% Total Organic Matter by LOI
A Simple Test with Big Implications for Soil Health, Fertility, and Structure
Know What Your Soil is Made Of—Literally
Organic matter is one of the most critical components of healthy soil. It affects everything from nutrient retention and water-holding capacity to microbial activity and soil structure. The % Total Organic Matter by Loss on Ignition (LOI) test provides a straightforward but powerful measurement: how much of your soil is made up of carbon-based, organic material.
This test is used by farmers, soil consultants, composters, landscapers, and researchers to benchmark soil health, compare material inputs, or track improvement over time.
What This Test Tells You
Using the Loss on Ignition (LOI) method, we determine the percentage of your soil that is made up of organic matter —plant residues, decomposed biomass, humus, and living organisms.
Organic matter influences:
- Water retention – Especially important in sandy or drought-prone soils
- Nutrient storage – Organic matter binds nutrients, reducing leaching
- Soil structure – Helps build tilth, porosity, and resistance to compaction
- Microbial activity – The higher the organic matter, the more fuel for life
- Cation exchange capacity (CEC) – Directly correlated with organic content
Whether you’re rebuilding depleted soils, evaluating compost amendments, or optimizing root zone conditions, this test offers an essential data point.
Why Choose This Standalone LOI Test?
✔️ Quick and cost-effective
✔️ Trusted method for total organic matter estimation
✔️ Ideal for comparing compost, natural fertilizers, topsoil, media blends, or degraded vs. improved sites
✔️ Supports regenerative agriculture, organic soil management, and carbon tracking efforts
Who This Test Is For
- Regenerative farmers tracking soil health progress
- Compost producers and buyers evaluating organic inputs
- Landscape professionals sourcing or verifying topsoil and blends
- Golf course and sports turf managers maintaining performance turf
- Researchers and students analyzing soil composition and variability
Sample Requirements & Turnaround
- Sample Size: 3–4 cups
- Turnaround Time: 3–4 business days from lab receipt
- Report Format: Percent Total Organic Matter (% TOM) via LOI method
- Note: This is a data-only test. No interpretations or fertilizer recommendations are included.
Order the % Total Organic Matter by LOI Test Today
Don’t overlook one of the most powerful indicators of soil health. This simple test gives you the foundational data to improve fertility, sustainability, and productivity.
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