Microbiology Reports
​
Rewild Soils Lab is an active Soil Food Web Laboratory since 2022, operated by certified lab. tech. Colleen Dempster. She regularly conducts assessments on soil, compost, and compost tea/extracts.
With a database of over 350 documented analyses, she is well-poised to advise you on where your soil/product stands in relation to other Ontario soils/products, and in relation to Dr. Elaine Ingham's recommended ranges.
Our Standard Microbial Analysis includes counts of fungi, bacteria, protists, nematodes, oomycetes and actinobacteria, as well as a calculation of the fungal:bacterial ratio. We provide detailed notes which includes an interpretation of your results versus Dr. Elaine Ingham's recommendations for your plants successional stage, as well as a comparison to our own database of averages for Ontario soils and composts.
​
The Quick Check provides a presence/absence of each major organism group as well as notes and quantity estimates (low, medium, high).
​
We also use the Microbiometer for a quick snapshot of bacterial biomass, fungal biomass, and the F:B ratio. Our experience has shown that the microbiometer should be used on the same day as sampling (no shipping), and is best used for comparing to other microbiometer tests and NOT directly comparable with the Soil Food Web Analysis (they measure slightly different things). As such, it is best to request this service when we are doing a site visit for sample collection.
Schedule your Microbial Analysis here:
From 80 Canadian dollars- 30 Canadian dollars
120 Canadian dollars
Meet the Microbes:
Total Bactera
Bacteria consume organic matter and hold it in their bodies (thus storing carbon in the soil). They are big contributors of nitrogen to plant roots, and can even "fix" nitrogen from the atmosphere. In disturbed soils, bacteria are the first organisms to colonize.
Fungal to Bacterial Ratio (F:B)
The F:B ratio should match the successional stage of the plant(s) you are trying to grow. Generally, grasses require more bacteria (F:B < 1) and trees require more fungi (F:B > 1). A coniferous forest can have a F:B of 100 - 1000! But it takes time and care to grow fungi, and so most urban soils have very low F:B ratios.
Nematodes
Nematodes are differentiated by their mouth parts. Bacterial feeders are the most common, because soil is usually bacteria-dominated. The other functional groups are fungal feeders, omnivores, predators, and root feeders. It is especially important to identify root feeders, as they can result in mass crop loss. Predators eat root-feeders!
Total Fungi
Fungi and bacteria are primary consumers in the soil food web. While bacteria make microaggregates, fungi make macroaggregates in the soil. Aggregates hold water and oxygen, and are needed for healthy plants. Fungi form symbiotic relationships with plant roots, especially woody plants, which help plants obtain essential nutrients.
Protists
Protists are important consumers of bacteria and fungi. They are also important food sources for nematodes and microarthropods, and help cycle nutrients. The three main types of protists found in soils are flagellates, amoeba, and ciliates. Flagellates and amoeba are beneficial; ciliates let you know if your soils are going anaerobic.
Interpretation
We provide an analysis and comparison of your data to the recommended ranges for what you are trying to grow.
For an extra fee, we will include photos, a more in-depth interpretation and consult with you to help you further understand your report and improve your soils/bioamendments.