Microbiometer

  If you grow plants, fruits, vegetables, or even just grass, you know that healthy soil is very important. But how can you tell if your soil is healthy? That’s where something called microBIOMETER® comes in. This small tool helps you check how alive your soil is. It’s kind of like a health check-up, but for your soil. And it’s much easier and faster than sending soil to a lab. Let’s learn more in this beginner-friendly guide. What Is microBIOMETER®? microBIOMETER® is a test you can do yourself to see how many good microbes (tiny living things) are in your soil. These microbes help your plants grow strong. They break down dead stuff in the soil and turn it into food for your plants. This test is part of an organic soil test , which means it checks how healthy your soil is without using any harmful chemicals. The test tells you two important things: How many microbes are in the soil (this is called “microbial biomass”). Whether your soil has more f...

  Here’s something that might surprise you: fungi represent one of the most diversified kingdoms on Earth, with estimates reaching up to 12 million species, yet only 150,000 fungal species are currently described. This massive knowledge gap hints at just how much we’re still discovering about these microscopic powerhouses that quietly drive soil health and ecosystem productivity. The Hidden Network: Understanding Soil Fungi Soil fungi aren’t just tiny mushrooms waiting to sprout after rain; They’re sophisticated organisms that form extensive underground networks. These thread-like structures, called hyphae, can extend for miles through soil, connecting plants and facilitating nutrient exchange across vast distances. Fungal biomass is particularly important due to its role as a biological bridge. While bacteria excel at breaking down simple organic compounds, fungi are up to 4x more effective at utilizing complex compounds like lignin and cellulose. Carbon Storage Champions: The Fun...