Biologic Crop Solutions | Live Biologic

Qualitative Potting Soil Assessment

Correct Soil Sampling: To get an accurate picture of the overall quality of your soil, samples must be taken from different areas and combined. Take approximately a 1 cup sample from at least 4 different areas of your garden and mix thoroughly. The more samples the better, especially if you use a completely separate container for each plant.

Bring us a 2-cup sample of your mixed soil and we will do an on-site qualitative analysis, providing recommendations free of charge.

Third Party Testing

We do not do chemical or quantitative analysis, as we specialize in microbes that are constantly moving and cycling nutrients. This makes them difficult to asses, resulting in inaccurate and sometimes misleading test results.

If you do not suspect that there is a severe nutrient imbalance or specific pathogen present, we would suggest continuing with weekly compost extracts and allowing the microbes to continue their constant efforts to bring the soil to optimum health and facilitate maximum productivity of their beloved plants. However, should you desire a soil or microbial analysis, we have a few labs that we would recommend.

– International Ag Labs offers comprehensive soil chemistry testing. We recommend the S3, S5, and S-OP tests.

Click here for the Soil Test Order Form

– Rodale Institute offers qualitative testing of soil microbiology. We recommend this test for validation of microbial diversity and biomass in soil, compost, and humus products.

Click here for the Qualitative Soil Test Submission Form

– Western Labs offers a variety of soil, plant, and water testing, as well as mycorrhizae spore count testing. There is a garden soil test and various Agricultural soil tests including NPK, C:N, soil texture, etc.

Click here to visit their website and view testing options.

– MycoRoots offers mycorrhizal colonization testing as well as mycorrhizae spore count. We recommend this test for validation of spore count in mycorrhizal inoculant products. Mycorrhizal colonization testing measures what percent of a plant’s root system is colonized by mycorrhizae. This test is useful to determine if the mycorrhizae you are using is actually effective.

Click here for the sample processing form.

Test Data Interpretation and Product Recommendation

Accurately interpreting soil and plant tissue test data is key to developing successful management strategy. Let one of our specialists help you to make the most of your data and provide you with a written product application recommendation.