Geoff It may depend on what type of analysis you are going to perform. Schuurmand and Goedewaagen in Methods for examination of root systems and roots Wageningen: Pudoc 2nd edition (1971), suggest freezing soil/root samples is acceptable for root biomass analysis. But I would be concerned that freezing and thawing the samples prior to washing the samples may affect the biochemical composition of the roots. W. Bohm in Methods of studying root systems, Springer-Verlag (1979) address nutrient losses during root washing if it turns out to be an issue in your case. good luck, jude
At 12:31 PM -0500 1/11/06, Geoff Sherman wrote: >I was working on a soil project last summer that involved the >collection of soil cores for fine root analysis. However the cores >were not all analyzed by the end of the summer and were frozen at >that point. I have returned to the project and was wondering if they >are still viable for analysis? Any help would be appreciated. > >Thank you, Geoff Sherman -- #################### Jude Maul Department of Horticulture Cornell University [EMAIL PROTECTED] (607)255-0883 (office) ####################
