Establish Soil Baseline Metrics
1 dayTest soil for pH, organic matter %, compaction, earthworm count, and infiltration rate.
Field context
This workflow is part of 3 niche fields
Complete guide for regenerative soil restoration — step-by-step workflow, tools, checklist, and expert tips to get started.
Test soil for pH, organic matter %, compaction, earthworm count, and infiltration rate.
Spread 10–15 cm compost and 5–10 cm wood chip mulch across restoration area.
Brew aerobic compost tea at 1:100 dilution; apply via soil drench or foliar spray monthly.
Re-test earthworm density, infiltration, and organic matter annually; photograph soil profile.
Estimate earthworm population density as a key indicator of soil biological health recovery.
Calculate mulch and compost volume needed to cover restoration area at target depth.
Calculate compost-to-water ratio and brew volume for monthly soil biology inoculation.
Plan cover crop rotations to support soil restoration between cash crop seasons.
Target values for regenerative soil recovery.
| Indicator | Degraded | Recovering | Healthy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Organic matter % | <2 | 2–4 | >4 |
| Earthworms/m² | <5 | 5–25 | >25 |
| Infiltration (mm/hr) | <10 | 10–50 | >50 |
| Compaction (psi) | >300 | 150–300 | <150 |
Wood chip mulch feeds fungal networks — bare soil starves the biology you are trying to restore.
Visible soil improvement takes 2–3 years minimum — one season of mulching shows little change.
Test urban and industrial soils for lead and arsenic before growing food — remediation may be required.