Soil Biological Activity — FarmPal
Overall measurement of microbial life and activity in the soil.
Ideal Range
Higher is generally better, with context for soil type and conditions.
How to Test
CO2 burst test (Solvita), buried cotton strip test, or lab soil respiration tests.
Improvement Strategies
- •Add diverse organic matter inputs
- •Maintain living roots year-round
- •Reduce chemical inputs that harm soil life
- •Apply compost and compost tea
- •Maintain proper moisture (not too wet or dry)
- •Reduce tillage which disrupts fungal networks