Journal

Berlesing means buckets…lots and lots of buckets.

In my last post, I explained how soil samples were taken from the tundra. The samples were cut out of each of our plots (with a bread knife) then sectioned into surface and below ground pieces, packed in a Ziploc and carted back to our lab in our packs. We had 60 samples, and most were water logged – let’s just say they weren’t light.

Soil Samples
Amanda cuts a sample into the “green” surface layer and the “brown” below ground layer. Each layer gets put in its own Ziploc bag.

Bagged Samples
Each sample is wrapped in cheese cloth before it is put in the bag. They are stored in the freezer before they are massed and placed in the Berlese funnel for drying.

Accuracy counts

While Amanda was taking soil samples from each of the plots, Kiki was recording other pieces of data that pertains to soil – the temperature and the moisture level. One of the things I’ve noticed since working with Team Spider is the attention to detail when it comes to recording data. I’m trying to imagine what it would be like if I could get my students to be this thoughtful about their data collection. I’ve tried to stress the importance of reliable data to my students, but I’ve still got a lot of work to do.

Soil Measurements
The two instruments used to test soil conditions. I particularly like the temperature reader, as it used infared radiation to determine the average temperature between two points in the soil.

IR Thermometer
Schematic showing how the IR thermometer works.

Once we got back to the lab, it was time to weigh all of our samples and set up the Berlese funnels. What, you may ask, is a Berlese funnel? Hold your horses…I’ll get there.

Balance
Soil sample being massed. This scale is a LOT fancier than any you’ll find in my classroom!

Berlesing Madness

Just what is the point of a Berlese funnel? What IS a Berlese funnel? Antonio Berlese was a bug dude (otherwise known as an entomologist) who came up with a way to get tiny soil creatures to migrate out of soil so that they could be preserved an analyzed. Basically, you shine light on the soil and heat it up, which the soil animals don’t like. They travel down through the soil to escape the light, eventually finding their way into a funnel which empties into a reservoir of preserving liquid.

Berlese Funnels
Berlese Funnel Set up. This was prior to placing the collected soil samples in the buckets, so there are no collecting cups in the bucket yet.

Kiki
Kiki Contreras demonstrates proper form when setting up your Berlese funnels. Note the soil sample on top of the funnel. Also note the many buckets in the background! There are about 30 set up throughout the lab.
Merry Christmas
Mini Burlese funnels for the surface soil samples. The light source for each cup is a Christmas light!

Critters
Examples of soil organisms found through the Berlese method. Image courtesy of Amanda Koltz.

Time for Some Fun and some science. Always some science.

After all that time hauling soil and setting up Berlese funnels, it seemed appropriate that some milestone had been reached. On our next trip to pick up pitfall traps along the Dalton Highway, PolarTREC teacher Bruce Taterka and I decided that it was time to dip our toes in the Arctic Ocean. We did work on our way there, however, and I got to see some neat “mini” thermokarsts at one of our pitfall sites.

Mini Thermokarst?
Soil fissures like these are caused when the permafrost thaws beneath the active layer.
Arctic Ocean!
Not the most glamorous of shots, but it was a cold day at the Arctic Ocean! I wasn’t brave enough to take a polar plunge. There’s always next time!

Details
Author
Nell Kemp
Date
Location
Toolik Field Station
Expedition
Predatory Spiders in the Arctic Food Web 2013
Weather Summary
Foggy and cool
Temperature
50

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