Earthworm eDNA in Soil Testing
Soil is one of our most important natural resources, and interest in soil health is growing both among farmers and consumers. For agricultural and horticultural systems, soil quality represents a combination of physical, chemical and biological properties. These factors together impact on how healthy and productive the soil is for growing.
Earthworms are a crucial component of soil biology, and abundant earthworm populations are recognised as an indicator of healthy soil. Alternative methods for identifying earthworm populations are labour-intensive, requiring going out to a field and taking a spade-square down to the depth of the spade, taking that soil, breaking it up and counting the earthworms.
Our new Earthworm eDNA test contributes to building a holistic understanding of your soil’s health. Molecular technology, in the form of quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) is used to identify the presence of A. calignosa - New Zealand’s most prominent earthworm species. We are delighted to now have this available as both a standalone test or as an add-on to your existing soil testing, extending our growing suite of soil health testing services.
