Under 'How to send sample?' tab in each test page, you can find the unique sampling instructions for your test.

No, drop-offs are currently not an option. Please mail in all samples or request a collection kit.

We apologize about any inconvenience this may cause.

Healthy soil is the foundation of thriving ecosystems, playing a critical role in agriculture and environmental sustainability. It supports plant growth, retains and filters water, and provides habitat for beneficial organisms.

Key Components of Healthy Soil:

1. Organic Matter: Rich organic matter, including decomposed plant and animal material, is essential. It improves soil structure, water-holding capacity, and nutrient availability. Organic matter serves as food for microbes, which, in turn, support plant health.
2. Soil Structure: Well-structured soil is crumbly, allowing for good water infiltration and root penetration. Ideal soil has a balanced mix of sand, silt, and clay, which provides necessary aeration and nutrient retention. Compacted soil restricts root growth and water movement, compromising plant health.
3. Nutrient Balance: A healthy soil has a balanced supply of essential nutrients, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, along with trace minerals like calcium and magnesium. These nutrients must be available in the right proportions for optimal plant growth.
4. Microbial Life: Soil is a living ecosystem teeming with bacteria, fungi, earthworms, and insects. These organisms break down organic matter, cycle nutrients, and suppress diseases. Diverse and abundant microbial life promotes resilient soil and healthy crops.
5. pH Level: Proper pH (usually between 6.0 and 7.5) ensures that nutrients are accessible to plants. Extreme pH levels can limit nutrient uptake and weaken plant growth.

We believe the benefits of no-till outnumber those of tillage. No-till allows the soil structure to stay intact and protects the soil by leaving organic matter on the surface. Better soil structure and cover increases the ability to absorb water, which reduces erosion.

No-till also slows evaporation, which means better infiltration of rain and increases irrigation efficiency, leading a more productive garden.

Soil microorganisms, fungi and bacteria also benefit from no-till because in undisturbed soil, beneficial organisms can establish their communities and feed off of root exudates and organic matter. A healthy soil biome is crucial for nutrient cycling and suppressing diseases. When soil organic matter improves, so does the soil’s internal structure—increasing the soil’s capacity to grow more nutrient-dense crops.

A soil test is an essential tool for understanding the health and composition of your soil, which is crucial for successful gardening and farming. Soil tests analyze various elements, such as:

• pH Levels: This measures how acidic or alkaline your soil is, which affects nutrient availability for plants.
• Nutrient Balance: Soil tests evaluate the levels of key nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, as well as other important minerals, to determine if your plants have what they need to thrive.
• Soil Microbiology: Advanced tests can assess the microbial life in your soil, which plays a significant role in nutrient cycling and plant health.
• Soil Texture: This refers to the proportions of sand, silt, and clay in your soil, impacting water retention and root development.

Healthy soil is the foundation for vigorous, resilient plants. Good gardeners focus on improving and nurturing their soil, knowing that strong, healthy plants will naturally follow. Understanding your soil through testing allows you to make informed decisions about amendments, fertilization, and cultivation practices to create an optimal environment for your plants to flourish.