Winogradsky columns allow the study of microbial communities and nutrient cycling. They contain a mixture of soil, water, and various carbon and nutrient sources. As different microbes metabolize these components at different depths, distinct layers form over time that are dominated by specific bacteria, cyanobacteria, or algae such as Clostridium, Chlorobium, and Chromatium. The columns were developed by Sergei Winogradsky in the 1880s to observe mixed microbial cultures interacting in their natural environment, rather than isolated species in pure culture.

1. Salomi. V
M.Sc., Applied Microbiology

2.  Winogradsky’s coloumn is a simple device for culturing large
diversity of microorganisms.
 what is the purpose of Winogradsky’s coloumn ?
 Winogradsky columns is a large ecosystem that will show
many types of microorganisms and the importance of
nutrient cycle.
 This kind of microorganisms that can grow in a Winogradsky
column are Clostridium, Chlorobium, Chromatium,
Rhodomicrobium, and Beggiatoa, as well as many other
species of bacteria, cyanobacteria, and algae.

3.  A microbiologist named Sergei Winogradsky from
Russia lived in the 1880s and developed this method
to better understand microbial communities.
 He wanted to study the microbes when they were
together—in mixed culture—rather than in pure
culture or isolated as individual species.
 In pure culture, you separate the bacteria from their
natural community. And you study just that one
species on its own.
 But Winogradsky wanted to work with the species
together to understand microbial communities,
how they interact, and the types of resources they
prefer when they’re all together.

4.  a source of soil or mud
 a source of water
 rubber or gloves
 metal or plastic pans for mixing mud with other
ingredients
 spatulas
 sources of carbon
 sources of sulfur
 a bottle (2 liter soda bottle) or other tall, clear
container (wide mouth containers are preferable).

5.  Wear the gloves and use the scoop to scoop in some mud
into the bucket.
 Collect enough to fill 2 bottles of your choice.
 The bigger the bottles, the easier it will be to see the layers of
microorganisms.
 Make sure the mud is wet and try to keep the rocks out if
possible.
 The top of the bottle will act as your funnel later on, and the
other part will be your column. Remove the bottle cap, flip the cut
out top, and place it on top of your column. It should now look
like there is a funnel on top of the column.
 Transfer your mud into a mixing bowl.
 Make sure your mud has the consistency of a milkshake. If it
does not have this consistency, add the necessary amount of
water. Use the scoop to mix.
 Add a handful of your carbon source to your mud. This could
be shredded newspaper, sawdust, grass clippings, or
oatmeal. Mix this into the mud..