Testing Offers Unique View Into Soil Health

Testing Offers Unique View Into Soil Health A new approach to soil testing goes beyond N, P and K, and key micronutrients. The Rhize Soil Health Test measures the microscopic life forms and available nutrients that support crop life and predict end-of-season yields. “The soil’s complex is difficult to digest or make sense of,” says Joshua Toal, RhizeBio. “We focus on the root system and specialize in DNA sequencing of the soil around it. In our analysis, we screen and pick up on thousands of different species.” The RhizeBio report provides data on biodiversity, including the number of species, community evenness and primary members. It also includes functionality, such as the soil’s ability to withstand drought and disease. Disturbance ratings and nutrient cycling potential are also provided. “We can tell if the field was tilled or no-till and if the soils were waterlogged by looking at oxygen levels,” says Toal. “The report provides categories, such as the number of nitrogen cycling species and how many phosphorus cycling species we observed.” Once species present in the soil have been identified, connections can be made between organisms in the soil, growth patterns, plant diseases, or problems with nutrient availability. These can lead the way to changes in management. Likewise, a baseline test before a management change and a follow-up test can help evaluate the change’s impact. Toal notes that a good portion of their business is with agronomists and input manufacturers. The test results are especially helpful when evaluating biological stimulants and different seeds in a greenhouse situation. “Send in a sample of the soil and the seed you were planning to use, and we’ll conduct a greenhouse study, looking at different biological inputs to see the best candidate,” says Toal. “A farmer can work with us directly, but the majority work through an agronomist.” Toal explains that the study is quicker than running a field trial and more informative. He recommends pulling soil samples on a per-soil basis, and he adds that timing is also important. “The soil microbial population is fairly stable through the season,” says Toal. “However, we recommend sampling the first week after planting. We find that the first week is the most important for predicting future crop outputs and end-of-season yields.” A soil sample analysis with a pathogen screen is priced at $255. Toal explains that the Rhize Soil Health Report is different from microbial tests offered by most competitors. “Most DNA sequencing makes predictions from a small number of genes,” he says. “RhizeBio technology uses all the microorganisms from a sample.” Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, RhizeBio, 235 Tuckaseege Rd., Suite A, Mount Holly, N.C. 28120 (ph 919-351-2038; support@rhizebio.com; www.rhizebio.com).

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