Microscopy
Analyzing soil biology
at the microscopic scale
01
What Analysis We Do
Biological Assessments - looking at soil life under a microscope. We do direct microscopy focused on four main groups: bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and nematodes (both helpful and harmful), and we measure the biomass of the active representatives.
These microorganisms drive the nutrient cycle and make nutrients available, build soil structure, and reduce compaction. The Soil food web also includes arthropods and larger animals, but they aren’t part of this analysis.
The test doesn’t identify exact species or detect specific pathogens, but it shows if the soil, compost, and liquid amendments have enough beneficial microbes to regenerate the soil, support strong and healthy plants, as well as soils free of weeds, and with good structure.
02
What Biology We Look For
Fungi & Bacteria Biomass
Bacteria and fungi break down minerals, release and store nutrients. They also help build soil structure—creating pores and aggregates—and improve the soil’s ability to hold water.
The ratio of fungi to bacteria determines if the soil conditions are in favour of the crops or of the weeds.
Protozoa & Nematodes
These microorganisms are indicators of healthy soil. Their role is to feed on bacteria and fungi, releasing nutrients in a form that plants can use. If these predators are not present, the natural nutrient cycle is cut off.
They also help build soil aggregates and improve soil structure.
03
What We Deliver
Analysis results
Spreadsheets with biomass weight results, references and comments.
Photographs
Images of some of the organisms found and counted in your samples.
Q&A sessions
Answering questions and explaining the results.
As we rely on the microscope to give us a valuable picture of the space and the task's context, we also understand the need to combine these findings with other testing methods to build a more complete understanding about the ecosystems generally.