Hello,
I am wondering about the sensitivity of soils during transportation.
Imagine you want to measure soil microbial biomass using chloroform fumigation extraction, how consistent will be the result with what was actually in the field?
It seems to me that microbial populations can change fairly quickly...
Let's say that the soil travels for a few days, in a car, then a plane, car again.
Should the samples be kept at 4°C? Or air-dried to reduce water activity, risks of moulding, etc.
Apparently the method is well mastered, but guidelines for the conservation and preservation of samples seems not.
Where are the metrologists?
What is the meaning of such a measurement if 48h later, the microbial population have significantly changed due to lack of air, or temperature shocks ... ?
Microbial microflora don't change much as those have already experienced weather change in nature. Use sealable plastic bags for soil sample collection from 5-6 inch depth. Parameters like humidity, pH and light intensity are measurable in situ, as such meters/ sensors are available on line.
The soils must have little moist during transportation and storage. Soil samples before storage at low temp (8-10 degree C) for long term (4-5 months)it should be confirmed that it is free from fresh fungus ( surface) / fungal growth as in polybag with moisture can favor growth of fungus during transportation.so if soil is heavily wet it should be dried before transportation.
I hope this helps .
In transporting soil samples for microbial biomass measurement, you have to see to it that the soil is moist to maintain the existing micro-climate that the microorganisms have while still in the field, you can use plastic bags or if you have plastic containers, then it would be better. Moreover, during transportation you have to place your packs or containers to an "ice box" to maintain a lower temperature.
I confirm Ronley comment. I add, it takes approximately 3 days after you took the sample for the microbiology to start evolving.
Soil microbial biomass samples will be moist and should be kept in close plastic bags in ice tank until keeping in 4 C if you will not immediately analyze it. I don't think that transportation even in 48h will make a change.
Try to handle the soil samples after their transportation as early as possible for culturing microbial strains.
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