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SOIL LIFE

The soil life is responsible for numerous conversion processes which take place in the soil. Soil life which functions well also provides for a good rooting climate.

Oxygen:

Most soil organisms and roots of plants need oxygen to live. In our lab we measure the biochemical oxygen demand of a soil to define if there is enough oxygen for a healthy soil life and prosperous root growth. See also the article about oxygen.

Nitrogen:

The situation in the soil is normal if the ammonium value is low. Usually the biological activity in the soil functions badly if no fertilization has been applied with fertilizers containing ammonia during 6 - 8 weeks before the analysis (i.e. farmyard manure, nitrogen fertilizers containing ammonium) and still the ammonium content is relatively high in respect of the amount of nitrate in late spring, summer and autumn. Well functioning soil life converts the ammonium present in the soil into nitrate in a few days or weeks.

Phosphate:

Most of the phosphor in the soil is not available for the plant roots. A part of the soil organisms like some bacteria and enzymes are responsible for a good portion of soluble phosphor of the total amount of phosphate in the soil. A special fungus of the type mycorrhiza can take up fixed phosphate and pass it on to plant roots on which they are attached.

Soil biota:

A healthy soil contains a broad variety of soil organisms. The broad soil biota screening of Bodemtechniek / Eurolab analysis contains:

Different types of protozoa, tardigrada, positive and plant parasitic nematodes, collembolans (springtails), enchytraeida, and different mites

The meaning of this analysis is to see how diverse the siol biota is, the volume, and special types that are beneficial or plant parasitic.

In the routine analysis “package 2 soil” also biochemical oxygen demand, aerobic bacteria, anaerobic bacteria, sulphide forming bacteria, yeasts and moulds are analysed, among other parameters.

The purpose of this analysis is to asses if the soil has the right equilibrium between bacteria and moulds, between aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. In our experience with many soil fertility questions a high quantity of sulphide forming bacteria is hazardous for many types of plants.

POSITIVE FOR THE SOIL LIFE :

- Digestive organic material

- Rooting of the soil

- A good content of organic matter

- A good aeration of the soil

- pH (acidity) above 5.0

- No overload of water (high ground-water level or bad drainage)

- A good structure, also in the subsoil

NEGATIVE FOR THE SOIL LIFE:

- Too much oxygen consumption in the soil (low oxygen)

- A large value number of zinc or copper (polluted soil)

- High contents of salt

- A low pH-value (too much acid in the soil)

- A large value number of manganese with a pH-value below 6.5

- A high value number of active aluminium or active iron

A high activity of soil life does not necessarily mean that the composition of the soil life is good. Less favourable bacteria, such as anaerobic (living without air) bacteria are in some cases hazardous for roots. An indication for much anaerobic life in the soil is a high number of sulphide producing bacteria. This analysis is a standard topic in our soil testing system.

IMPROVEMENT OF BIOLOGICAL ACTIVITY IN THE SOIL

The biological activity can be improved by regular use of organic fertilizers . A good structure of the top- and subsoil is also of importance. A mulch layer is also very beneficial for soil biota. Adding fresh organic matter onto the soil can be bad for the oxygen equilibrium in the soil. When you let our laboratory analyse soil sample(s), we can give a good personal advice how to improve your soil. Many of the problems in a soil can be detected by this “soil analysis package 2” The costs for analysis is 125 euro, plus the cost of advice.