Measure
Microscope-based identification and quantification of bacteria, fungi, protozoa, nematodes, and other visible soil biology.
Out Standing in Your Field · Soil biology
See what is working in your soil.
Microscope-based soil biology assessments and practical guidance for farmers, growers, compost producers, and land stewards.
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania · Serving Pennsylvania and beyond
The name is intentionalOut Standing in Your Field
01 / Start with evidence
Your soil is alive. Let’s make its biology visible.
A soil assessment turns an unseen ecosystem into useful information. Suzanne identifies and quantifies key groups of soil microorganisms, explains what the observations mean, and helps you choose sensible next steps for your land.
Interpret
Clear explanations connect the findings to soil structure, water movement, nutrient cycling, and plant performance.
Plan
Practical recommendations help guide compost, soil-cover, and input decisions around your land, goals, and resources.
02 / What the work can support
Better decisions begin below the surface.
01
Understanding compaction and soil structure
02
Improving infiltration and water stewardship
03
Supporting nutrient cycling and resilient plants
04
Evaluating compost and biological inputs
05
Reducing unnecessary inputs where conditions allow
Results depend on site conditions, management, weather, crop, and implementation. Assessments inform decisions; they do not guarantee a specific yield, profit, or reduction in inputs.
03 / Your soil guide
Suzanne L. Shea
Certified Soil Food Web Lab Technician & Consultant
Suzanne combines microscopy, field observation, teaching, and hands-on farm experience to translate soil biology into language people can use. Her Soil Life Stewardship work is rooted at Old Sword Farm in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.
- Soil biology assessments
- Compost assessment
- Farm and garden consulting
- Workshops and educational programs
“Soil microbes are the engine of soil health. First, we find out who is there and who is working.”— Suzanne L. Shea
Ready to look closer?
Let’s talk about your soil.
Texting is the quickest way to reach Suzanne.