Services

Bacterial-feeding Nematode

What We Do

We assess soil, compost, and compost extracts and/or teas using microscopy to estimate the abundance and diversity of microorganisms, including:

Nematodes (bacterial-feeding, fungal-feeding, predatory, and root-feeding)
Protozoa (flagellates, amoebas, and ciliates)
Bacteria (aerobic, anaerobic, and pathogenic)
Microarthropods
Fungal hyphae (beneficial and detrimental)

For each sample, you receive a detailed report summarizing these findings, along with recommended organism ranges based on the types of plants you intend to grow. Results are presented in a table showing estimated organism counts per gram of soil. A sample report is available for reference.

Each assessment also includes several short videos and/or still images of the microbial life observed in your sample, allowing you to see what’s happening in your soil firsthand. These visuals may be used for education, social media, or business promotion.

What might you assess and when?

If you’re a farmer or grower:

Before and after applying amendments or making field changes to document shifts in microbial quantity and diversity (i.e., “before” and “after” snapshots)
To evaluate inputs or products you plan to apply, such as compost teas or extracts
To track biological responses—both positive and negative—as management practices change
When crop issues arise and you want to investigate potential biological causes
To fine-tune soil inputs based on the fungal-to-bacterial (F:B) ratio

If you sell soil, compost, extracts, and/or teas containing living biology:

For quality control—to confirm sufficient quantity and diversity of beneficial microbes and the absence of detrimental organisms before sale
When you suspect a product issue or inconsistency
To verify the quality of ingredients used in product formulation

How It Works

Schedule Your Assessment
Contact us before collecting your sample(s) to schedule your assessment(s) and ensure we are prepared to evaluate them as soon as they arrive.
Collect & Submit Your Samples
You may either drop off your sample(s) or mail them to us. If mailing, overnight or 2-day air shipping is highly recommended to preserve live biology.
Please follow the instructions outlined in our Sample Collection Procedures.
Complete the Order Form
Download and fill out the Lab Assessment Order Form and include it with your sample(s).

Pricing

Laboratory Assessments

1 sample: $115
2 samples: $205
3 samples: $295

This includes:

A detailed written report for each sample
Microscope images and/or videos of observed microbes
A 20-minute follow-up call to review results and discuss recommendations

Turnaround time: Approximately 5 days from receipt of your sample(s).

In-Person Microscope Sessions

For clients who prefer a hands-on experience, we offer in-person microscope sessions where we sit together and examine your samples in real time.

Cost: $85 per hour (prorated if additional time is needed)

Allow: Approximately 4 samples per hour

During the session, we discuss what we’re observing in each sample and talk through potential next steps and management options based on the biology we see.

Payment & Discounts

Payment is due upon completion of services and may be made via PayPal, Venmo, check, or credit card.

If you are submitting four or more samples, represent a non-profit organization, or are interested in ongoing assessment services, please contact us for custom pricing.