The kit can be used to successfully isolate DNA from tough-to-lyse Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, fungi, algae, protozoa, etc. that inhabit fecal and soil samples. The procedure is easy and can be completed in as little as 15 minutes: fecal samples (150 mg each) or soil samples (250 mg each) are added directly to a ZR BashingBead™ Lysis Tube (0.1 & 0.5 mm) and rapidly and efficiently lysed by bead beating without the use of organic denaturants or proteinases. Zymo-Spin™ Technology is then used to isolate the DNA, which is subsequently filtered to remove humic acids/polyphenols that inhibit PCR. The DNA is ideal for downstream molecular-based applications including PCR, arrays, genotyping, etc.