The test for soil compaction is performed by measuring soil aerobic zone. Push the soil penetrometer into a soil until it reaches 300 psi. Mark the spot where the probe meets the top of the soil, then measure to the tip. This is the current depth plants can send their feeder roots.

Aerobic zone should be as deep as possible. The deeper the zone, the larger the area plant roots must draw minerals from.

Conductivity is expressed as the amount of energy within soil. The energy needed for growth and development increases as the plant grows. ERGS of 200-400 are all that is needed at germination with needs increasing to 800 ERGS during seedling.

Soils with a conductivity over 1000 are generally compacted and too “hot.”

Brix is a measurement of the sugar level in plant extracts as created through photosynthesis and can be measured with a refractometer. There is a direct correlation between Brix levels and plant health.

Brix readings should be taken on a sunny day between the hours of 11:00 am and 4:00 pm. Sugar content in the plant should be at its highest during this time.

You can test fruits and vegetables you grow or purchase by checking their Brix.

Ole Bloch Engellyst, M +45 2133 2702, Mail Ole@soilworksoverseas.com