LaMotte BioPaddle Soil Microbe Hunter

Students research the process of soil formation, soil characteristics, and the influence of environmental conditions on soil microbe populations. Students assess and sample various soil ecosystems using the surface contact impression technique, dilution technique, root wash technique, and the Rossi-Cholodny buried slide contact transfer technique. Microbes are identified and enumerated to calculate microbial diversity. Activities and topics include the effect of fertilizer on lawn microbe populations, rhizosphere ecosystems, biological soil crusts, and biopesticides. STEM extension activities include Is There Such a Thing as Sterile Soil?, Investigating Soil Inoculants and Soil Crust Hunt.