Soil Biology Health Assessment using Microscopy

Why a biological test?

We are accustomed to soil chemistry tests (N, P, K) and thinking about the physical aspects of our soil (sand, silt, clay). Those are great aspects to know, but they don't tell a complete story. With a soil biology test, we can take a look at who is home in your soil or compost.

Through a biological soil test, we look for microbial life in the soil. These are microscopic predator and prey species who have the ability to help or hinder your land. We'll check for nematodes, fungi, bacteria and protozoa.

All of these species are considered part of the Soil Food Web. Much like the above ground Food Web, the Soil Food Web cannot function at its full capacity if key species are missing.

We will check to see if you have the predators and the pray in the soil. With a good amount of these species, your soil will be able to cycle nutrients (like N, P, K) on its own. It will also be able to remain resilient against pests and pathogens due to the diversity of organisms present in the soil. What this means is, you will find a reduced need to apply chemical pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers.

Types of biology tests:

Biological Count:

This quantitative test will provide a thorough review of your soil or compost, providing approximate biomass numbers on key aspects of the Soil Food Web

• Nematodes
• Fungi
• Bacteria
• Protozoa (Ciliates, Amoeba, Flagellates)

This test is ideal for:

• Starting a project with qualitative data that enables you to monitor progress
• Pre/Post season review of changes over time
• Assess quality of homemade compost
• Review for any potential problematic organisms like disease causing bacteria

What we deliver:

• A Microbial Report
• A brief overview of findings and possible next steps
• Microbe photos/videos

$100/sample

Biological Survey:

This qualitative test will give an overview of the members of the Soil Food Web in your soil or compost.

This test is ideal for:

• The budget conscious
• Educators who want to show what is below ground
• The curious, but not too serious

What we deliver:

• A brief overview of findings
• Microbe photos/videos

$50/sample

Nematode Extraction:

This is a test exclusively looking at the nematode population of your soil or compost. Because nematodes are fast movers, this test is the most comprehensive look at the nematode population in your sample we offer. We will take approximately 72 hours to observe the types (functional groups) of nematodes found in your sample - fungal feeders, predatory nematodes, bacterial feeder, omnivores or root feeders.

This is ideal for:

• Getting a comprehensive look at the nematode population
• Understanding if there is a full suite of nematodes present. This is a great indicator of overall soil health and ecosystem function

What we deliver:

• A report providing approximate numbers of each type of nematode
• A brief overview of findings
• Nematode photos/videos

$200/sample