Blog
History and Science Behind microBIOMETER®
The microBIOMETER® was developed with the need in mind to deliver a device that could be manufactured very reasonably so that it could service the whole world. For over 50 years scientists have known that microbes are the best indicator of soil health. One of the common methods used for
How much water and nutrients can your soil hold?
Your soil is a unique mixture of sand, silt, clay, and organic matter. The particular make-up of your soil determines its color, texture, and nutrient storage capacity. Knowing your soil’s texture and nutrient storage capacity is important when deciding how much and how often to feed and water your plants.
Carbon Sink Incentive Program
In March 2020 in San Diego, a small group of farmers decided to activate the “hub” concept and launched Foodshed Small Farm Distro and Resource Hub. Foodshed works directly with farmers, eaters, and entrepreneurs to cultivate an equitable food system in San Diego while addressing the challenges posed by the
Soil Microbial Biomass and Respiration
Both microbial biomass and respiration are parameters used to assess soil health. Soil respiration is the measure of the carbon dioxide produced by the microbes in a given weight of soil while microbial biomass is the measure of the mass of microbes- both active and dormant. Microbial biomass (MB) is
Regenerating Soil Biology through Liquid Compost Extract
Over the past decades, scientific awareness and appreciation of soil microbiology in agricultural systems has dramatically expanded. Flourishing microbial communities interacting with plant root networks play a direct role in plant growth, crop nutrition, disease and pest resistance, and soil aggregate structure, leading to increased soil oxygen flow and water
Sample School Science Project Outline
Created and performed by microBIOMETER® intern, Leanna Ramus, environmental science student at Siena College, this sample experiment is appropriate for high school and advanced middle schoolers. The research project is designed to help students study soil health and understand the impact of soil biology on soil health and plant growth.
The Role of Blockchain in the Carbon Market
The rise of global carbon dioxide levels has called on countries, businesses, and organizations to set goals and limits on how much carbon emissions they can produce over the succeeding years. Several international agreements have directed more significant action, most notably the Paris Agreement governing the fight against climate change.
Seasons of Soil Microbes
Seasonal dynamics are a major driver of soil microbial communities. Much like you and I, microbes are more active during some seasons, and more dormant during others. This can be attributed to the different responses microbes have to nutrient inputs, climatic conditions, and other soil properties. As there are a
How microBIOMETER® Changed the Farming Practice of a Syntropic Farmer
Adam Jone’s Fig Tree Organic Farm in Queensland, Australia has moved to organic farming. This farm is one of the key producers of foods for the Organic Weekend Sunshine Coast markets, a famous destination for food consumers and tourists. Adam had spent a lot of his time trying a variety
How do you know if your soil contains good or bad microbes?
You’ve probably read how important it is for your soil to have a large, diverse microbial population, but how do you know that all those microbes are good? Well to start, a healthy and optimal microbial population in your soil will always have a mixture of good and bad microbes.
microBIOMETER® analysis to prove the benefit of nanobubble oxygen for plant growth
IngenuityWorx has been working to prove that the application of nanobubble oxygen as an irrigation/fertigation tool can provide low cost, easily applied plant benefits both indoors and outdoors. It has been known for over 40 years that increased oxygen to plant roots in soil improves nutrient absorption, reduces effects of
Building Microbial Communities
This is an abridged version of Dr. Judith Fitzpatrick’s talk at last December’s Acres U.S.A. Eco-Ag conference. Article also featured in the April 2022 issue of Acres U.S.A. magazine. When a grower first goes organic, they often have one field that’s organic and, right next to it, a field that