Release of microorganisms from soil with respect to transmission electron microscopy viewing and plate counts

A study was conducted to obtain information concerning the fate of soil microorganisms during the procedures normally used in separating them from the soil in connection with various types of investigations. A silty clay loam (pH 6.0, moisture content 25%, organic content 3.5%) was used in the study. The results of the study indicate that many of the microbial cells naturally residing in soil remain attached to or, for some other reason, are not separated from the soil debris despite the use of various combinations of blending, sonication, and chemical dispersing agents. The method B used by Balkwill et al. (1975) provides a reasonable electron microscopy evaluation of the soil microflora.