Hey all. Lately I've been staring at soil from the garden, woods, and various parts of the farm. I was wondering if there are any decent references to guide me in what I'm looking at.
The best thing I've found for me so far is the "Do-It-Yourself Guide for Microscopy of Agricultural Soil" by Katelyn Solbakk, Mikroliv. It has pretty straight forward pictures of common things in the soil with corresponding names for a quick reference (bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and microscopic animals). Super helpful. Pretty basic.
Is there anything beyond this that is more in depth (if even over my head) that's worth having? I'd like better info on the various functions of what I'm looking at, and some procedure for doing counts / methods for better observing (slide cover on/off, dyes, suspension, etc.). Most of the textbooks I can find through internet search are from the 1960s - 80s. Maybe they're a bit much, outdated, or the everlasting gold standards, but I have no clue!
Anybody have some help?
They seem like they have very similar programs and courses.
Hello, amazing biologists, if someone (me), really wanted to play around and try to detect parasites in feces or soil, would I be able to do that with the right equipment? Or is there absolutely no way that a normal person like me could do such thing? Thank you (: I would like to mainly test the soil in our house and other families houses (mainly the ones who have pets)
In my case im using the standard fox farms ocean blend, and alternating watering with pHd water and a two part synthetic nutrient blend. Im planning on transitioning to living soil for my next grow and was wondering how much soil biology there is, when there is no cover crop, mulch layer, or worms to facilitate any of those natural processes.
I've been going down the No Till rabbit hole and getting pretty jazzed about what I'm hearing on the No Till Market Garden Podcast. I'm listening to all these cool discussions about soil biology and I want to learn more or at least get a basic understanding of everything that's working together underground. Can anyone suggest a book or resource that would be good for someone with very limited prior knowledge, almost like an intro to soil biology? I've been doing google searches but am wondering if anyone here as any glowing reviews. Thanks.
Repost: https://jobs.oregonstate.edu/postings/104536
Job Title Temp Bio Sciences Research Tech 1
Appointment Type Temporary Staff
Job Location Corvallis
Position Appointment Percent100
Appointment Basis 12
Pay Method Hourly
Salary$13.73 to $19.51
Works in conjunction with project leader and other personnel. Performs manual, routine, semi-skilled, and skilled tasks supporting the weed science program. Position includes work in a genetics, greenhouse, and field laboratory and involves greenhouse and laboratory research. Work performed involves both outdoor physical labor and indoor laboratory work.
Position Duties
50% Laboratory Operations. Perform germination tests in weed populations. Quantify leaf area, yield, height, weight. Seed treatment with herbicide safeners
50% Greenhouse Operations. Transplant seedlings to pots. Wash and measure roots. Conduct controlled crosses with weeds for QTL analysis. Label trays.
Minimum Qualifications
Two years of college-level courses in (specific field of biological science); OR an equivalent combination of training and experience.
Additional Required Qualifications Two years of college-level course work in crop science, horticulture, forestry or related area OR an equivalent combination of training and experience.
Experience with growing and measuring traits in weeds.
This position is designated as a critical or security-sensitive position; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a criminal history check and be determined to be position qualified as per OSU Standard 576-055-0000 et seq. Incumbents are required to self-report convictions and those in youth programs may have additional criminal history checks every 24 months. Preferred (Special)
Qualifications
BS degree in related field
Experience with setting up controlled crosses between Italian ryegrass populations.
Plant Laboratory research experience
Greenhouse experience
A demonstrable commitment to promoting and enhancing diversity Working Conditions / Work ScheduleWork performed in a typical plant science laboratory, greenhouse, seed-house and outdoors. May have exposure to loud noises, dusty conditions and extreme weather conditions. Work around moving machinery. May maneuver 10-30 lbs. May be required to stoop, bend, squat, stand, sit or kneel on hard level or uneven surfaces as necessary. This position is deemed essential and the incu
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Hello. I would like to begin studying the microbiology in my soil and compost. Hoping this group can provide a recommendation for an adequate yet reasonably priced unit for home use. Thank you!
We are a team of budding, young scientists from the University of Exeter, UK competing in a worldwide synthetic biology competition called iGEM.
The aim for the competition is to address a problem facing the world using synthetic biology – taking advantage of biological systems for useful purposes.
This year our project aims to produce oxygen from a toxic compound called perchlorate using genetically engineered bacteria.
Perchlorate is used in rocket fuel and can contaminate water and food, with potential harmful effects, especially on unborn children. It is also found abundantly in Martian dust and dirt (regolith).
We are working on a bioreactor that could use these bacteria to produce breathable oxygen and arable soil.
We’ll be travelling to Boston, USA for the competition Jamboree.
We'll be answering questions on Thursday and Friday (27th-28th Sept). ASK US ANYTHING!!!
We can be found at:
http://2018.igem.org/Team:Exeter
https://www.instagram.com/exeterigem2018/
Edit:
Proof:
EDIT: Thanks to everyone who got involved. It has been great fun chatting and we're really grateful for all the positive comments we've had. Now to get back to saving the world!
