Our comprehensive services go beyond simply delivering a report. You’ll receive clear, insightful data on your soil’s microbial life, and importantly, we’re here to talk you through the numbers, ensuring you fully understand what they mean for your specific goals. Whether you’re aiming to grow the biggest grapes, cultivate the healthiest grass, reduce your reliance on inputs, adopt regenerative agriculture principles, or build more sustainable and resilient soil, our analysis and support are tailored to help you achieve it.
Biological analysis
Healthy soil biology is fundamental to nutrient cycling, plant health, and overall ecosystem function. Our biological soil tests evaluate the living component of soil, providing data on microbial populations and activity. Our biological services include:
Microbial Biomass and Activity
Achieving optimal soil functionality hinges on having the right amount of bacterial and fungal biomass. Plants are primarily nourished by the fraction of bacteria and fungi actively breaking down and metabolising organic compounds. If the proportion of active bacteria or active fungi is low and below satisfactory level in respect to the total bacteria and total fungi concentrations, interventions may be appropriate.
Fungal:Bacterial Ratios
Determining the dominant microbial community is often crucial for tailoring soil management strategies. These levels naturally fluctuate based on crop type, climate, and season. When they dip below the ideal range interventions may be appropriate.
Protozoa Profile
This analysis provides a count and identification by type (flagellates, amoeba, and ciliates), of these key, microorganisms that predate on bacteria and are essential to natural nutrient cycling.
Nematodes
This analysis provides a count and the balance by feeder type (bacterial feeding, fungal feeding, plant parasitic, predatory), of these microscopic worms that are also key to a correctly functioning soil, with good natural nutrient cycling capabilities.
Mycorrhizal Colonisation
Mycorrhizal fungi is often considered a reflection of ‘how well connect a plant is to the soil’. This analysis determines the proportion of this symbiotic fungi that occupies plant-root surfaces and naturally enhances nutrient uptake in plants, shrubs, trees and crops.
We also provide chemical and physical analytical services…
While our expertise lies in the intricate world of soil microbiology, SoilBioLab offers a comprehensive suite of analytical services to provide a holistic view of your growing environment. We refer to this as a taking a ‘complete’ approach to Soil Management and considering the chemical, physical and biological aspects of the soil when decision making. That is why alongside our detailed biological assessments, we also provide thorough chemical and physical analyses of your soil. Furthermore, our testing capabilities extend to a variety of other materials crucial for plant health and productivity, including compost, growing media, liquids, and even plant tissue, giving you a complete picture for informed decision-making.
For our current Service List including prices get in touch!