Field Notes Journal a personal natural history of place

VI.5 Observation of Soil Micro-Organisms

Aim

To study microorganisms present in soil suspensions.

Specimen & Apparatus

• Garden soil
• Water
• Small container
• Pipette or dropper
• Slide and coverslip
• Compound microscope

Method

1. Mix a small quantity of soil with water in a container.
2. Allow heavier particles to settle briefly.
3. Transfer a drop of the suspension to a slide.
4. Apply a coverslip carefully.
5. Examine under low and then higher magnification.

Observations to Make

• Variety of organisms present.
• Differences in size and movement.
• Distribution of organisms within the sample.
• Presence of particulate matter and organic debris.