The Ground Up offers direct observation microscopy testing and analysis right here in the heart of Colorado.  We will rapidly test the biology in your soils to find out what organisms are present and missing from your Soil Food Web.

After testing, we can recommend the specific amendment and application methods suitable for your plants and landscape and/or implement them with our own field technicians.  

The Ground Up has 2 lab and field technician in the Rocky Mountain Region certified by Soil Food Web school.  Our SFW Lab Technician has studied under Dr. Elaine Ingham, inventor of the Soil Food Web and contributor to the NRCS’s Soil Biology Primer. 

To send us a sample: (please follow directions exactly to avoid contamination and for the most accurate results)

*Prior to submitting a sample please call us to discuss the background and goals of your soil and ensure that we are able to process the sample within 24 hours of receipt. Please note we need 48 hours advanced notice before receiving a sample.

1. Take a sample of soil from ~3-6 inches from the surface of the soil in the area(s) you wish to have tested.  Do this 5 times in 5 different spots in the area(s) you wish to have tested.
2. Mix your samples together in a quart-size sealable bag.  
3. Make sure your sample bag is only 50% full of soil to allow adequate air for the organisms in the soil.
4. Seal the bag with some amount of air within.
5. Include a label outside your bag with:
   1. Your Name/Company Name
   2. Sample name(s)
   3. Date and time collected
   4. Date and time shipped
6. Put your soil samples in a shipping-safe container and mail them overnight through Fed Ex or UPS to
   • The Ground Up
   • 421 Capitol St
   • Eagle, CO 81631
7. Send an email to notify us that the sample is on the way: [email protected]