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Cedar Lake, IN.

Sorry about that. The testing of: Total Bacteria, Total Fungi, Active Bacteria, Active Fungi, Protozoa (#'s & types) and Nematodes?

11/25/2009 4:44:47 PM

Cedar Lake, IN.

Look at the other message, I screwed this one!!!!!

11/25/2009 4:52:51 PM

Cedar Lake, IN.

I forgot the word "up" at the end.

11/25/2009 8:45:00 PM

Colorado Springs, CO

Pick up the phone and call the nearest college or university to your home town and speak with the head of the biology or chemistry department.

Tells them what you want to do. They just might have the right equipment, and some eager grad students, and maybe they can fire-up some super-strong microscopes to do some analyses. Be prepared to discuss time-and-money too. They can also perhaps recommend some private sector companies that can do the same for you.

If you provide food for these critters...they will show up. The native soils of Cedar Lake already have the genetics for that local suite of Indiana species of critters to move into your soil. Build it, feed it, and then try not to disturb it until its time to plant.

Consider adding dry molasses or liquid molasses dilutions to promote microbial population increases. A horticultural cornmeal, alfalfa meal and kelp meal can do the same to impart their "food" for microbial activity.

If you think "organic and natural", and steer away from the intense "chemical" approach to building a soil you will be light-years ahead and greatly minimize those unfortunate risks of "screwing things up" big-time.

11/25/2009 10:25:01 PM

Cedar Lake, IN.

I sent a sample to "Soil Foodweb Oregon LLC" in Oregon. I will get my test results back the end of next week. I was wondering if any other AG growers have done this and if so did it help them?

11/26/2009 12:11:59 AM

soils have genetics?

11/26/2009 8:00:16 AM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

LOL...The latest way to separate a grower from his/her money.

Gas recovery tells us if a soil/compost is biologically active. Do NOT pay any lab to wave the magic sniffer to tell you whether your amendments smell "earthy". I've seen these snake oil merchants hawking bagged compost for $75. SFI tests for compost tea brewing for $175. Not a single one ever shows up at the weighoffs with a prize winner. They're too busy counting money to grow giant pumpkins.

Whether by joining a local club or by just paying close attention here at BP, focus on pH, Calcium, Potash & adding 4" of aged manure or quality compost. You need a local mentor. Get on a good weekly spray program for disease. Control Squash bugs, cucumber beetles, Squash Vine Borers & whatever other local pests alight.

Is kurty over 18 years of age?

11/26/2009 12:49:59 PM

Cedar Lake, IN.

Keep them coming!
Something is missing and am I'm trying to found out what it is. The heavy hitters have "GREAT SKILLS". I know and understand good genetics of seed, most AG growers do.
I have read papers on a number of different soil scientist, there seems to be a disageement amoung them. and no one answer for all types of soil.
The one thing that all heavy hitters say first is "Good Soil". I am convinced they are right.
For this reason I have posted the question to the AG growing world. I trust them more than the soil scientist.

Tremor and Tomato Man both know what they're talking about, and I have the deepest respect for both.

Sorry if I seem to be under the age of 18. kurty is the name of my grandson and I'm 56 years old.

Thanks for your views, Donald L williamson

11/27/2009 9:50:51 AM