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[[Soil]] sampling gives is useful for determining the structure and function of the [[soil|soil]] community. Study subjects include type of [[organisms|organisms]] living in the soil, the [[plant roots|plant roots]] structure, leaf litter break down and [[decomposition]]. There are different methods of soil sampling, for measurement of different target [[organisms]] and variables.
[[File:baermann.png|thumb|Baermann Funnel, Bhat and Rao 2020]]


== Soil Sampling Methods ==
== Nematode Sampling ==
[[File:Baermann funnel.jpg|thumb|Baermann Funnel]]
Baermann funnels are useful for measurement of microfauna and [[microorganisms|microorganism]] abundance and richness in a soil sample. A funnel with a small mesh or muslin lining on the inside is attached via tube to the bottom of the funnel, which is clamped shut at the bottom. When the soil is placed in the funnel, it is then filled with water. Organisms like [[nematodes|nematodes]] will move down through the soil and water, through the mesh and into the bottom of the tube. After  24 to 48 hours, the clamp is opened, allowing the organisms to drain into a petri dish. Samples can then be identified via microscopy.


Soil Sampling gives us the best idea of what organisms and plant structures are in the [[soil|soil]]. We can measure things like, what kind of [[organisms|organisms]] are living in the soil, the [[plant roots|plant roots]] structure, leaf litter break down and decomposition. There are different methods of soil sampling, for different types of organisms you are trying to extract. As well as different methods for measuring vabiables you are trying to observe like decomposition.
== Ground Level Arthropod Sampling ==
[[File:Berlese_tullgren.png|thumb|Berlese-Tullgren funnel for micro-arthropods extraction. It contains a sample container with wire mesh, a plastic funnel over which the sample container is placed and a collecting vessel below the funnel which contains a liquid preservative. Sapkota et al 2012]]
Tullgren funnels are used to assess species richness in leaf litter [[arthropods]]. Leaf litter samples are typically placed in Tullgren funnels to sample for soil micro- and [[mesofauna]]. The Tullgren apparatus consists of a funnel, a light source, a screen, and a receptacle into which the [[animals]] fall. The sample is placed in a funnel that is lined with a screen with the light source above; the extraction process works by desiccating the soil from above via heat lamp, forcing the fauna downward through the funnel into the sampling liquid below.


== Baermann Funnel ==
Leaf litter packs can also consist of a mesh bag, usually with 1/4 inch openings filled with a mixture of palatable organic material like fresh leaf litter and lettuce. The size in the mesh is varied based on the size of target [[organisms|organisms]]. The mesh is large enough so target organisms can crawl into the bag, and small enough so they generally can not leave. Leaf packs should be placed on a low spot on the ground in order to maximize capture: this is where soil is most fertile, and where moisture content is highest. A small hole is dug in the ground, into which the bag is placed and then loosely covered with [[soil|soil]] and surrounding leaves. Marking the spot with a bag is generally recommended so that the bag can be retrieved later. The leaf pack is generally left for a 1-3 days to allow organisms to get into the bag before removal. Next, you dump the leaves out of the bag onto a plate and start looking for organisms like [[slugs]], worms, centipedes, [[mites]], and smaller organisms. You can put them on a petri dish and observe the [[soil organisms|soil organisms]] closer under the microscope to allow you to properly identify them.


In this method we take a funnel with a small mesh lining on the inside. There is a tube attached to the bottom of the funnel, which is clamped shut at the bottom. When the soil is placed in the funnel you fill up the funnel to the rim with water. This water pushes the [[small creaters|small creaters]] through the filter into the bottom of the tube. Organisms like [[nematodes|nematodes]] will also swim down through the soil and water, through the mesh and into the bottom of the tube. After it sets for 24 to 48 hours, so all the [[organisms|organisms]] have time to filter down to the bottom. Then we open the clamp and allow the organism to drain into a petri dish. We can take the petri dish under a microscope and look for the [[microorganisms|microorganisms]] that were living in the soil.
[[File:Leaf litter pack.jpg|left thumb|Leaf litter pack ready to be placed]]


[[File:Berlese funnel.jpg|thumb|Berlese/Tullgren Funnel]]
== Root Sampling ==
[[File:Rhizotron.jpg|thumb| Underground rhizotron]]


----
Rhizotrons come in various sizes, which allow for study at multiple scales. The largest example of a rhizotron is a tunnel built underground with windows placed all around the tunnel, allowing for non-destructive study of the roots and rhizosphere. Smaller rhizotrons can be built with a sturdy, clear material for study of individual plants and smaller systems. The roots grow up to the windows which allows us to see the way the roots grow. We can see the roots along with the [[root hairs]] that grow off the roots. Using this method we can see how thick roots are, how deep they go and how wide spread the roots grow for different plants in different [[soil|soil]] types. Using a rhizotron is very useful in a forest for research as scientists can measure and observe the interactions that occur on and [[rhizosphere]]. From the roots holding down the tree or other plants, to the interactions with the micro organisms living next to the root hairs. Scientists can learn a lot for using a rhizotron in a way that they do not have to dig up all the roots to see how they look and work.


== Berlese/Tullgren Funnel ==
== References ==


[2] Bhat A.I., Rao G.P. (2020) Transmission of Viruses Through [[Nematodes]]. In: Characterization of Plant Viruses. Springer Protocols Handbooks. Humana, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-0716-0334-5_19


This is a technique that uses a strong light to force [[organisms|organisms]] down into the soil from the light which annoys the organisms and the heat put off by the light. The soil you are trying to sample is placed in a funnel filling it just about to the top. The funnel is lined with a mesh varying in size, but typically less than a quarter inch. At the bottom of the funnel a tube is attached which goes into a flask. The flask has an alcohol mixture containing ethanol which will kill the organisms that fall into it. The flask is covered by a bag so it is dark and cool which draws the organisms away from the light that is placed above the funnel. They will crawl down through the soil to escape this heat. They eventually go all the way through the soil and fall into the alcohol mix killing and preserving them. This method is used primarily for capturing and observing arthropods like, [[insects|insects]], [[myriapoda|myriapoda]], and crustaceans.  
[3] Berlese, Antonio (1905). Apparecchio per raccogliere presto ed in gran numero piccoli Artropodi (Apparatus for gathering early and in large numbers small arthropods) (in Italian). pp. 85–90.


----
[4] Tullgren, A (26 August 2009). "Ein sehr einfacher Ausleseapparat für terricole Tierformen" [A very simple readout device for terricole animal forms]. Zeitschrift für Angewandte Entomologie (in German).


== Leaf Litter Pack ==
[5] Benfield EF (2006) Decomposition of leaf material. In: Hauer FR, Lamberti GA (eds) Methods in stream [[ecology]], 2nd edn. Academic Press, Burlington, pp 12


In a leaf litter pack you fill a mesh bag, usually a small 1/4 inch opening, with leaves and lettuce. The size in the mesh is varying depending on the size of [[organisms|organisms]] you are looking to catch. The mesh has to be large enough so they can crawl into the bag, and small enough so they do not fall out. When picking where you want to place the leaf pack you want to find a low spot on the ground, as this is where there is the most organisms living. This is where the most fertile soil is, and where the moisture content is highest. You dig a small hole in the ground, place the bag in the hole and cover it up with the [[soil|soil]] and surrounding leaves. Then, place a flag sticking out of the ground next to the bag so you can find it later. Let the leaf pack sit for a couple days to allow organisms to get into the bag before you remove it. Next, you dump the leaves out of the bag onto a plate and start looking for organisms like slugs, worms, centipedes, mites, and smaller organisms. You can put them on a petri dish and observe the [[soil organisms|soil organisms]] closer under the microscope to allow you to properly identify them.
[6] Sapkota, T.B., Mazzoncini, M., Bàrberi, P. et al. Fifteen years of no till increase soil [[Organic Matter|organic matter]], microbial biomass and [[arthropod]] diversity in cover crop-based arable cropping systems. Agron. Sustain. Dev. 32, 853–863 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13593-011-0079-0


[[File:Leaf litter pack.jpg|left thumb|Leaf litter pack ready to be burried]]


----
== Rhizotron ==
[[File:Rhizotron.jpg|thumb|Rhizotron under ground which allows you to see the root structures]]
A rhizotron is a tunnel built under ground with windows placed all around the tunnel so you can observe the root and organisms interact. The roots from the plants above will grow down eventually hit and grow past the Rhizotron. As a result, the roots grow up to the windows which allows us to see the way the roots grow. We can see the roots along with the root hairs that grow off the roots. Using this method we can see how thick roots are, how deep they go and how wide spread the roots grow for different plants in different [[soils|soils]]. Using a rhizotron is very useful in a forest for research as scientists can measure and observe the interactions that occur on and around the roots. From the roots holding down the tree or other plants, to the interactions with the micro organisms living next to the root hairs. Scientists can learn a lot for using a rhizotron in a way that they do not have to dig up all the roots to see how they look and work. They can also observe [[Nutrient Cycling|Nutrient Cycling]] within forest ecosystems from within the soil.
----
== References ==


Bug Hunter, bughunter.tamu.edu/collection/collectionequipment/berlese-funnel/.  
Bug Hunter, bughunter.tamu.edu/collection/collectionequipment/berlese-funnel/.  


 
“What Is a Rhizotron?” Effects of [[Emerald Ash Borer]] on Forest Ecosystems - Emerald Ash Borer - Forest Disturbance Processes - Northern Research Station - USDA Forest Service, www.nrs.fs.fed.us/research/facilities/rhizotron/.
“What Is a Rhizotron?” Effects of Emerald Ash Borer on Forest Ecosystems - Emerald Ash Borer - Forest Disturbance Processes - Northern Research Station - USDA Forest Service, www.nrs.fs.fed.us/research/facilities/rhizotron/.
 
 
“Berlese Funnels - Collecting Methods - Mississippi Entomological Museum Home.” Camponotus(Tanaemyrmex) Castaneus (Latreille) , mississippientomologicalmuseum.org.msstate.edu/collecting.preparation.methods/Berlesefunnel.htm#.WvLuxUxFzIV.
 


“Proper Soil Sampling Techniques.” Volusia County, www.volusia.org/services/community-services/extension/agriculture/proper-soil-sampling-techniques.stml.
“Proper Soil Sampling Techniques.” Volusia County, www.volusia.org/services/community-services/extension/agriculture/proper-soil-sampling-techniques.stml.


“Leaf Pack Study (Department of Ecosystem Science and Management).” Department of Ecosystem Science and Management (Penn State University), ecosystems.psu.edu/youth/sftrc/lesson-plans/water/6-8/leafpack.
“Leaf Pack Study (Department of Ecosystem Science and Management).” Department of Ecosystem Science and Management (Penn State University), ecosystems.psu.edu/youth/sftrc/lesson-plans/water/6-8/leafpack.


 
Animal [[Diversity]] Web, animaldiversity.org/accounts/Arthropoda/classification/.
Animal Diversity Web, animaldiversity.org/accounts/Arthropoda/classification/.
 


Mohamed, Awaz, et al. “An Evaluation of Inexpensive Methods for Root Image Acquisition When Using Rhizotrons.” Plant Methods, BioMed Central, 7 Mar. 2017, plantmethods.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13007-017-0160-z.
Mohamed, Awaz, et al. “An Evaluation of Inexpensive Methods for Root Image Acquisition When Using Rhizotrons.” Plant Methods, BioMed Central, 7 Mar. 2017, plantmethods.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13007-017-0160-z.

Latest revision as of 13:30, 31 March 2023

Soil sampling gives is useful for determining the structure and function of the soil community. Study subjects include type of organisms living in the soil, the plant roots structure, leaf litter break down and decomposition. There are different methods of soil sampling, for measurement of different target organisms and variables.

Baermann Funnel, Bhat and Rao 2020

Nematode Sampling

Baermann funnels are useful for measurement of microfauna and microorganism abundance and richness in a soil sample. A funnel with a small mesh or muslin lining on the inside is attached via tube to the bottom of the funnel, which is clamped shut at the bottom. When the soil is placed in the funnel, it is then filled with water. Organisms like nematodes will move down through the soil and water, through the mesh and into the bottom of the tube. After 24 to 48 hours, the clamp is opened, allowing the organisms to drain into a petri dish. Samples can then be identified via microscopy.

Ground Level Arthropod Sampling

Berlese-Tullgren funnel for micro-arthropods extraction. It contains a sample container with wire mesh, a plastic funnel over which the sample container is placed and a collecting vessel below the funnel which contains a liquid preservative. Sapkota et al 2012

Tullgren funnels are used to assess species richness in leaf litter arthropods. Leaf litter samples are typically placed in Tullgren funnels to sample for soil micro- and mesofauna. The Tullgren apparatus consists of a funnel, a light source, a screen, and a receptacle into which the animals fall. The sample is placed in a funnel that is lined with a screen with the light source above; the extraction process works by desiccating the soil from above via heat lamp, forcing the fauna downward through the funnel into the sampling liquid below.

Leaf litter packs can also consist of a mesh bag, usually with 1/4 inch openings filled with a mixture of palatable organic material like fresh leaf litter and lettuce. The size in the mesh is varied based on the size of target organisms. The mesh is large enough so target organisms can crawl into the bag, and small enough so they generally can not leave. Leaf packs should be placed on a low spot on the ground in order to maximize capture: this is where soil is most fertile, and where moisture content is highest. A small hole is dug in the ground, into which the bag is placed and then loosely covered with soil and surrounding leaves. Marking the spot with a bag is generally recommended so that the bag can be retrieved later. The leaf pack is generally left for a 1-3 days to allow organisms to get into the bag before removal. Next, you dump the leaves out of the bag onto a plate and start looking for organisms like slugs, worms, centipedes, mites, and smaller organisms. You can put them on a petri dish and observe the soil organisms closer under the microscope to allow you to properly identify them.

Leaf litter pack ready to be placed

Root Sampling

Underground rhizotron

Rhizotrons come in various sizes, which allow for study at multiple scales. The largest example of a rhizotron is a tunnel built underground with windows placed all around the tunnel, allowing for non-destructive study of the roots and rhizosphere. Smaller rhizotrons can be built with a sturdy, clear material for study of individual plants and smaller systems. The roots grow up to the windows which allows us to see the way the roots grow. We can see the roots along with the root hairs that grow off the roots. Using this method we can see how thick roots are, how deep they go and how wide spread the roots grow for different plants in different soil types. Using a rhizotron is very useful in a forest for research as scientists can measure and observe the interactions that occur on and rhizosphere. From the roots holding down the tree or other plants, to the interactions with the micro organisms living next to the root hairs. Scientists can learn a lot for using a rhizotron in a way that they do not have to dig up all the roots to see how they look and work.

References

[2] Bhat A.I., Rao G.P. (2020) Transmission of Viruses Through Nematodes. In: Characterization of Plant Viruses. Springer Protocols Handbooks. Humana, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-0716-0334-5_19

[3] Berlese, Antonio (1905). Apparecchio per raccogliere presto ed in gran numero piccoli Artropodi (Apparatus for gathering early and in large numbers small arthropods) (in Italian). pp. 85–90.

[4] Tullgren, A (26 August 2009). "Ein sehr einfacher Ausleseapparat für terricole Tierformen" [A very simple readout device for terricole animal forms]. Zeitschrift für Angewandte Entomologie (in German).

[5] Benfield EF (2006) Decomposition of leaf material. In: Hauer FR, Lamberti GA (eds) Methods in stream ecology, 2nd edn. Academic Press, Burlington, pp 12

[6] Sapkota, T.B., Mazzoncini, M., Bàrberi, P. et al. Fifteen years of no till increase soil organic matter, microbial biomass and arthropod diversity in cover crop-based arable cropping systems. Agron. Sustain. Dev. 32, 853–863 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13593-011-0079-0


Bug Hunter, bughunter.tamu.edu/collection/collectionequipment/berlese-funnel/.

“What Is a Rhizotron?” Effects of Emerald Ash Borer on Forest Ecosystems - Emerald Ash Borer - Forest Disturbance Processes - Northern Research Station - USDA Forest Service, www.nrs.fs.fed.us/research/facilities/rhizotron/.

“Proper Soil Sampling Techniques.” Volusia County, www.volusia.org/services/community-services/extension/agriculture/proper-soil-sampling-techniques.stml.

“Leaf Pack Study (Department of Ecosystem Science and Management).” Department of Ecosystem Science and Management (Penn State University), ecosystems.psu.edu/youth/sftrc/lesson-plans/water/6-8/leafpack.

Animal Diversity Web, animaldiversity.org/accounts/Arthropoda/classification/.

Mohamed, Awaz, et al. “An Evaluation of Inexpensive Methods for Root Image Acquisition When Using Rhizotrons.” Plant Methods, BioMed Central, 7 Mar. 2017, plantmethods.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13007-017-0160-z.