What is the SMI-TEST™?

The SMI-TEST™ is a soil monitoring tool that describes aspects of microbial life in the root zone, allowing for:

• Tracking of microbial population changes through the season
• Evaluation of biological factors that limit soil health and crop production

Why monitor soil microbial levels?

Soil microbes are highly important for the management, cycling and plant availability of nutrients in the soil. High levels of beneficial microbes counteract pathogens.
Microbes improve soil structure. By managing microbial populations and their ratios the general resilience of soils and crops can be influenced, thereby increasing yield, quality and profitability.

Adequate soil microbe management may lead to:

• Enhanced nutrient cycling within the soil/root environment
• Increased crop vigour
• Increased tolerance to pests and diseases
• Less weed pressure
• Less leaching of nutrients from the root zone
• Decreasing levels of soil compaction
• Better water holding capacity
• Less water logging or run-off of top soil
• Better product flavour