SAMPL

SAMPL is a laboratory for processing the soil and plant samples derived from research in plant-animal interactions. We are still in the process of refurbishing and equipping this lab, including an expansion of its analytical capabilities. Due to the large volume of users, use of equipment must be arranged in advance, but is available for all members of the Department of Biological Sciences.

HIGH TECH STUFF
	Nitrogen and Carbon analysis coming soon!	We will be purchasing a LECO CN-2000 Autoanalyzer system in the near future. This piece of equipment is a state-of-the-art instrument for determination of total Carbon and Nitrogen from solid or liquid samples of a nominal 1g weight.
LOW TECH BUT STILL VERY, VERY USEFUL STUFF
	Sieves	Not flashy, but invaluable.
	Grinders	Grinding of small and large samples for subsequent analyses. Several Wiley and rotary mills are available.
	Water baths	Water baths are available for incubations.
	Shakers	Large shakers and platforms to extract soluble nutrients from soil or resin beads.
	Root washer	An root washing system is available which speeds up the process of soil/root separation and collection.
	Drying ovens	Numerous drying ovens are available for bulk plant and soil samples.
	Balances	Analytical and toploading balances provide a rapid automated system for weighing and inventory of samples using barcodes and a balance attached to a computer.
	Analysis of soluble N and P	Though not in SAMPL itself, facilities to analyze samples for soluble N and P exist in this, and other departments on campust.
	Furnace	Very hot. Useful for ash-free dry weight determinations.