A Regenerative Future with Matt Powers Ep. 160 | One Soil Test To Rule Them All??
Jun 14, 2022
Is there really just one soil test that covers all your needs? Dive into the limitations of traditional methods and discover why a single test can’t capture the true essence of soil health. Explore cutting-edge innovations like DNA testing and spectrometry that promise a richer understanding of soil ecosystems. Plus, learn the importance of open data sharing in soil science and get ready for an exciting upcoming announcement that could change the game for everyone involved in regenerative practices.
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One Soil Test Unrealistic
- The idea that one single soil test can provide all necessary answers is unrealistic and misleading.
- Testing results often show identical recommendations across various contexts, indicating limited differentiation.
Limits of Traditional Soil Tests
- Traditional soil tests reliably measure only about five minerals; others are rough estimates.
- Soil biology and chemistry affect nutrient availability beyond what tests typically capture.
Soil Biology Testing Limits
- New testing methods like microbial respiration tests and microscopy reveal parts of soil life but also have limitations.
- Some microbes like pathogenic E. coli cannot be distinguished with basic microscopy or common dyes.