← Elaine Ingham · Research and publications
Fungal hyphae: how do we measure their length in soil?
Elaine Ingham and Donald Klein examine microscopic measurement of the fungal network.
Study published:
Measurement needs a method
The 1984 paper compared microscopy, staining, dilution and magnification techniques in two soils, examining their influence on estimates of total fungal hyphal length. [1]
What the comparison showed
The highest estimates came from stained samples viewed with phase-contrast microscopy at 150 or 300 times magnification. Drying agar films did not improve the estimate. [1]
Making measurements comparable
For our observations at ELKEAGE, consistent sample preparation matters. We record dilution, magnification and observation technique alongside the result, so that a later measurement can be compared with an earlier one.
From an image to an observation record
A microscope photograph becomes more useful when accompanied by sample information and imaging conditions. This is the kind of record we want to build in our educational and research work.
Sources and references
- Ingham, E. R. & Klein, D. A. (1984). Soil fungi: Measurement of hyphal length. Soil Biology and Biochemistry, 16(3), 279–280. DOI: 10.1016/0038-0717(84)90015-4 Original publication and study record