Measuring Microbes: A New Approach to Soil Testing

A recent article on the AgProfessional website talked about how soil testing in the future may include microbial content. This is a great move as researchers like David Johnson of New Mexico State University have shown that while organic matter in soils is an important criteria to determine soil health, the fungal:bacteria ratio is even more important. The higher that ratio (favoring the fungal), the more productive the land. For gardeners one way to accomplish is through a good compost. For large scale farmers and ranchers, another way is through Holistic Planned Grazing. Read about how Gabe Brown increased soil fertility with cover crops, no-till, and Holistic Planned Grazing. Click here, to get a free e-book on Holistic Planned Grazing.