FAQ's
How can microscopy help my soil?
Microscopic analysis is the best way to reliably determine the microbial conditions of your soil and compost. Under the microscope we are able to directly observe which microorganisms are present or lacking in your sample. Some microorganisms are beneficial, others are detrimental, and the amount of each type gives essential clues about the conditions of your soil or compost. Are conditions aerobic or anaerobic? Is nutrient cycling taking place? Overall, is a healthy and functioning Soil Food Web present? Using microscopic analysis, we make a quantitative assessment that will help answer these questions and accelerate your plants' growth.
What is the Soil Food Web?
The Soil Food Web is a complex and thriving tapestry of microbial relationships. At the base of the food web are bacteria and fungi, which actively decompose organic matter and break down minerals. As decomposition takes place, fungi and bacteria grow, multiply, and become food for other microorganisms like protozoa and nematodes. These in turn feed higher trophic levels occupied by organisms like micro-arthropods and earthworms. Throughout this flurry of feeding, important nutrients are excreted in plant-available forms. The plants uptake these nutrients and use their photosynthetic ability to produce sugars that feed the bacteria and fungi. All parts of this closed loop, circular exchange are essential for the Soil Food Web to succeed.
Why choose the Soil Food Web approach?
Plants achieve more growth, immunity, and nutrient density from a diverse population of beneficial microbes. These microbial communities also create structure within the soil, which in turn improves moisture retention and prevents erosion. Furthermore, massive amounts of carbon can be sequestered into the cells of these microbes as they proliferate through our soils. Overall, a healthy soil food web can cut farming costs (no additives, synthetic fertilizers, and less watering), increase yield and nutrient density, repair the water cycle, and draw CO2 from the atmosphere. That's a win-win-win-win!