Soil Bacteria

Mar 12, 2025 • 12:35 PM UTC

Rock Hill, SC, USA

140x Magnification

Microorganisms

Holly Stuart (Foldscope Team)

Education Specialist at Foldscope Instruments

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Far from being inert and unchanging, healthy soil is a vibrant community of microbes that contribute to the growth of plants. These microscopic organisms turn nitrogen into a form that can be used by plants, decompose organic material in the soil allowing the nutrients to be absorbed by plants, protect plants from pathogens, and form an underground communication system from one plant to another. In return, plants provide nutrients and protection to the microbes in a symbiotic relationship. Bacteria are one of a whole host of active participants in soil and plant health and you can see them at work with your Foldscope!

While I am not able to tell the difference between different species of bacteria with my Foldscope, I am able to see spheres, rods, and spiral shaped bacteria. It is really fun to record videos of them swimming around.

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Scientists are still learning about the soil microbiome and the roles of bacteria on plant health with new discoveries being made every day! It is amazing to think that this substance that was once believed to be inert is actually teeming with life. And the best part? The tool needed to observe it can fit in your pocket!

I hope this inspires you to search for life in the soil under your feet! And as a reminder, I will be going into more detail about microscopy studies that can be done with soil in the Foldscope In The Classroom: In The Garden series.