Soiled Expectations

Quest Giver:

I know you'll be quite occupied with seeking the parts of the Azoth Staff, but I did have a favor to ask.

You see, I've been researching two nearby areas that I believe you're already familiar with: Cooper's Ranch and Merrill's Place. Geographically, they are quite close... yet one has been overrun with Brokebarrel Withered, while the other has been claimed by the Rusted Fork Corrupted. Both locations appear similar on the surface, and I am attempting to narrow down what makes each unique.

If the places themselves are similar, my thought is that perhaps there is something unique to the soil in each location, making it more attractive to one than the other. Would you go to both Cooper's Ranch and Merrill's Place and gather soil samples from the local populations, and return them to me?

Progress:

Science waits for no one, yet I shall do my best to wait for your return. Perhaps there are other differences I have not yet discovered... hm.

Yes, while you are out, I shall investigate other paths of inquiry... and the sooner you are returned with the soil samples I desire, the sooner I shall reward you for your excursion.

Finish:

Oh, wonderful, wonderful! Yes, these samples will do quite nicely. Now, let me conduct a few tests...

Let's see... hmm... and I add this... And voila! We have... dirt. Some trace amounts of azoth, of course, but otherwise, it is entirely normal dirt. Bah! There must be some reason for the difference here! Perhaps it has nothing to do with the location, but something to do with the creatures themselves? I shall ponder this further...

Oh, and yes, your reward. Thank you for your assistance, even if these results were lacking.