What tests to order

Biofertility factsheet to
Beneficial Organism Analysis

In this assay, seven different functional groups of organisms that grow at specific temperatures and moisture or humidity levels can be assessed. Number of species performing each function, and number of individuals (CFU) of each species can be determined.

Note that other labs do not report both number of species and number of individuals of each species in their reports, leaving the customer unable to calculate a diversity index. By reporting both sets of information to the client, SFI provides this important set of data for their clients. Diversity indices can be calculated by the client using this data.

Combined with total numbers and total biomass as determined by direct microscopy, as well as active biomass, this series of tests can begin to assess functional diversity within this set of food resources, temperatures and moisture levels.

(Cost: $300.00 for all seven functional groups)

Functional groups that can be assessed:

MNI: Minimal Nutrient Isolation

Healthy soils have diverse species of bacteria and fungi that can thrive with minimal food sources. Soils lacking these species may indicate excessive use of fertilizers. Number of species and number of individuals of each species are reported.

PDA: Potato Dextrose Agar

PDA (Potato Dextrose Agar) is a starchy food source, similar to the plant roots and tubers which many disease organisms prefer to attack. Healthy soils have lower numbers in this assay. Number of species and number of individuals of each species are reported.

Pseudomonads and related genera
Bacteria in the group of genera loosely called the psuedomonads are assessed using several different isolation media. Number of species and number of individuals of each species are reported.

HA: Humic Acid utilizing bacteria and fungi

Ability to grow using humic acid materials at specific temperatures is assessed. Soluble humic acids are used in this test. Number of species and number of individuals of each species are reported.

NF: Nitrogen fixing bacteria

Bacteria capable of growing in N-free conditions, and therefore capable of fixing nitrogen, can be determined. Number of species and number of individuals per species are reported.

Actino: Actinobacteria
In conjunction with direct determinations using strictly morphological characteristics, and this functional assessment using a growth medium specific for actinobacteria, number of species, and the number of individuals of each species of actinobacteria that can grow in these specific conditions are reported.

Spore: Spore forming bacteria and fungi

The bacteria that produce spores, typically Bacillus species, can be assessed using this isolation method. Fungi in dormant conditions that grow on this medium can also be determined. Number of species and number of individuals of each species are reported.

Species can be isolated, cultured, and identified
Benefit to seed germination and plant growth can be determined.

$500.00 per species isolated and identified.
Each species that grows on these media in these specific conditions can be isolated and identified using morphological criteria, gram stain and 95 biochemical characteristics based on ability to utilize or oxidize carbon sources. Tetrazolium violet is used to colorimetrically indicate utilization. Bacterial reactions are compared and matched within an extensive database. Please allow 3-4 weeks turn-around time.

$500 per species effect on plants
Effects of each isolated and identified species on seed germination and plant responses to these organisms can also be determined. Please allow 3-4 weeks turn-around time.

Overview
BOA Functional - $300.00 for all seven functional groups
BOA Identity - $500.00 per isolate identification
BOA Effect - $500.00 per isolate tested

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