Modern farming damages Nature’s fertility solution:
The Soil Food Web
Soil Assessments
Our biological assessments reveal what’s happening underground. Get detailed reports on your soil’s biomass and actionable recommendations for improvement.
What Are Biological Assessments?
A Lab test helps to determine the health and balance of your soil. I am a certified Lab Technician with The Soil Food Web school based in Oregon, USA. I will quantify the biomass of your soil, listing fungi, bacteria (and the critical F:B Ratio), protozoa (amoebae, flagellates and the less desirable ciliates), nematodes, actinobacteria and oomycetes (bad guy disease-causing fungi). The comprehensive Soil Food Web report generated from this analysis will guide you in managing your soil.
Taking a soil sample
Try to get a representative sample of the area you are testing: avoid fresh cowpats, low-lying wet areas, compacted paths. Take up to 20 core samples of 20-25mm width and 70-120mm length, put them in a bucket, mix it all together and put two cupfuls in a ziplock bag and deliver for analysis as soon as possible.
If sampling land from tree or vine crops, take the samples from midway between the trunk and the drip line (the outer canopy edge).
Each sample bag must be clearly labelled on the outside of the bag, listing client, sample ID, date taken and existing or intended crop.
Taking a compost sample
Take samples from all over the pile and all depths put it all in a ziplock bag for analysis. Each sample bag must be clearly labelled on the outside of the bag, listing client, sample ID, compost type (thermophilic/vermicast) and date taken.
Biologically active compost
Thermophilic compost has been kept at sufficient temperatures for long enough to kill all seeds, pathogens and diseases, while promoting the growth of beneficial organisms.
- Above 55°C for 72 hours
- Above 65°C for 48 hours
- Above 70°C for 24 hours
The compost is turned several times to ensure that every part of the pile has been through this process. Then the pile is left to mature, during which time numbers of fungi, nematodes, bacteria and predators increase rapidly to achieve an abundant source of desirable microbes perfectly packaged and ready to colonise any soil it comes into contact with. When the desired numbers of all the appropriate microbe groups have been achieved it becomes Biologically Active Compost.
Compost extracts
Are extracted from biologically active compost and then applied as a surface spray or soil drench to infiltrate the soil and restore the microbial ecosystem. To be effective there should be food available for these organisms -growing plants will help as they will be releasing exudates (carbohydrates – food for bacteria and fungi) into the soil.
Compost teas
Are extracts that are put in an aerated brewer with appropriate foods to multiply organism numbers over a 24-36 hour period, providing a tea that can been sprayed on foliage to provide a protective layer on the surface of plants that prevents diseases taking hold.
Beneficial organisms work in three main ways:
- They outcompete diseases, pests, or parasites for food resources and/or space for example.
- Some beneficial organisms consume disease-causing organisms, pests, and parasites.
- Other beneficial organisms produce antibiotics and toxic chemicals to inhibit and decompose their competition.
Natural farming techniques work with the soil food web rather than against it. These practices focus on maintaining and enhancing the natural processes that create fertility in soil ecosystems. By adopting these approaches, farmers and gardeners can reduce their reliance on external inputs while improving soil health and crop productivity.
Key natural farming practices include:
- Minimal tillage – Preserving soil structure and fungal networks
- Cover cropping – Protecting soil and adding organic matter
- Mulching – Retaining moisture and suppressing weeds
- Compost applications – Adding beneficial microorganisms
- Diverse planting – Supporting varied soil ecosystems
- Avoiding harmful chemicals – Protecting soil biology
These techniques help create a self-sustaining system where plants and soil organisms work together, reducing the need for external inputs and creating resilient agricultural systems that can withstand environmental stresses.
Where do I start?
Explore our range of professional soil health services
Soil Health Assessments
Comprehensive evaluations of soil quality and biological activity to assess health.
Soil Health Assessments
Comprehensive evaluations of soil quality and biological activity to assess health.
Microbial Enhancement Services
Boosting beneficial microorganisms in soil to enhance fertility and productivity.
Contact Us
Get in touch with any questions about initiating a Biological Soil Assessment.
Ready to enhance your soil?