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this article? Under development is a smart phone
application called the Biometer™, a patented soil
microbial load test box that can provide accurate
data within minutes along with the digital version
that will be available soon and can be run on any
smartphone. The Biometer™ is inexpensive and can
be completed within seconds. It can also run rapid
soil moisture tests, and soon a rapid soil particle
test allowing soil approval or diagnostics in one day
rather than 14 days. Data collected in the Biometer™
app can be stored in a cloud database so the
development of a landscape can be easily monitored
during construction and maintenance.
could immediately determine whether mowing or
other tasks are needed. This will become helpful
during the slow-growth periods to reduce labor and
greenhouse gas emissions.
Using this new soil technology is also a good thing
for those who design or care for landscapes. Imagine
visiting a site, uploading soil data to the cloud,
heading home, comparing information, and make
decisions for the next day, all before the pizza arrives
for dinner. None of this is science fiction; the next
level of technology for soil is here.
Also in development is the use of lasers on a smart
phone application that would monitor large commercial
landscapes and institutional campuses for heat,
moisture, and more importantly, grass height. This
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
James Sottilo is President of Ecological Landscape Management (ELM) a New York Based firm that works nationally in helping create thriving sustainable
landscapes and soils. James is an ISA Certified Arborist, Past President of the Long Island Arborcultural Association, sought after educator and speaker.
ELM provides consulting and specification writing as well of full implementation of custom made natural soil amendments, soil testing and management
of landscapes.
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