Summary:
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How do you study the unseen?
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The importance of the soil microbiome
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Site selection, sample collection, Foldscope observations, and data collection
Figure 1. Foldscope Explorer Kit and Foldscope Mini Explorer Kit in the garden bed
(Photo Credit: Holly A. Stuart)
Question Prompts:
How does the soil microbiome change over the growing season?
How does the physical structure of the soil change over the growing season?
Figure 2. Handfuls of soil from established and new garden beds
(Photo Credit: Holly A. Stuart)
Look at the above pictures from Figure 2. Can you tell which one has a healthy soil microbiome and which one doesn’t? No, you can’t differentiate the two just by looking at them with the naked eye. The only way to know what microbes are living in your soil is to study it under a microscope. And Foldscopes make these investigations easy!
Figure 3. Microbes found in soil samples viewed with a Foldscope 2.0
(Photo Credit: Holly A. Stuart)
But, before you begin handing out Foldscopes and letting your students explore the amazing world of soil microbes, they should understand why it is important to study them in the first place.
Soil microbes are an essential part of the plant life cycle. Microscopic bacteria and fungi transport nutrients and nitrogen from the soil to the plant, decompose organic matter, and help with communication between plants. In return for these life saving actions, plants provide bacteria and fungi protection, water, and nutrients. It is a symbiotic relationship that benefits every member of the ecosystem, and it is one where each individual is vital for the survival of the whole system.
Figure 4. Picture of soil bacteria that looks like glittery stars
(Photo Credit: Holly A. Stuart)
In addition to learning about the living microorganisms in the soil, it is also important to understand what the inorganic material is in your soil. Do you have rock, sand, or clay in your soil? Is the pH high or low? Understanding the physical characteristics of your soil will help you to know what to add to it to make it more hospitable for the plants you are going to grow in your garden.
Figure 5. Soil layers seen in a soil corer, soil corers, and pH strips
(Photo Credit: Holly A. Stuart)
There were two questions proposed at the start of this blog that you can use to guide your longitudinal study, but you and your students may have different questions you would like to investigate. The question(s) you choose to study can be whatever you would like, but make sure that they are testable and measurable. The questions here only pertain to the soil, but in the coming months, I will share a variety of ideas for you and your students to explore.
Figure 6. Soil particles from A Horizon, sand, and clay layers viewed with a Foldscope 2.0
(Photo Credit: Holly A. Stuart)
I will be collecting soil samples from my garden once a week throughout the growing season. My garden is in my backyard, so it is easy for me to get to and this schedule fits with my work and family responsibilities.
As you begin to plan your study, here are some questions to ask yourself:
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How often will you and your students be able to visit your gardening site?
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How easy is it to access your garden site?
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How long will you be able to spend at the site collecting samples and making your microscopic observations?
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What is the data you will collect and what do you plan on observing with your Foldscope?
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Do you have the tools required to collect your data?
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Where will your students keep their data throughout the study?
These are important questions to consider as you plan your garden study. There are no right or wrong answers, but it is important to fully understand the scope of your project and that includes time commitments, location, and data collection.
Figure 7. Picture of my data collection sheets
(Photo Credit: Holly A. Stuart)
If you would like to see what I have discovered so far with the soil in my garden, be sure to check out my Microcosmos posts on one of the microbes I found in my garden bed (hint - it was a tardigrade!!), soil amendment microbiomes, soil particles, and soil bacteria! Let me know when you begin your soil study. Were your results similar to or different from mine? Did you uncover any surprise discoveries?
In April’s Foldscope In The Classroom blog I will focus on seeds and the early stages of a plant life cycle. In the meantime, get yourself, your students, and your Foldscopes outside to explore the soil! I hope to see your garden study journey and data collection on the Microcosmos too, and I would love to hear your feedback, thoughts, and questions.
Figure 8. Picture of arugula seeds
(Photo Credit: Holly A. Stuart)
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