Finally, there is a way to measure if soil or related products actually team with microbes! The microBIOMETER® is an advancement in measuring soil food web activity that finally lets us know if our inputs are working. It is an invaluable new tool with tremendous potential to improve our soils.
Jeff Lowenfels
Author of “Teaming with Microbes”, “Teaming with Fungi”, “Teaming with Bacteria”,
and “Teaming with Nutrients”
How does the microBIOMETER® test work
The extraction powder, loosens the microbes from the soil and the whisking completes the job. The test card contains a membrane that retains the colored microbes on the surface. The phone analyzes the picture and the amount of color correlates with the amount of microbes. We express microbial biomass as biomass of carbon on the assumption that the dry weight of microbes is 50% carbon.
IMPORTANT TESTING NOTES:
- The microBIOMETER® PRO app tests both soil and compost, however it does not support direct testing of compost teas or extracts.
#1 Starter Kit includes:
- 20 Test PRO cards
- 20 Reagent packets
- 10 Reusable extraction vials
- 10 Reusable pipettes
- 2 Soil sifters
- 1 Whisker and probe
- 1 Soil sampler
- 1 Capped measurer
- 1 Spatula
- 1 Magnet
- 1 Testing platform
#2 Refill Kit 10 includes:
- 10 PRO cards
- 10 Reagent packets
- 1 Reusable extraction vial
- 1 Reusable pipette
- 1 Test platform
#3 Refill Kit 50 includes:
- 50 Test PRO cards
- 50 Reagent packets
- 5 Reusable extraction vials
- 5 Reusable pipettes
- 1 Test platform
Downloads
In-app Instructions
The testing instructions along with built in timers are included directly in the app for easy viewing.
Download and print
PRO Instructions for Soil and Compost here.
Introducing microBIOMETER® PRO here.
Video Tutorial
Watch video here.
