Soil Health as influenced by organic matter content and microbial biomass

Non-Peer ReviewedSoil health is measured based on nutrient content and microbial activities. Plant Root Simulator (PRS) probes use ion exchange resin to study the bioavailability of various nutrients in the soil. The MicroBiometer study measures the microbial biomass in the soil using the microbial test kit that classifies soil samples into soil health range. The soil health range was used to compare with the PRS probe nutrient forecaster. The conclusion drawn from the MicroBiometer test kit was not consistent with the nutrient analysis carried out with the PRS probe. Hence, soil organic matter content, nitrogen supply rate and microbial biomass are not directly related. Other soil factors such as pH and moisture content that influences the microbial population should be analyzed to give a holistic approach to classifying soil health