The Soil Food Web Tests
These tests assess the critical micro-organisms present in soils and composts. When required, we provide recommendations based on the results of these tests, helping you to sustainably improve your growing environment. We also provide a full consultancy service and can offer a full range of soil nutrient testing.
Total Bacteria
The optimal bacterial biomass in the soil varies according to crop, climate and season. If it is not within the optimal range, bacteria may need to be boosted within the compost or compost tea that is applied to the soil.
Total Fungi
As with bacteria, the optimal range varies according to crop, climate and season, and may require amendment if outside the optimal range.
Active Bacteria
Only that percentage of the bacteria which are currently metabolising organic compounds are directly nourishing the plants; if this portion is too low, bacterial foods may be required to stimulate the dormant population.
Active Fungi
As with bacteria, only those fungi which are currently growing and metabolizing are nourishing the plants, so the dormant part of the population may need feeding if the activity is low.
Protozoa
These single-celled organisms feed upon bacteria and excrete nitrogen in the plant-available form of ammonium, and so are essential to healthy plant growth. One morphological group, the Ciliates, feed preferentially on anaerobic bacteria, so a high ciliate population may indicate anaerobic conditions which need to be addressed.
Nematodes
A very large group of very small worms, these are everywhere on Earth. Of the soil-dwelling species, some cause significant crop damage, while some prey on other nematodes, but most graze on bacteria and fungi, and in doing so recycle nitrogen in a plant-available form. We count the number in a given weight and identify them to genus and function.
Mycorrhizal Colonization
Over 90% of all plants on Earth form symbiotic relationships with mycorrhizal fungi. These fungi increase the nutrient uptake capacity of the plant and protect it against pathogens. We determine the percentage of plant root colonisation, and also look for signs of disease and other damage.
Leaf Organisms
This test determines the effective coverage of organisms on the leaf surface, very useful for before and after comparisons of foliar applications of Compost Tea. Adequate coverage of leaf surfaces helps reduce diease and pests.
Qualitative Assessment
This fast evaluation does not provide actual counts or biomasses of organisms, but based on a visual scan of populations tells you whether your bacteria, fungi, protozoa and nematodes are present in excellent, good, adequate or poor numbers.
E. coli
This common intestinal bacterium has some disease-causing strains, but is usually only present where there is contamination from fresh or untreated manures and slurries. Well-made Compost and Compost Tea should be free from E. coli. However, and particularly where ready-to-eat crops are concerned, growers may wish to have the reassurance that this test provides. We evaluate the number of colony-forming units per gram of Compost or Compost Tea.
Electrical conductivity
This test determines the salinity of soils and composts, to let you know if salt levels are acceptable or potentially harmful.
pH
Different crops have different requirements for soil acidity or alkalinity, and the pH is influlenced both by the mineral content and the biology of the soil. This test allows us to advise you on how to supplement your soil to correct the pH for best growth results