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Procedures

1. Choose two or more locations based on active Aluminum levels in the soil. Each location should have a different Aluminum level. Locations with higher pH levels, have lower Aluminum levels; while locations with lower pH levels, have higher Aluminum levels. Shrubs are usually found in areas with pH levels of 4.5 - 8.0. Trees are usually found in areas with pH levels of 5.0 - 7.5. Garden flowers are usually found in areas with pH levels of 5.5 - 7.5.  (http://msucares.com/pubs/infosheets/is0372.pdf)

2. Take 3 plastic bags for each of the three soil samples you will collect in each site location. Label each bag with its corresponding experimental trial number, location site number, and soil sample number.

3. Before you go outside, make sure you have the needed supplies. You should have at least 2 soil extractors, a mallet, and the plastic bags for that particular experimental trial number. Take some extra bags just in case.

4. Go to the first location. For the first sample, collect fifteen centimeters deep and two centimeters wide of soil. Using your fingers push the soil from the soil extractor into the bag for "Location 1, Sample A". Take two more samples of the soil at that particular location site and put the collected soil into the corresponding plastic bags. Repeat these same steps for the three samples in the other location(s). Make sure you clean the soil extractors after each soil sample collection with water.                                                                 

5. When all samples are collected, go back to the lab to perform the Serial Dilutions and Aluminum Chemical Tests for every single sample.

6. The Serial Dilutions for Fungi should be performed at the same time the Aluminum Chemical Test (of your choice) is performed. Therefore, if you are performing Fungi Serial Dilutions for "Site 1, Sample A", your lab partner should be performing the Aluminum test for "Site 1, Sample A" at the same time.

7. Allow the yeast and mold to grow at room temperature on the yeast and mold media for 48 to 72 hours.

 8. Record data and repeat the entire experiment about 3-5 times.