SFI Basic Package: A$1,000.00

This includes one total food web analysis supported by a written report detailing our findings and suggested measures for you to undertake to help rehabilitate your soil. This package has an additional four (4) Qualitative Assessments carried out at appropriate times during the year so that you may monitor your progress and tweak your action plan. You are also eligible for two (2) brief phone consultations to discuss the reports in depth and any key issues you might have. At no extra charge you will also receive our popular ‘Brewing Compost Tea’ manual valued at A$ 55.00 free of charge.

Our lab analysis of your sample will examine the following key areas of soil health:

Total Bacteria: (TB) The optimal bacterial biomass in the soil varies according to crop, climate and season. If it is not within the desired range, bacterial inocula or foods may be required.

Total Fungi: (TF) As with bacteria, the optimal range varies according to crop, climate and season, and may require amendment in the way of inocula or foods if outside this range.

Active Bacteria: (AB) The Active Bacteria i.e. those currently metabolizing organic compounds and directly nourishing the plants. If these levels are too low, bacterial foods may be required to stimulate the dormant population.

Active Fungi: (AF) As with bacteria, only those fungi which are currently growing and metabolizing are directly nourishing the plants, so the dormant part of the population may need feeding if the activity is low.

Protozoa: (Prots) These large single-celled organisms feed upon bacteria and excrete nitrogen in the plant available form of ammonium, so are essential to healthy plant growth. One morphological group, the Ciliates are an important indicator as to the aerobic conditions of the soil. They prefer to feed on anaerobic bacteria, so a high ciliate population may indicate anaerobic conditions which need to be addressed.

Nematodes: (Nem) A very large group of very small worms existing everywhere on earth. Of the soil-dwelling species, some cause significant crop damage, some prey on other nematodes, and most graze on bacteria and fungi. Both the predators and bacterial & fungal feeders cycle nitrogen in to a plant available form. We count the number in a given weight of soil, and identify them to genus and function.

Mycorrhizal Colonization: (VAM) Over 90% of all plants of Earth form symbiotic relationships with mycorrhizal fungi. Living inside the roots, these fungi increase the nutrient and water uptake capacity of the plant and protect it against pathogens. We determine what percentage of your roots are colonized, and also look for signs of disease and other damage.