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Coreteq Soil Life Indicator (SLI)

Overview

Soil life is essential for healthy soil function and crop production. Soil organisms help to break down organic matter, cycle nutrients, and improve soil structure.

There are a number of ways to assess soil life, but one simple method is to use a CoreTeq SLI. This method is based on the principle that soil organisms will decompose the specially developed SLI cloths over time. The rate at which the cloths decompose can be used as an indication of soil life activity.

A high level of decomposition indicates that the soil is biologically active and has a healthy population of soil organisms. A low level of decomposition indicates that the soil is biologically inactive and may have a low population of soil organisms.

This method can be used to compare soil life activity in different areas of a field or over time. It can also be used to assess the impact of agricultural practices on soil life.

This method is a simple and effective way to assess soil life activity. It can be used by farmers, agricultural professionals, and backyard gardeners alike.

Instructions:

Simply bury a CoreTeq Soil Life Indicators (SLI) in topsoil for four to six weeks, and then check the degree of decomposition. If there aren’t many of the SLI remaining, the soil is healthy and has good biological activity. Plant components can be broken down in a similar manner by these same soil organisms.

What is required?

*A set of CoreTeq SLI’s.

*A shovel

*Marker flag (optional)

What to do:

1)Bury the SLI in the top 15 cm of soil in a little trench you’ve dug. Bury it for 4 – 6 weeks.

2)Bury the SLI in the soil you want to test as well as one in a control soil that you are confident does have soil life. A good example is to bury one in you cultivated field and one on the fence line or natural field or in a compost heap.

3)To make it easier for you to find it later, leave the yellow ribbon exposed and mark the location with a flag.

4)After 4 – 6 weeks, dig it up very carefully. If you need to get the soil off, very carefully wash it in a bucket of water. Take a close look at the SLI’s condition of breakdown. A sign of healthy soil is little to no SLI remaining, which indicates good biological activity. If the SLI appears nearly intact with minimal sign of decomposition, your soil might be deficient in some microbial life.

Here are some tips for using the CoreTeq SLI cloths to assess soil life:

* Use the CoreTeq SLI each time to ensure consistency.
* Bury the cloths at the same depth in each area.
* Leave the cloths in the soil for the same amount of time in each area.
* Assess the level of decomposition using the grid on the SLI as a guide.
* Compare the cultivation methods used to a control soil.
* Test comparable soil types with various rotational and tillage practices.
* Each pair may be identified by a unique number that is written on the yellow ribbon.
 

Numerous factors can influence the lack of organic breakdown, such as:

•Low biological activity (due to low organic matter in the soil, adverse pesticide use, continuous tillage etc.)

•A lack of moisture

•Cold temperature

The test can be done anytime of the year, bearing in mind that colder temperatures will slow down the decomposition process. It is recommended to do the test in spring or early summer. Note that in warmer climates and seasons, decomposition can take place very quickly and the SLI’s need to be monitored at least from week two.

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