Hay Infusion
A hay infusion is essentially a way to create a mini-ecosystem in a jar where
microorganisms can grow and be observed, often for educational purposes like
studying pond life under a microscope. It’s a low-cost, hands-on experiment that
mimics natural conditions. Here’s how you can do it:
Materials Needed
Dried hay
Clean water (non-chlorinated)
Clean glass or plastic container
Cheesecloth or fine mesh
A lid or cover
Measuring cup or graduated cylinder (for water measurement)
Procedure
1. Place the hay in a small aquarium (Clean glass or plastic container) or and fill
the aquarium with Springwater or pond water. Place lid loosely on aquarium
(lid helps keep dust and debris out of the infusion).
2. Place the aquarium (Clean glass or plastic container) in a well-lit area. Do not
disturb the aquarium or place it in direct sunlight as the ultraviolet rays are
harmful to many of the microorganisms.
3. Allow the hay infusion to sit undisturbed for at least a week. It may become
turbid or cloudy and begin to emit a strong odor. These changes are signs of
growth. After a week, the hay infusion populations are ready for examination.
References:https://www.carolina.com/teacher-resources/Interactive/make-a-hay-
infusion/tr41608.tr?
srsltid=AfmBOoqpQ9GbEh0uB1RVAUziCfHhE7b7mCLUQVlE0WdvyJsQYq
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Hay Infusion
Objective: To create a hay infusion that encourages the growth of microorganisms,
which can later be observed under a microscope.
Materials:
500 mL glass jar or beaker
Small handful of dried hay or grass
Pond water (or dechlorinated tap water)
Spoon or stirrer
Cloth or coffee filter (for covering)
Rubber band or string (to secure cover)
Optional: Small amount of soil or leaf litter.
Procedure:
Collect all the materials listed above. Ensure your jar is clean to avoid
unwanted contaminants.
Take a small handful of dried hay or grass (enough to loosely fill the bottom
of the jar).
Break it into smaller pieces if necessary and place it into the jar. The hay
serves as the organic material that decomposes, feeding the microorganisms.
Fill the jar about halfway (200–300 mL, depending on the jar size) with water.
Pond water is ideal as it already contains microorganisms, but dechlorinated
tap water works as well. The water provides a medium for microorganism
growth.
Use a spoon or stirrer to gently mix the hay and water. This helps release
nutrients from the hay into the water, which will encourage microbial growth.
If desired, add about a teaspoon of soil or dried leaves into the jar. This can
provide additional microorganisms and nutrients, giving the infusion a better
chance of thriving. Stir again gently.
Place a piece of cloth or a coffee filter over the top of the jar to keep dust and
bugs out, while still allowing air in (microorganisms need oxygen to grow).
Secure it with a rubber band or string.
Put the jar in a warm, well-lit area, like a windowsill, but avoid direct sunlight
as it can overheat the mixture. Let it sit undisturbed for several days.
Leave the jar undisturbed for 3–7 days. During this time, the water may
become cloudy, and you may notice a smell as the hay decomposes. The
cloudiness indicates that microorganisms are growing.
After a few days, look closely at the water. You might see tiny specks moving
around—these are microorganisms! To study them under a microscope, use a
dropper to take a small sample and place it on a microscope slide (follow Keep
a notebook to document your observations. Note the water’s color, any smells,
and the types of microorganisms you see under the microscope (such as
amoebas or paramecia).
Reference: https://youtu.be/oIccBqjhfrc?si=dDUXfOyBSuuudFK_
