Soil Health Tests
Soil Health Tests

Soil health tests can provide a more comprehensive soil assessment through the inclusion of soil biological and physical indicators in addition to just chemical ones.  

Soil health test package includes chemical aspects just like what is done under a typical chemical soil test; however, in addition provides:

  • H3A Soil Extract which mimics organic acids produced by living plant root systems which increase nutrient availability in the roof zone. 
  • H2O Water Soluble Extract which informs on quantity of nutrients immediately available to plants. 
  • CO2 Burst - measures soil respiration or the amount of CO2 naturally released from the soil due to soil microbe activity and microbial respiration. This test is dependent on the amount and form of carbon available to microbes in the soil. Increases in available carbon increases microbial respiration. 
  • Organic Carbon - determines the total available water extractable carbon in the soil. The available organic carbon amount reflects the energy/food source that is driving the soil microbes.
  • Organic Nitrogen - this amount if replenished by fresh plant residues, manure, composts and drying soil microbes.
  • Organic C/N Ratio: C/N ratio is a very important part of the nutrient cycle. A C/N ratio over 20 most often indicates that nitrogen will be unavailable to plants. The ideal C/N ratio is in the 8:1 to 15:1 range. 
  • Soil Health Calculation: This calculation uses all of the above tests to look at the balance of soil carbon and nitrogen and their relationship to microbial activity, generates a soil health value number in the range of 0 - 25. The higher the number the better and informs you of your overall soil health. Your goal is to see the number increase over time as you implement and make changes and adjustments to your soil. Tracking this number informs you of how your soil management strategies are performing over time. 

Island Soil Testing Service
PO Box 240752
Honolulu, Hawaii 96824-0752
Tel: 808-291-9479
Email: bkfisle@hawaii.rr.com

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