Fast and Efficient Sample Preparation and Nucleic Acid Isolation from Soil

DNA and RNA extractions from soil without contamination by humics, polyphenols, or other PCR inhibitors can be quite challenging. This application note describes a fast and efficient method for isolating PCR-ready DNA from Andisol, a volcanic ash soil that is notoriously difficult to process. The combination of the FastDNA™ Spin Kit for Soil and the FastPrep-24™ sample preparation instrument from MP Biomedicals allows for complete lysis of all soil organisms including historically difficult sources such as eubacterial spores and endospores, gram positive bacteria, yeast, algae, and fungi, and isolation of pure DNA.