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The preparation of soil thin sections for biological studies
Author(s) -
TIPPKÖTTER R.,
RITZ K.,
DARBYSHIRE J. F.
Publication year - 1986
Publication title -
journal of soil science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.244
H-Index - 111
eISSN - 1365-2389
pISSN - 0022-4588
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2389.1986.tb00396.x
Subject(s) - glutaraldehyde , acetone , staining , polyester , chemistry , materials science , chromatography , composite material , biology , organic chemistry , genetics
SUMMARY A method is described that permits the preparation of soil thin sections up to 6 × 8 cm in approximately 14 days without any discernable artefact. Soil samples are fixed in buffered glutaraldehyde, dehydrated rapidly in a graded series of acetone: water mixtures and impregnated with a polyester resin. The method effectively preserves biological material, such as delicate protozoan cells and root tissues. A range of stains were tested for staining roots in soil blocks and in soil thin sections.