microbial community functional diversity and provide a scientific foundation and theoretical guide for further research of the subject correctly.