Frequently Asked Question

Frequently Asked Question

When is the best time to take a FarmXroot sample?
The ideal timing for sampling depends on the purpose of the test. For in-season management, FarmXroot samples can be collected before planting while the field is fallow, providing an early snapshot of soil health. To assess the impacts of management practices or biological programs, in-season samples—taken using a standard trial design—will yield the most insightful results.
Yes, samples can be taken during colder months. While microbes slow down and many enter dormancy in cold temperatures, they remain present in the soil and can still be detected by FarmXroot. However, sampling is not recommended when soil temperatures drop below 32°F (0°C).
The frequency of testing depends on your goals. Many of our customers test 2–4 times per year to monitor soil health and make any necessary amendments throughout the growing season. You can start testing as early as pre-planting and continue through the end of the growing season or post-harvest to prepare for the following year. If you’re uncertain, feel free to reach out to our experts for guidance on the best testing schedule for your needs.
We recommend sampling at a depth of 2-6 inches (5-15 cm), as this is where most pathogens and microbes involved in nutrient cycling and plant growth promotion are found—typically within the rhizosphere near the topsoil. For some perennial crops or specific research purposes, deeper sampling may be more appropriate.
Yes, environmental factors can influence microbial populations. As conditions change, certain microbes may thrive, while others may decline, resulting in shifts in FarmXroot metrics over the course of the season.
Results are typically delivered within 3 weeks. Delivery times may vary depending on sample quality, the number of samples, location, and shipping times.
For in-season sampling, it is recommended to collect soil cores as close to the rhizosphere (root zone) as possible. This area is the most biologically active part of the soil and where the majority of plant-microbe interactions occur.
For in-season sampling, it is recommended to collect soil cores as close to the rhizosphere (root zone) as possible. This area is the most biologically active part of the soil and where the majority of plant-microbe interactions occur.
Each sample requires 30 to 50 grams of soil (approximately ¼ cup). For product samples, a minimum of 25 grams or 25mL is needed.
We recommend sampling at a depth of 2-6 inches (5-15 cm), as this is where most pathogens and microbes involved in nutrient cycling and plant growth promotion are found—typically within the rhizosphere near the topsoil. For some perennial crops or specific research purposes, deeper sampling may be more appropriate.
Yes, environmental factors can influence microbial populations. As conditions change, certain microbes may thrive, while others may decline, resulting in shifts in FarmXroot metrics over the course of the season
In trials assessing the effects of biological products, the baseline (T0) sample should be collected before product application. Post-application samples are best taken 10-20 days after application. Additional sampling points may be taken anywhere from 30 to 100+ days, depending on the cropping system, the objectives of the biological product evaluation, and insights from other field trials about product impact timing.
Avoid sampling when the soil is waterlogged, as this can affect the results. Regarding agricultural inputs, the timing of sample collection will depend on your specific interests and the questions you want to answer through the test. Please consult with us for guidance tailored to your needs.
Yes, we can identify specific species of bacteria, archaea, and fungi.
No, we do not identify nematodes through our genomic sequencing process. However, we can measure microbial levels of organisms that act against nematodes, such as nematicidal agents.
In microbiological studies, it is common practice to assess statistical significance at p-values or q-values ranging from 0.10 to 0.30. This is the standard approach we use in our FarmXvalidation reports.
Amplicon sequencing is a highly effective method for identifying microbes in biologically active and diverse substances like soil. It is a “barcoding” technique that matches specific genes to identify species. However, it does not provide in-depth functional data. To address this, FarmXseed combines amplicon sequencing with our proprietary functional database and ecological models to understand how microbes are interacting and functioning in the soil. In contrast, metagenomics involves decoding the entire microbial genome, providing more detailed functional insights, but is less effective for broad ecological analysis.
The FarmXseed pipeline has two key stages. First, DNA is extracted from soil samples in a wet lab and sequenced to identify microbial species. In the second stage, FarmXseed’s proprietary functional database and ecological models process this data to profile the functionality of the species in the sample—essentially determining the roles microbes play in the soil relevant to agronomy.
FarmXseed’s microbial taxa database is curated from two publicly available databases: SILVA 138.1 for bacteria and UNITE 8.3 for fungi.
Scores in FarmXroot reports reflect how each sample compares to our FarmXseed database of soil samples, specific to the crop type being evaluated. This approach ensures that conclusions are more accurate and relevant to your specific field conditions.
Similar to a chemical fertility soil report, FarmXroot tests identify areas of soil deficiency that can be addressed through various soil health-promoting practices. For example, if a test reveals low levels of potassium solubilization, you may consider using a biological product containing microbes that specialize in potassium release to address this deficiency.
Functionality data describes the specific roles that microbes play in the soil. It explains how microbes contribute to plant growth, yield enhancement, and nutrient retention, among other benefits. This information helps you understand how soil biology is supporting or limiting crop performance.
Yes, upon request, we can provide microbial species identity and abundance data in a spreadsheet format. Additionally, our clients have free access to FarmXHub, which offers online tools to explore and compare microbial species across samples.
Yes, through partnerships with labs in Singapore, we offer chemical fertility tests alongside FarmXroot tests. Available services include the Haney Test, Mehlich I/III, and total soil digestion
We perform sequencing in-house.
Yes, we can detect most major bacterial and fungal soilborne pathogens and provide a risk assessment based on pathogen abundance and other influencing factors.
Yes, we offer the FarmXroot Guide, a document that provides layman’s definitions and basic guidelines for interpreting your results. Additionally, our agronomy team is available for virtual consultations to discuss results. Our FarmXAdvisor Program, webinars, case studies, and blog articles also provide valuable resources for leveraging FarmXroot results in your agronomic practices.
Yes, we use a validated protocol with propidium monoazide (PMA) to capture extracellular DNA before DNA isolation. However, for FarmXroot samples, we analyze total DNA extraction to maintain the comprehensive integrity of the microbial profile. For R&D projects, we can implement the PMA protocol to distinguish between viable and non-viable DNA when needed.
Yes, we use a validated protocol with propidium monoazide (PMA) to capture extracellular DNA before DNA isolation. However, for FarmXroot samples, we analyze total DNA extraction to maintain the comprehensive integrity of the microbial profile. For R&D projects, we can implement the PMA protocol to distinguish between viable and non-viable DNA when needed.
FarmXroot tests have many practical applications, including identifying and addressing issues with soilborne pathogens, enhancing microbial nutrient mobilization, improving crop stress tolerance, evaluating biological inputs, and improving soil health management to boost yield and reduce input costs.
FarmXroot is a quantitative analysis, which is later transformed into a qualitative report for easier interpretation. The report uses comparative data across samples from the same crop to normalize markers and make them meaningful for practical agronomic decision-making.
The strength of this approach lies in using ecological and functional metrics to predict and assess microbial dynamics and behavior—similar to how algorithms predict purchasing behavior based on historical patterns, we predict microbial function and interactions in your soil.
The F/B (fungi to bacteria) ratio reflects soil nutrient cycling dynamics. Bacteria, with a lower carbon to nitrogen ratio, thrive in nitrogen-rich environments (e.g., green manure, legume residues), while fungi require a higher carbon-to-nitrogen ratio to grow. A higher F/B ratio generally indicates soil environments with more organic carbon, favoring fungi, while a lower ratio signals nitrogen-rich, bacteria-preferred environments.
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are obligate symbionts found in diverse plants, including herbaceous plants and some trees. They form internal root structures, exchanging carbon from plants for nutrients. Ectomycorrhizal fungi, on the other hand, are external root associates of trees and may also decompose organic matter to obtain carbon.
No, due to the nature of genomic analysis, we cannot directly compare relative or absolute abundance with colony-forming units per gram (CFU/g), as the methods differ in how microbes are quantified.
Currently, we do not compare the FarmXroot F:B ratio with that of the Phospholipid Fatty Acid (PLFA) analysis.
While specific correlations may vary due to external factors such as location and soil type, our technology can be a useful tool for predicting yield or other growth metrics when used in trial-based settings. A study in mSphere (https://journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/mSphere.00130-21) demonstrates its predictive capability in agricultural trials.
Soil moisture and temperature can influence pathogen load, as they create favorable conditions for microbial growth. However, the relationship depends on the specific pathogen and its life cycle.
Biodiversity is calculated using the Phylogenetic Entropy Index, which accounts for the evolutionary relationships of all microorganisms in the sample.
We filter microbes based on their population levels, ensuring they are distinguishable from ambient background contamination. As long as the sample contains a sufficient microbial population, we can detect both bacteria and fungi with high accuracy.
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