| Soil Foodweb is an international soil biology group providing laboratory soil testing and soil biology consultancy services. It was founded by Dr Elaine Ingham, a leading international soil microbiologist. The systems developed by Dr Ingham have been designed to analyse the microbiology present in soil samples and to develop appropriate responses to achieve desired levels and balances of soil microbiology. |
Total Bacteria: (TB)
The optimal bacterial biomass in the soil varies according to crop, climate and season; if it is not within this range, bacterial inocula or foods may be required.
Total Fungi: (TF)
As with bacteria, the optimal range varies according to crop, climate and season, and may require amendment if outside this range.
Active Bacteria: (AB)
Only that percentage of the bacteria which are currently metabolizing 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: (AF)
As with bacteria, only those fungi which are currently growing and metabolizing are directly nourishing the plants, so the dormant part of the population may need feeding if the activity is low.
Protozoa: (Prots)
These large single-celled organisms feed upon bacteria and excrete nitrogen in the plant available from of ammonium, 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.
Mycorrhizal Colonization: (VAM)
Over 90% of all plants of Earth form symbiotic relationships with mycorrhizal fungi. These fungi increase the nutrient uptake capacity of the plant and protect it against pathogens. We determine what percentage of your roots are colonized, and also look for signs of disease and other damage.
Qualitative Assessment: (QA)
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.
Leaf Organism:
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 to reduce disease and pests.