Soil Fauna Extraction - USDA

1 soil Fauna play an important role in the decomposition and cycling of organicmatter (OM) in soil systems. Insects, earthworms, and other arthropods churnthe soil and promote formation of soil structure, aeration, reduction in bulk density,and nutrient cycling. They also enhance water movement. Some soil faunaingest organic matter by taking in soil , applying digestive enzymes, and excretingthe soil /OM complex, thus providing a more readily available food source forother soil Fauna and soil can view the extracted soil Fauna through a light microscope ormagnifying glass. Classification and enumeration of the Fauna can be performedwith an illustrated insect/arthropod identification book. In this way, mature soilfauna can often be identified to the family or genus , identifying, and enumerating soil Fauna can help us assess thefunctioning of the soil ecosystem indicating community diversity, soil health (ordegradation), soil quality, and appropriate nutrient simple method is designed to extract live soil micro- and meso- Fauna froman undisturbed soil sample using (metal or plastic, 8-12" diameter,narrowing to " diameter)4 Aluminum-hooded shop lights4 Incandescent bulbs (40 to 60 watts)4 Wire mesh (cut to support the soil samplein the funnel)4 Cheesecloth (if needed, to prevent soilloss through the funnel)4 Erlenmeyer flasks (or other collection jars)4 Analytical balance4 Petri dishesIsopropyl AlcoholSoil FaunaSoil FaunaExtractionExtractionFor more information.

2 Franks at or Goings at of MethodEquipmentReagentThe Department of Agriculture ( usda ) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion,age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital or family status. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities whorequire alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact usda s TARGET Center at202-720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination, write usda , Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326W, Whitten Building, 14th andIndependence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call 202-720-5964 (voice or TDD). usda is an equal opportunity provider and soil Survey Center100 Centennial Mall N.

3 , Rm. 152 Lincoln, NE 68508-3866 Phone: the soil fill the collection jar with the funnel in the collection sure the Fauna cannot escape where the funnel meets the the wire mesh in the the soil sample (~ 1 cup) into the funnel (supported by the mesh). the shop light over the heat and light (2 to 10 days). periodically for soil Fauna in the collection for viewing the the soil sample and mesh from the the inside and tip of the funnel with this alcohol in the of the the alcohol/ Fauna solution using a microscope or hand and count the the total number of Fauna /g. soil , number of species present, and numberof , 1982. Mites and Other soil Micro-arthropods. In: Page, (ed.) Methods of soil Analysis,Part 2, Chemical and Microbiological Properties, Second Edition, American Society of Agronomy, Inc.

4 , SoilScience Society of America, Inc., Madison.