For Australian farmers
Soil DNA Testing
DNA soil testing is a full biological audit of your soil, delivering a complete map of microbial life and function. Suitable for any grower or farmer, these insights power smarter input management, lower risk, improve soil and plant health, and unlock higher yields year after year.
All while supporting environmental sustainability through cutting-edge science.
DNA TESTING: 1
How it works
How DNA soil testing works
DNA soil microbiome analysis uses sequencing technology to identify and quantify thousands of species of bacteria, fungi, archaea and other microorganisms, all without culturing or guesswork.
We use the latest 16S rDNA sequencing for bacteria, ITS sequencing for fungi, and new PacBio technology, giving clear insight into both abundance and diversity at the species level.
Results map the whole ecosystem: not just what microbes are present, but what they are doing, from nutrient cycling to disease suppression. We also flag which beneficial groups are missing and any potential plant pathogens.
PacBio 16S and ITS sequencing
Species-level resolution
Australian-based lab
Why DNA testing
The benefits of DNA testing
Your report reveals which microbes are present and what they are doing, turning your soil's biology into decisions you can act on.
Precision nutrient management
Apply only what your soil actually needs, with no guesswork and no waste.
Disease & pest insights
Detect pathogen and disease risks before they impact your yield.
Track changes season to season
Monitor your soil's biological progress over time and plan for regeneration.
Targeted fertiliser use
See which microbes mobilise nitrogen and phosphorus, so you apply the right inputs efficiently.
Reduce inputs & costs
Cut chemical fertiliser and pesticide use, lowering costs and environmental impact.
Build resilience
Understand and grow the beneficial populations that suppress disease and improve soil structure.
The science
SoiLife: the science of thriving soils
Healthy, living soil is the foundation of every successful farm, from broadacre cropping and orchards to grazing and pasture systems.
At SoiLife we rebuild that foundation using Australian-made, biologically driven solutions that restore life to your soil for long-term productivity.
To grow better above the ground, we must first bring life back beneath it.
Soil health
The three pillars of soil health
Most fertility programs focus only on chemistry. At SoiLife we go deeper, balancing the three pillars of true soil health. Biology is the link that powers the other two.
Physical health
- Stable aggregates let roots grow deep.
- Air and water flow freely through the soil profile.
- High water-holding capacity builds drought resilience.
Chemical health
- Essential macro and micronutrients in the right ratios.
- Correct pH for nutrient absorption.
- Low salinity and minimal nutrient lock-up.
Biological health
- Decompose organic matter into nutrients.
- Build and stabilise soil structure.
- Protect roots from disease and stress.
Field results
Real farms, real results
Australian growers rebuilding their soil with SoiLife, season by season.
For every operation
A solution for every grower
Whether you run thousands of hectares or a small mixed farm, SoiLife's biological approach scales to fit your goals.
For farmers
- Increase yield and animal health.
- Relieve compaction for deeper roots.
- Reduce pests and disease naturally.
- Improve water retention and drought resilience.
For gardeners
- Boost veggie patches and lawns.
- Grow healthier, tastier produce.
- See worms return to garden beds.
- Build nutrient-rich, living soil.
For commercial projects
- Improve parks and sports fields.
- Support land rehabilitation and offsets.
- Strengthen soil for carbon farming.
- Accelerate re-vegetation success.
The bottom line
Healthy soil isn't an expense, it's an investment
SoiLife offers the most cost-effective, science-backed path to long-term soil health and farm profitability.
By rebuilding the biology beneath your feet, you are growing more than crops. You are growing resilience, sustainability and legacy.
Healthy soil, healthy plants, healthy animals, healthy people.
Certified and credible
Book your DNA test
Ready to see what your soil can really do?
Book a quick onboarding call. We will send you sample collection guidance and turn your results around within four weeks.
- A quick onboarding call, no obligation
- Sample collection guidance sent to you
- Species-level results within four weeks
Got questions?
DNA Testing FAQ
What does the test actually measure?
We sequence 16S rDNA (bacteria) and ITS (fungi) regions to identify the microbial community present. The report covers diversity, dominant groups and functional indicators.
How do I collect a sample?
We will send sample collection guidance after booking. Typically that is 100 g of topsoil per zone, refrigerated and shipped to the lab.
What's the turnaround time?
Standard turnaround is four weeks from sample receipt. Rush turnaround is available, just ask on the booking call.
How does this complement standard soil tests?
Chemical soil tests tell you what nutrients are there. DNA tests tell you what biology is there to use them. Together they give you the full picture.