Soil Microbial Community
Microorganisms are everywhere and are usually the first to react to changes in the environment, whether chemical or physical. Changes in microbial communities often signal changes in the overall health and viability of the environment.
At BIOTREX, we simplify the complex world of soil microbes by focusing on their natural state – a dynamic, interdependent community where every organism plays a critical role.
Instead of isolating individual microorganisms, we study entire microbial ecosystems, uncovering how these communities work collectively to support soil health and productivity.
Community-Level Physiological Profiling
BIOTREX soil analysis is based on the well-recognised scientific method, known as Community-Level Physiological Profiling (CLPP).
CLPP assesses the metabolic activity of microbial community by measuring their collective response and behaviour, which allows us to understand the functioning of the microbial community.
This approach has been shown to be effective in tracking changes in microbial communities over time and in different locations. In applied ecological research, MicroPlates are used to check how stable a typical microbial population is and to detect changes when something in the environment shifts.
Researchers have used CLPP approach for years in numerous applications including:
Analysing soil microbial community
Water and wastewater testing
Activated sludge, compost, and industrial waste testing
Bioremediation and effects of toxic chemicals
Indicators of Soil Microbes
Our indices are based on standard models used in ecological studies and proprietary algorithms developed by our team. The indices are used to calculate the data from laboratory assays to reveal hidden information about the functioning of the soil microbial ecosystem.
Microbial Performance
This primary index reflects the combined activity and diversity of the soil microbial community, providing a snapshot of how effectively the soil ecosystem is functioning.
It allows for ranking and comparing soils across different locations and soil types, providing a valuable benchmark for assessing soil functionality and biodiversity.
Process Richness
Measures the functional diversity of soil microbial community. High functional diversity indicates a wide range of services provided by soil microbes, from breaking down organic matter to cycling nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus.
Process Balance
Offers insight into the composition of soil microbial community and the interactions between its members. Balanced community means the microbial team is working efficiently, breaking down organic matter and cycling nutrients evenly without over-emphasizing any single process.
BIOTREX Soil Microbial Analysis in 3 STEPS
Soil Microbial Analysis for Your Needs
BIOTREX 31
BIOTREX 31 is a simplified version of the BIOTREX 95 technology, which uses a plate with 31 carbon sources to provide a fast overview of the ecosystem.
BIOTREX 95
Biotrex is our technology of choice for analysing soils and composts. The 95 sources of carbon that can be evaluated provide a comprehensive outlook on the whole microbial community. It can be used to perform comparisons and detect even slight changes in microbiome balance. The BIOTREX index scale can provide insight into the current state of the microbiome.
Why Functional Diversity is an Important Factor for Biological Soil Health?
Functional diversity plays a vital role in maintaining the health of soil ecosystems. It encompasses the variety and abundance of different microbial species and their functions within the soil.
Increasing functional diversity brings forth a range of benefits that can be categorized as follows:
Decomposition and carbon sequestration
This decomposition process not only releases nutrients but also contributes to the formation of humus, a stable organic component in the soil. Humus acts as a carbon sink, sequestering carbon from the atmosphere and helping mitigate climate change.
By promoting diverse microbial activities, functional diversity aids in the efficient breakdown of organic matter, nutrient release, and the long-term storage of carbon in the soil.
Increased nutrient availability
The presence of diverse microorganisms in the soil enhances nutrient availability and promotes efficient cycling. These microorganisms play a vital role in mineralising organic nutrients, making them easily accessible to plants for uptake.
By improving the availability of specific nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and micronutrients, functional diversity enhances plant nutrition and overall plant health, leading to improved growth, productivity, and nutrient utilization.
Effective pest and disease control
This promotes sustainable and environmentally friendly pest and disease management practices.
Improved soil structure and stability
Different microbial species play a significant role in soil aggregation and the formation of a stable soil structure. This leads to improved soil stability, reduced erosion risks, and enhanced root growth and penetration.
Additionally, a diverse microbial community contributes to the formation of soil aggregates that retain water, thereby increasing water-holding capacity and reducing the risks of both drought and waterlogging.
Take the Next Step to Soil Health
Whether you’re advancing innovative solutions or promoting resilient agricultural systems, BIOTREX equips you with the insights needed to uncover the role of microbial community in building healthier soils and ecosystems.
Book a free call with our experts and discover the impact microbial data can have on your business.
Soil Microbial Engine
Beneath our feet, microbes work like the engine of a well-oiled machine, driving the processes that keep the entire soil ecosystem in motion.
This vibrant community of microorganisms transforms raw materials into essential nutrients for plants, generates soil organic carbon, and maintains its own environment to sustain life.
The Engine Requires Fuel and Proper Care
Like any engine, the soil’s microbial engine needs the right fuel to operate effectively. For bacteria and fungi, this fuel comes in the form of organic matter – plant exudates, crop residues, compost, manure, humic acids, and other natural inputs.
Without adequate and high-quality fuel, the engine cannot function efficiently.
