ARCTIC ROOTS ANALYTICS
Certified Soil Food Web Lab
Turn your dirt into soil
What is the soil food web?
Healthy Soil has a robust soil food web!
Arctic Roots Analytics is a Certified Soil Food Web Lab that uses shadowing microscopy to analyze the microbes in your soil, compost, and compost extract or tea. We give population estimates for fungi, bacteria, protozoa, actinomycetes and nematodes by functional group.
Comprehensive information leads to actionable insights, empowering you to make informed decisions for soil health and productivity.
We use the methodologies developed and refined by
Dr. Elaine Ingham and
The Soil Food Web School.
Soil Testing
We give population estimates for fungi, bacteria, actinomycetes,
protozoa, and nematodes by functional group.
These organisms are directly responsible for nutrient cycling and converting nutrients in the sand, silt, and clay in your soil into a plant-available form. Once a healthy population of aerobic organisms is present in your soil, they reduce compaction by building structure, protect plants from diseases, increase water holding capacity, and allow the plant to access nutrients and water for a greater distance.
Fungi
Bacteria
Protozoa
Fungi are essential players in the soil food web, actinga as primary decomposers that break down complex organic matter like lignin and cellulose, making nutrients available to plants and other organisms. Mycorrhizal fungi form symbiotic relationships with plant roots, extending their hyphal networks to enhance water and nutrient uptake, particularly phosphorus. Saprophytic fungi recycle organic material, contributing to soil structure and carbon sequestration. Predatory and parasitic fungi help regulate microbial populations, maintaining ecosystem balance. By fostering plant health and improving soil aggregation, fungi play a crucial role in building resilient, fertile soils.
Bacteria are microscopic powerhouses in the soil food web, driving nutrient cycling, organic matter decomposition, and soil health. They break down complex compounds into plant-available nutrients, with specialized groups like nitrogen-fixing bacteria converting atmospheric nitrogen into forms plants can use. Others, such as decomposers, mineralize organic material while disease-suppressing bacteria help protect plant roots. Bacteria also contribute to soil structure by producing sticky biofilms that help bind soil particles, enhancing aeration and water retention. As a food source for protozoa and nematodes, bacteria help transfer nutrients up the food web, playing a vital role in maintaining soil fertility and ecosystem balance.
Protozoa are single-celled microorganisms that play a crucial role in nutrient cycling within the soil food web. As they consume bacteria, protozoa release excess nitrogen in plant-available forms, such as ammonium, directly benefiting plant growth. Their activity helps regulate bacterial populations, promoting microbial diversity and preventing dominance by any single species. By moving through soil pores, protozoa also aid in soil aeration and organic matter decomposition. As a key food source for larger soil organisms, protozoa help transfer energy up the food web, supporting a balanced and thriving soil ecosystem.
Actinomycetes
Nematodes
Actinomycetes are a unique group of filamentous bacteria that play a vital role in soil health by breaking down tough organic materials like cellulose, chitin, and lignin. They thrive in well-aerated soils, contributing to the decomposition of complex compounds that other microbes struggle to process. In doing so, actinomycetes help release essential nutrients into the soil, making them available for plants and other organisms. They are also known for producing antibiotics that suppress harmful pathogens, promoting a healthy microbial balance. Their earthy aroma, caused by the compound geosmin, is a signature sign of biologically active, fertile soil. By enhancing nutrient cycling, disease suppression, and soil structure, actinomycetes are key players in building resilient, thriving ecosystems.
Nematodes are microscopic, worm-like organisms that play a vital role in the soil food web by regulating microbial populations and facilitating nutrient cycling. Different types of nematodes serve distinct functions—bacterial- and fungal-feeding nematodes consume microbes and release nitrogen in plant-available forms, while predatory nematodes help control populations of other soil organisms, including pest species. Some nematodes are beneficial, promoting soil health, while plant-parasitic nematodes can damage roots if not kept in balance by microbial diversity. By moving through soil pores, nematodes aid in aeration and organic matter decomposition, helping to maintain a dynamic and fertile soil ecosystem.
Having this information can give you a snapshot to help determine which management practices are beneficial to your soil and which are harmful.
