We offer comprehensive soil health testing from our lab partners Brookside Labs.
Our Soil Health Test provides a comprehensive evaluation of soil function, integrating biological, chemical, and physical indicators into one clear score. This test goes beyond standard nutrient analysis to capture the processes that drive soil fertility, resilience, and long-term productivity.
Included in the Soil Health Tool:
- H3A Extractable Soil Nutrients – plant-available P, K, Ca, Mg, and micronutrients
- Water Extractable Organic Carbon (WEOC) & Nitrogen (WEON) – measures the labile carbon and nitrogen fueling microbial activity
- C:N Ratio – balance of carbon and nitrogen available for soil microbes
- Total Inorganic N – readily available nitrate + ammonium
- Soil Respiration (IRGA) – microbial activity and biological health
- Soil Health Score – integrates all measures into a single benchmark of soil vitality
We recommend this test because it captures both immediate fertility and the underlying biological drivers of soil health. This holistic view helps farmers and land managers make informed decisions that improve crop productivity, build soil organic matter, and enhance long-term resilience.
Regenerative Planning Service
Lab results are just the first step. The real value comes from understanding what they mean for your land. That’s why we offer a Results Review & Regenerative Planning Service to help you make the most of your soil health test.
What’s Included:
- Customized Report Walkthrough – We’ll go over your results in clear, accessible language.
- Management Implications – Understand how nutrient levels, microbial activity, and soil health scores connect to productivity and resilience.
- Actionable Recommendations – Tailored practices to build soil health, improve fertility, and meet your specific land management goals.
- Q&A Session – Ask questions and get guidance directly from a soil health expert.
How It Works:
- Receive your lab report from Brookside Labs.
- Book a consultation session with us (available virtually or in-person).
- Walk away with a clear, actionable soil health plan.
This service transforms your soil health test from numbers on a page into a roadmap for regenerative management.
Pricing
We believe soil health testing should be both accessible and actionable. Here’s a breakdown of our services:
- Soil Health Test – $90 per sample
- Includes H3A extractable nutrients, water extractable organic C & N, C:N ratio, total inorganic N, respiration (IRGA), and Soil Health Score.
- Shipping to Brookside Labs is additional and varies by location.
- Regenerative Planning Service – starting at $120/hour
- One-on-one consultation to review your results, interpret the data, and build a customized soil health plan.
- Available virtually or in-person (travel fees may apply).
FAQs
What makes this soil health test different from a standard soil fertility test?
Standard fertility tests measure available nutrients for plant growth. Our soil health test adds biological and ecological indicators — like microbial respiration, organic carbon, and a soil health score — giving you a fuller picture of how your soil functions.
Do I need a soil health test every year?
Not necessarily. We recommend testing every 2–3 years, or after significant management changes (such as new compost applications, cover crop integration, or irrigation shifts) to track progress and guide decisions.
How long does it take to get results back?
Turnaround is usually 2–3 weeks from the time samples are received by Brookside Labs. With 1 week processing time by Holistic Soils to generate your report.
Can you help me understand the results?
Yes! That’s what our Regenerative Planning Service is for. We’ll walk you through the report, explain what it means in practical terms, and provide a roadmap for improving soil health.
How do I collect and send soil samples?
We provide simple step-by-step instructions. If you’d like, we can also arrange on-site sampling to ensure consistency and accuracy.
What does the Soil Health Score actually mean?
It’s a composite index that integrates nutrient availability, organic matter, microbial activity, and other factors into one number. Higher scores indicate more biologically active, resilient soils.
Who is this service for?
Our soil health testing and planning services are designed for farmers, ranchers, orchard managers, conservation groups, and land stewards who want to make data-driven decisions that improve both productivity and long-term resilience.
Holistic Soils 