The preparation of soil thin sections for biological studies

SUMMARY A method is described that permits the preparation of soil thin sections up to 6 × 8 cm in approximately 14 days without any discernable artefact. Soil samples are fixed in buffered glutaraldehyde, dehydrated rapidly in a graded series of acetone: water mixtures and impregnated with a polyester resin. The method effectively preserves biological material, such as delicate protozoan cells and root tissues. A range of stains were tested for staining roots in soil blocks and in soil thin sections.