Find answers to frequently asked questions here. If you have any questions or inquiries about Soil Science Lab, becoming a participating citizen scientist, collecting and analyzing soil samples, using our community database, or data usage, please contact us at [email protected] .
Soil science is the study of the chemical, physical, and biological processes occurring in soil. Soil scientists track the development of soils over time to better understand the environments that shaped them.
Nematodes are non-segmented roundworms found in many environments, including soil, freshwater, marine ecosystems, plants, animals, and humans. Most soil nematodes are microscopic and play important roles in soil food webs by feeding on bacteria, fungi, plants, other nematodes, or small organisms.
Most soil nematodes are very small, usually about 0.3 mm to 3 mm long, and are best viewed with a microscope or magnifying device. Some nematodes in other environments can be much larger, but the nematodes commonly observed in soil samples are usually microscopic.
Most soil nematodes are not dangerous to people and are important members of healthy soil ecosystems. Some nematodes can be parasites of plants, animals, or humans, so it is important to use safe field practices: wear shoes and gloves when collecting soil, avoid touching your face, do not eat or inhale soil, and wash your hands after sampling.
Nematodes help cycle nutrients through soil, regulate microbial populations, and serve as indicators of soil ecosystem health. Their presence, abundance, and feeding types can help scientists better understand soil biodiversity and environmental conditions.
Nematodes are widely used in biological, ecological, agricultural, and space biology research. The model nematode Caenorhabditis elegans has helped scientists study genetics, development, aging, neurobiology, muscle function, and biological responses to microgravity.
Please complete the New Participant Sign Up Form on the Getting Started page. After you sign up, you will receive information about how to participate and how to submit observations for your soil samples.
Please refer to our Bill of Materials table below to source the materials required for this project. The majority of these supplies can be found at home or at your local dollar store, but we have provided links to vendors such as Amazon and Walmart for your convenience. Note that there are alternatives to some of these materials that you may be able to find more easily in your home (for example, if you don't have a funnel, you can use an empty water bottle instead!). Our goal at Soil Science Lab is to make science as accessible as possible to students and educators.
| Component | Vendor/Link | Quantity | Unit Cost | Total Cost ($) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Container | |||||
| Shovel/trowel | |||||
| Scale | Amazon | 1 | 8.89 | 8.89 | |
| Distilled Water (dH2O) | Walmart | 1 gal | 0.76 | 0.76 | Also sold at groceries or auto shops |
| pH Strip | Amazon | 1 pack | 3.98 | 3.98 | We have instructions for a DIY pH test alternative |
| Gelatin | Amazon | ||||
| Sugar | |||||
| Salt (NaCl) | |||||
| Mason Jars or Beakers | |||||
| Petri Dish | |||||
| Funnel | |||||
| Tubing | |||||
| Paper towels or Coffee Filters | |||||
| Paper clips or Binder clips | |||||
| Eye Safety | |||||
| Baking Soda (Optional) | For DIY pH test, if pH strips are inaccessible | ||||
| Vinegar (Optional) | For DIY pH test, if pH strips are inaccessible |
The Soil Science Lab project is an ideal, low-cost experiment to teach the basics of biology, ecology, and basic experimental design and research techniques. Students can work independently or in teams to collect samples, isolate nematodes, and observe them under a microscope. We encourage all students to keep a detailed log of their findings to share with our wider community over at Microcosmos, a sharing platform designed by our partners at Foldscope.
After signing up, you may receive a unique link to submit your soil sample observations. Complete the form for each soil sample you collect and click Submit. Your observations will be logged in our community database. You can submit the form as many times as necessary; however, if you realize you made a mistake after submitting, please contact us at [email protected] so that we can review or flag your submission.