In-app Instructions
The testing instructions along with built in timers are included directly in the app for easy viewing.
Download and print
PRO Instructions for Soil and Compost here.
Classic Instructions for Soil and Compost here.
Classic Instructions for Compost Tea and Extracts here.
Video Tutorial
Watch video here.
Our Understanding Your Results guide features a microBIOMETER® range chart for microbial biomass and fungal to bacterial ratio data.
Each time you run a test for microbial biomass and fungal to bacterial ratio using microBIOMETER®, our phone app stores the results and location of where the test was taken in our cloud portal. This guide will help you understand how to see your test results, how to edit sample data including changes to location and name, how to add data points, and how to access all this on the web and export to Excel for higher level analysis.
Please see sample screenshot.
First, be sure to break up any large chunks with the spatula included with your kit. Then, using both sifters, one inside the other, “grind” the soil to remove any debris. If this does not work, simply remove any debris or large particles by hand before testing.
Yes. When you draw up the microbes in the pipette, be careful not to get any of the floating debris at the top of the tube in the pipette. We advise tapping the tube 5 minutes into settling as per our instructions to precipitate the floating debris so it won’t interfere with the measurement.
We recommend using either tap water or distilled water. We do not recommend using naturally found water that could potentially have high levels of compounds as it can skew or invalidate the results.
microBIOMETER® PRO features improved precision, advanced nutrient metrics, moisture adjustment capabilities, and sample geolocation. The PRO can be used on both soil and compost, however, it no longer supports direct testing of compost tea or extract. Please click here for more detailed information.
There are significant changes to units, underlying assumptions, and calculations in the PRO app. Therefore, results cannot be directly compared across the two versions.
Click here to troubleshoot.
No, you do not. You can access the app and store data in the app regardless of having service or WiFi. The next time your device has access to the internet and the app is started, the stored data will then sync to your Cloud Portal.
The Moisture Adjustment function allows you to adjust your microBIOMETER® results with different moisture assumptions. As a default, the microBIOMETER® assumes a 20% moisture for all soils and a 40% moisture for all compost. If you know your soil or compost moisture content is much lower or higher than the default, use this function.
If your soil moisture level is closer to 10%, choose the Dry option. If it’s closer to 30%, choose the Wet option.
If your compost moisture level is closer to 30%, choose the Dry option. If it’s closer to 50%, choose the Wet option.
The results in this section are determined by a set of equations after the microBIOMETER® has determined your microbial biomass result. This information is extrapolated based on your microBIOMETER® result to determine pounds (lbs) of biological carbon and biological nitrogen per acre and kilograms of carbon or nitrogen per hectare. The equations below have been condensed from a longer set of conversions for easy calculations. These equations use general assumptions found in the literature. Click here to see exactly how the conversion process is done.
Equations Used:
Biological Carbon lbs/acre: ((Total Fungi / 2) + (Total Bacteria / 2)) * 2.2
Biological Carbon kgs/hectare: ((Total Fungi / 2) + (Total Bacteria / 2)) * 2.47
Biological Nitrogen lbs/acre: (((Total Fungi / 2) /15) + ((Total Bacteria / 2) /5)) * 2.2
Biological Nitrogen kgs/hectare: (((Total Fungi / 2) /15) + ((Total Bacteria / 2) /5)) * 2.47
This feature allows users to save the location where their sample was collected and perform the test at a later time, while keeping the recorded sample location.
Yes. You can clean the pipettes and tubes using water. Just rinse and dry them thoroughly. If you lose or break any, we offer a Reusable Bundle package.
Some clay soil samples are very high in iron as you can tell from their red color. It is not unusual for such samples to contain nanoparticles of iron that do not precipitate with the soil during the 20-minute settling time. This can interfere with the microBIOMETER® assay. Placing the extraction tube on the enclosed magnet during the 20-minute settling time will enable the iron particles to precipitate and allow you to get an accurate microBIOMETER® reading. If you have an older kit that does not contain a magnet and you require one, please contact us.
Please click here for our soil sampling and testing tips. These tips are also included directly in the app for easy reference.
Please see Testing Timelines.
If possible, we recommend testing your samples the same day. If it’s not possible, you can store your samples in a sealed plastic bag for up to 72 hours. If more time is needed, you can refrigerate the sealed samples for up to 4 weeks. Make sure the storing conditions are the same for each sample before testing to minimize any variation. Please note results.
Field moist soil is soil that has been moistened in the field with rain or irrigation and is still in its natural state. When it rains or the field is manually sprinkled, the plant sends out exudates that stimulate the dormant microbes to multiply. The microbes multiply using the available nutrients in the soil and thus they reflect the nutrient level of the soil. When soil dries, the microbial count drops from 20%-80%, as many microbes die or become dormant.
However, as growers are sometimes faced with dry soil, we understand it’s not practical to water all their fields before sampling. In this case, we recommend only watering the area in which you will take the soil sample from. We do not recommend incubating the soil to rejuvenate the microbes as the type and variety of microbes that return are not always the same that would re-populate in the living soil. Please note that dry soils normally read lower. As you compare soil over time, keep in mind the inherent traits of the soil you are testing and the real-world conditions. We recommend making a note in your sample that the soil was dry and you rewet it. This will help you better understand your readings as you build your data. Please visit our Stability Study for more information.
Yes, we ship anywhere in the world. Buyer is responsible for all customs fees incurred once shipment reaches their country. We also have international distributors. Please click here to view their contact information.
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