Earth Biology Lab Biological Soil Testing
Direct Quantitative Shadow-Band Microscopy

Know your soil’s living biology, not just its chemistry.

Conventional chemical soil tests show available nutrient ions, but they completely ignore the biological machinery responsible for plant nutrient cycling. We assess, calculate, and report real biomass ratios of fungi, bacteria, protozoa, and beneficial nematodes under high magnification.

400x
Brightfield & Shadow Band Analysis
F:B Ratio
Ecological Succession Calibration
48-72h
Rapid Digital Biomass Reports
LIVE FIELD 100x-400x

Soil Food Web Biomass Assay

Quantitative direct counting of fungal hyphae diameter/color, amoebae, flagellates, ciliates, and micro-arthropods.

Total Fungi: 125 µg/g (Optimal)
Total Bacteria: 142 µg/g
F:B Ratio: 0.88 (Target 0.8-1.2)
Anaerobic Ciliates: 0 / Field (Clean)

Assay Profiles

Accurate, Biological Lab Analyses

Choose the standard profile for your soil, compost batch, or liquid compost extract / tea.

Total Biology Assay

Comprehensive microscopy count of both active and total functional organism groups.

$85 / sample
  • Active & Total Bacterial Biomass (µg/g)
  • Active & Total Fungal Biomass (µg/g)
  • Fungal:Bacterial (F:B) Ratio
  • Protozoa Count (Amoebae, Flagellates, Ciliates)
  • Beneficial Nematode Classification
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RECOMMENDED FOR GROWERS

Full Soil Health + Advisory

Complete biology assay paired with actionable recommendations for succession adjustment.

$135 / sample
  • Everything in Total Biology Assay
  • High-Resolution Micrograph Photo Gallery
  • Ecological Succession Benchmarking for your crop
  • Biological Compost / Tea Recipe Customization
  • 20-Minute Direct Lab Specialist Consultation
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Liquid Extract & Tea Check

Rapid biological check for active aerated compost tea (AACT) and liquid biological amendments.

$60 / sample
  • Rapid Flagellate & Amoebae Count
  • Anaerobic Indicator Screening (Ciliate Thresholds)
  • Fungal Suspended Strands Confirmation
  • 24-Hour Express Digital Confirmation
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Order Estimator

Interactive Lab Cost Calculator

Estimate your exact testing cost based on assay type, batch size discounts, and shipping speeds.

1 Sample
1 5 (5% off) 10 (10% off) 15 (15% off) 25+
Estimated Total
$85.00
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Standard Operating Protocol

How to Collect & Ship Live Samples

Soil microbes are living organisms. Following this simple protocol ensures organisms remain aerobically viable in transit.

STEP 01

Core Collection

Scrape away loose surface detritus. Collect 3-5 sub-samples from the root zone (0-4 inches depth) across your test area and combine in a clean bucket.

STEP 02

Aerobic Bagging

Fill a standard zip-top quart bag about halfway (~1 cup of composite soil). Do NOT vacuum seal; leave air space inside so organisms can breathe.

STEP 03

Label Clearly

Using a permanent marker, label each bag with Sample ID, Date, Crop/Plant target, and Sample Type (Compost, Topsoil, Rhizosphere).

STEP 04

Early-Week Shipping

Ship via USPS Priority or UPS on Monday or Tuesday so the box never sits over the weekend in an unheated or overheated distribution hub.

Sample Registration

Pre-Register Your Samples

Fill out your details to receive an instant sample intake confirmation and shipping address slip.

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions