← Elaine Ingham · Research and publications
Protozoa and nitrogen: an experiment with different filter sizes
The FOG method examines the function of soil microbial grazers.
Study published:
How the experiment was organised
Soil extracts passed through 3, 5 and 8 μm filters. The filtrates contained different protozoan combinations and were added to sterile soil, with monitoring for up to 80 days. [1]
What monitoring showed
Nitrogen, phosphorus and carbon dioxide measurements revealed effects of protozoan consumption of bacteria, including nitrogen mineralization from microbial biomass. [1]
Why our Center is reading it
The paper gives us a starting point for organising training around feeding relationships. We want bacterial and protozoan observations recorded together, with consistent descriptions of each sample, its preparation and examination time. This is our own direction for developing the microscopy archive.
Presentation context
This presentation draws on the published abstract of a laboratory experiment. The filters describe an experimental method, rather than instructions for producing a soil treatment.
Sources and references
- Frey, J. S., McClellan, J. F., Ingham, E. R. & Coleman, D. C. (1985). Biology and Fertility of Soils, 1, 73–79. DOI: 10.1007/BF00255133 Original publication and study record