INTRODUCTION TO SOIL MICROBIOLOGY

Microscope specifications recommended for viewing soil microbiology-

The microscope viewing system is called Shadowing or Differential Interference Contrast Microscopy, as opposed to Phase Contrast.

Eyepieces: binocular, 10x WF (Wide Field) (15x or 20x eyepieces are often sold as an "upgrade" but rarely improve image quality.)

Abbe condenser: 1.25 N.A. (Numerical Aperture)

Iris diaphragm is essential

Objective lenses: 4x, 10x, 40x (100x objective lenses, or others greater than 40x, are not used for viewing soil) Some microscope enthusiasts say they use the 20x most often. The 20x objective lens is not always included with the scope, you can ask to have the seller switch the 100x objective lens for a 20x, (the 100x is more expensive, so it is also to the seller's benefit to make the switch).

Stage: Adjustable stage (Mechanical Stage)

Light source: high intensity, minimum 20W halogen, or LED.

The trinocular microscope used in the videos (shown above) was model #M8311 and was sourced from www.MicroscopeNet.com for under $300.US The microscope camera is Celestron #44421 from Amazon.com and was under $50.US (2011). This information is not intended as an endorsement of the products or companies. We hope that by helping to source an affordable microscope, more people will be inspired to assess their soil, compost, and compost tea.