Low-temperature scanning electron microscopy of micro-organisms in soil

Soils were prepared by rapid freezing and examined in a frozen, hydrated state. The technique is particularly useful for the study of the distribution of microhabitats including the position of water films, hydrated clays and hydrated root surface mucilage. The relationship of fungal hyphae and bacteria to the liquid films is clearly demonstrated. The technique gives a realistic, undistorted image, without the artifacts associated with critical point drying and freeze-drying.