Are you new to Soilmentor and soil testing? Do you want some tips for how to do an efficient soil sampling session? Here is a quick and simple soil monitoring routine that can be done in as little as 30 minutes when out in the field.
1. When you start soil monitoring, doing the tests in a certain order can save you time and effort. When we run soil testing demonstrations, this is how we normally run through the Regen Indicators. It takes us around 30 minutes.
-
- A. Start with the Infiltration Test. This can be timed and observed whilst you are carrying out the other tests.
-
- B. Dig a spade width hole near the infiltration rate tube and collect results for Rooting Depth, Rhizosheath score, Legume Nodulation score, Earthworm count and Soil Insect Pressure.
-
- C. Before putting the soil back in the hole, collect a sample of soil for the Slake Test once you’re back inside.
-
- D. Don’t forget to sync as soon as you have internet connection!
2. Make sure you have the right equipment with you. Here is a list of the basic equipment needed to start soil monitoring. The equipment you need will depend on the Regen Indicators you would like to do:
-
- Ruler (Rooting Depth)
- Strong garlic crusher (Brix Barometer)
- Refractometer (Brix Barometer)
- 1L of Water (Infiltration Rate)
- Infiltration tube (Infiltration Rate)
- Mallet + plank of wood (to get the infiltration tube in the ground)
- Measuring jug (Infiltration Rate)
- 60m tape measure or rope (Basal Ground Cover Transect)
- Plain plastic bag or tray (Earthworm count + Soil Insect Score)
- Spade (All tests)
3. Expect that your first soil sampling session will take longer than subsequent sessions. Doing a soil sampling session is something that gets easier with practice; experiment with what works for you, and take your time.
4. If you need guidance on how to do the Regen Indicators, click on the information icons in the Soilmentor app to see step-by-step instructions in the field, or explore our Soil Monitoring Guide. If you’d prefer to talk to one of the Vidacycle team directly, contact us on info@vidacycle.com.
5. Before getting started out in the field, consider learning why it is beneficial to do the Regen Indicators. We have put together a video guide with Nicole Masters where she talks through the value of each test and what you can learn from it; this guide will help to build a foundational knowledge of why you are doing these tests, and what you are working towards.
We hope this guide gives you a good sense of how to get going with your Regen Indicators! If you have any questions for the Vidacycle team, please feel free to email us at info@vidacycle.com.
