In this episode of How To Do It, we return to one of the most powerful yet underutilised tools in regenerative agriculture — visual soil assessment. Led by Marco, Head Agronomist at Nutri-Tech Solutions, we step back onto the farm where his agronomy journey began, and use simple, practical field observations to reveal what is really happening beneath the soil surface.

Rather than starting with chemistry, this episode focuses on the physical foundations of soil health — texture, structure, porosity, aggregation, colour, and biological activity. Marco demonstrates how a small soil pit can provide profound insights into water holding capacity, oxygen movement, root development, and microbial function, often in ways that lab tests alone cannot capture.

We compare two soil samples taken just metres apart — one biologically active and well managed, the other relatively degraded. The contrast is striking. Through hands-on demonstrations such as the soil texture jar test, ribbon test, slaking test, and earthworm counts, the episode shows how compost, humic substances, mulch, and biological management fundamentally reshape soil structure over time.

A key theme throughout is aggregation — how fungi, bacteria, organic matter, and earthworms bind soil particles together to create resilience. Well-aggregated soils resist erosion, hold more water, support greater biodiversity, and buffer crops against extremes of flood and drought. As Marco explains, every increase in organic matter sets off a cascade of benefits, improving root growth, microbial activity, nutrient cycling, and overall productivity.

This episode is a reminder that soil is not simply a growing medium, but a living system. By learning to observe soil with clarity and curiosity, growers can make better decisions, faster — and work in harmony with the biology that ultimately drives sustainable production.

>>>Here is the Visual Soil Assessment Guide<<<

Enjoy the episode! 🙌🌿

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Soluble Organic Seaweed Powder

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Certificate in Nutrition Farming

Our next iconic, five-day Certificate in Nutrition Farming® course is scheduled for Monday, 23rd  - 27th March 2026.

Our last course was attended by growers and consultants from six countries. It was a wonderful learning opportunity where attendees enjoyed a wealth of education and inspiration from both our presenters and their fellow attendees. We only accept 40 bookings for these courses, so please register if you would like to attend.