Deep Dive into Soil Science connects the dots from soil health → food quality → human health → climate outcomes. Each episode breaks down what the science actually says, what it means on farms and in policy, and what actions move the needle.
Deep Dive into Soil Science
Claim This Podcastby Saurav Das
5.0(2 reviews)
17 episodes
Updated Daily
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Podcast Overview
Deep Dive into Soil Science connects the dots from soil health → food quality → human health → climate outcomes. Each episode breaks down what the science actually says, what it means on farms and in policy, and what actions move the needle.
Language
🇺🇲
Publishing Since
11/5/2024
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Recent Episodes
May 13, 2026
What an ACE Protein Test Actually Tells You (and What It Doesn't)?
<p>In this episode, we unpack what the ACE protein test actually tells us about soil nitrogen — and what it does not. Unlike nitrate or ammonium tests, which capture only a short-term snapshot of mineral nitrogen, the ACE protein test estimates a larger pool of organically bound nitrogen that may support biological nitrogen supply over time.</p><p>We discuss where the test came from, why it should no longer be described simply as a “glomalin” or fungal biomarker, and how its value depends on regional context, soil texture, management history, and companion indicators such as soil organic carbon, respiration, POXC, and potentially mineralizable nitrogen.</p><p>The key takeaway: ACE protein is not a stand-alone fertilizer recommendation tool. But when tracked over time, especially under cover cropping, reduced tillage, manure use, and diversified rotations, it can help reveal whether a field’s organic nitrogen reservoir is building, declining, or constrained. Read carefully, it helps answer a question nitrate tests alone cannot: how much nitrogen does your soil have to give?</p><p>Read the article: <a href="https://soilhealthexchange.com/blog/what-an-ace-protein-test-actually-tells-you" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">ACE Protein</a></p>
April 13, 2026
Cover Crop Economics: Costs, Returns, and Break-Even Analysis
<p>Cover Crop Economics: Costs, Returns, and Break-Even Analysis</p>
April 8, 2026
PLFA Analysis: What Soil Biology Testing Can and Cannot Tell You
<p>Every month, farmers and agronomists spend $55–85 per sample on PLFA soil biology tests — and then struggle to know what the numbers actually mean.</p><p><br></p><p>In this episode, Dr. Saurav Das breaks down phospholipid fatty acid analysis: what it measures, why it's the most reproducible method for quantifying living microbial biomass in soil, and — crucially — where the science still falls short.</p><p><br></p><p>You'll learn:</p><p>• Why no scientifically validated thresholds exist for "good" or "bad" PLFA values — and what that means for your decision-making</p><p>• What the fungal-to-bacterial ratio actually tells you (and what it doesn't)</p><p>• How cover cropping increases total microbial biomass by 24%, no-till by 37%, and organic amendments by 59% — according to meta-analyses across 60–80 studies</p><p>• Why sample handling errors (a soil sample sitting in a truck cab) can shift your fungal markers by 40%</p><p>• The most honest current guidance: use PLFA as a trajectory tool, not a diagnostic one</p><p><br></p><p>Based on the peer-reviewed research brief published on Soil Health Exchange.</p><p><br></p><p>Full article with data tables, management decision charts, and references:</p><p>soilhealthexchange.com/blog/plfa-analysis-soil-biology-testing</p><p><br></p><p>Soil Health Exchange connects farmers and agronomists with evidence-based soil science. New episodes follow published field answers and research briefs.</p><p><br></p><p>#SoilHealth #SoilBiology #PLFA #RegenerativeAgriculture #Agronomy #SoilScience #CoverCrops #NoTill</p>
17 total episodes available
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Frequently asked questions
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- What is Deep Dive into Soil Science?
- How often does this podcast release new episodes?
This podcast updates daily.
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This podcast is available on 4 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.
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Yes, this podcast regularly features guests.
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