❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Curious about the soil food web, microbes, our clients, sampling, shipping, soil testing, microbial health, or how to use your report? You’re in the right place. This FAQ covers the basics — from how to collect a sample to what your results really mean. We’ve kept answers short and practical, with links to deeper dives in our photostories or blogs when needed.
Whether you’re a composter, or a home gardener, or farm manager, we’re here to help you grow confidently.
🌱 What is the Soil Food Web?
The Soil Food Web is the living underground network of organisms—bacteria, fungi, protozoa, nematodes, and microarthropods—that make healthy soil alive. These microbes cycle nutrients, protect roots, and support resilient plant growth.
Here’s how it works:
Bacteria and fungi are the decomposers. They break down organic matter and, with the help of water, CO₂, and plant exudates, form simple and complex amino acid chains. But the real magic happens when predators—like protozoa, nematodes, and microarthropods—eat these decomposers and poop out excess minerals in a plant-available form. Even nutrients locked in clay colloids become accessible through this living exchange.
When your soil has a healthy microbial balance, plants access nutrients naturally, pests are suppressed, and your ecosystem regenerates itself—no synthetic inputs needed.
That’s why understanding your soil’s microbial profile isn’t a luxury—it’s a foundational step toward sustainable, productive growing.
Here is a quick introductory video from the SoilFoodWeb YouTube Library
🧫 What is a Certified Soil Food Web Lab Technician
—and why did I become one?
In 2022, I had started a small food forest in Bangalore called Allure Greens. I was thrilled to watch it take shape, but as the months rolled on, I found myself constantly challenged by weeds and uneven growth. I wanted to dig deeper—literally—and understand why some areas thrived while others didn’t.
That led me to the Soil Food Web Foundation Course, where I began learning about the biological engine beneath our feet. It completely shifted how I looked at soil. But applying the structured composting methods taught by the program wasn’t easy—especially for my farm team, who were rooted in traditional practices.
To bridge that gap, I decided to become a Certified Soil Food Web Lab Tech. The training gave me the skills to use a microscope and assess microbial life—like bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and nematodes—in the soil and compost we were working with. It helped me measure what was actually happening underground and fine-tune practices based on local context.
Now, I use this lab-based insight to help others improve their soil—whether you’re farming, composting, or just trying to grow better veggies in your backyard.
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