We're sampling plant belowground biomass in a coastal meadow, but the soil is very rich in clay which sticks to the roots, and is very difficult to remove with water. Anyone has a suggestion of how to more easily dissolve the clay and/or remove it from the roots? Note that we're planning to also measure root C and N content, so ideally the samples should be be treated with any chemicals that might interfere with those values.
Greetings
Removing clay from the roots will be tedious, especially fine roots. We tried overnight soaking but the result was not desirable. Please do share your experience.
You can try to dislodge the clay by using mild water jet after keeping the roots in water overnight.
@ Johan, it is really difficult task we have also faced. You may try by fine nozzle water jet as suggested by Dr. Pal through a sieve followed by drying. You may also try with dilute HCl provided it does not affect your estimation as well as your roots.
The most efficient way I know for removing clay is an ultrasonic bath. In some minutes all clay aggregates get separated and they can be easily separated from the root biomass. Another option might be adding some acid which will dissolve some of the clay's components but I am not sure if this could imply some damage on root tissue or somehow interfere with N and C content.
Hope you find it useful!
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