Your soil may be asked to do very different things: Grow a family garden - Support a market garden - Establish an orchard or food forest - Restore pasture - Grow herbs, flowers or perennial crops - Support a regenerative farm. The challenge is not simply figuring out what fertilizer to add. The real work is understanding what the soil is being asked to support, what condition it is in now, what is limiting it, what resources are already available, and how to build fertility in a way that fits the land and the people managing it.
At Sun and Bloom Regenerative Design, we help gardeners, homesteaders, growers, farmers and landowners read their soil as a living system and create a practical regenerative fertility strategy designed around their goals, resources, time and management capacity.
Available In Person or Online.
At Sun and Bloom Regenerative Design, we help gardeners, homesteaders, growers, farmers and landowners read their soil as a living system and create a practical regenerative fertility strategy designed around their goals, resources, time and management capacity.
Available In Person or Online.
OUR CORE SERVICE:
COMPLETE REGENERATIVE SOIL ASSESSMENT & FERTILITY PLAN
From direction → to assessment → testing → interpretation → regenerative action
Every soil project begins with context. Before recommending compost, cover crops, amendments or fertility inputs, we first clarify what you are asking the soil to do. A vegetable garden, orchard, market garden and grazing system can require very different management strategies. We then study the soil through several connected lenses—its physical condition, chemistry, biology, water relationships, vegetation, history and regional context. The goal is not simply to produce another soil test. The goal is to understand the whole soil system and create a realistic pathway for improving it. This follows the same physical–chemical–biological framework used throughout our Regenerative Soil & Fertility Systems book: observation and testing are followed by interpretation, soil-building strategies and an ongoing management plan.
COMPLETE REGENERATIVE SOIL ASSESSMENT & FERTILITY PLAN
From direction → to assessment → testing → interpretation → regenerative action
Every soil project begins with context. Before recommending compost, cover crops, amendments or fertility inputs, we first clarify what you are asking the soil to do. A vegetable garden, orchard, market garden and grazing system can require very different management strategies. We then study the soil through several connected lenses—its physical condition, chemistry, biology, water relationships, vegetation, history and regional context. The goal is not simply to produce another soil test. The goal is to understand the whole soil system and create a realistic pathway for improving it. This follows the same physical–chemical–biological framework used throughout our Regenerative Soil & Fertility Systems book: observation and testing are followed by interpretation, soil-building strategies and an ongoing management plan.
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WHAT YOU RECEIVE
Your final project package is customized to your project scope and the realities of your land, goals, and management capacity. It includes a brief Soil Profile summarizing what we learned—from your intended direction and regional/property context to field observations and physical, chemical, and biological testing. Depending on your project, you will also receive a custom Regenerative Soil & Fertility Plan that may include recommendations for soil-building plants, compost and mulch strategies, biological fertility and input options, water and soil movement or earth-moving strategies, a first-year action plan, and a long-term management and maintenance outlook. |
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TWO WAYS TO WORK WITH US
IN-PERSON SOIL ASSESSMENT - We come to the land.
Before the visit, we conduct preliminary research and learn about the property, its history and your goals.
During the site assessment, we observe the growing areas, investigate soil conditions, perform appropriate field assessments and determine where representative soil samples should be collected. After laboratory and biological information is available, we interpret the findings and develop your Regenerative Soil Profile & Fertility Plan. A final consultation walks you through the findings, recommendations and priorities.
Before the visit, we conduct preliminary research and learn about the property, its history and your goals.
During the site assessment, we observe the growing areas, investigate soil conditions, perform appropriate field assessments and determine where representative soil samples should be collected. After laboratory and biological information is available, we interpret the findings and develop your Regenerative Soil Profile & Fertility Plan. A final consultation walks you through the findings, recommendations and priorities.
GUIDED ONLINE SOIL ASSESSMENT - Work with us from almost anywhere.
Distance does not necessarily prevent us from helping you understand your soil. For online projects, we guide you through collecting the information we need. Depending on the project, you may be asked to provide: Property photographs - Videos or virtual walkthroughs - Soil-history information - Simple field observations - Jar-test results - Soil samples (via mail) - Laboratory results - Maps and aerial imagery
We can guide you through the appropriate sampling and simple field-testing process. Samples requiring professional chemical analysis are sent to an appropriate laboratory. When appropriate and logistically practical, biological samples may also be sent to us for qualitative microscopy. We then combine your field observations, maps, photographs, soil-test information and project context into the same whole-system interpretation and fertility-planning process.
Distance does not necessarily prevent us from helping you understand your soil. For online projects, we guide you through collecting the information we need. Depending on the project, you may be asked to provide: Property photographs - Videos or virtual walkthroughs - Soil-history information - Simple field observations - Jar-test results - Soil samples (via mail) - Laboratory results - Maps and aerial imagery
We can guide you through the appropriate sampling and simple field-testing process. Samples requiring professional chemical analysis are sent to an appropriate laboratory. When appropriate and logistically practical, biological samples may also be sent to us for qualitative microscopy. We then combine your field observations, maps, photographs, soil-test information and project context into the same whole-system interpretation and fertility-planning process.
YOUR INVESTMENT
Every soil project is different. A small backyard vegetable garden may require only one primary sampling and management area. A five-acre homestead may contain a garden, orchard, pasture and previously disturbed construction area that need to be understood separately. For this reason, final pricing considers acreage and the number of distinct soil conditions, intended uses, sampling areas and testing requirements.
ABOUT PRICING
Final investment depends upon: Property size - Number of distinct soil-management areas - Intended production systems - Number of samples required - Existing soil conditions - Property history - Testing requirements - Level of analysis - Complexity of the final recommendations
Third-party laboratory fees, specialized contaminant testing, shipping and project travel are quoted separately when required. For larger properties, we do not necessarily sample every acre individually. Representative management zones are identified according to land use, soil conditions, history and intended future use.
Final investment depends upon: Property size - Number of distinct soil-management areas - Intended production systems - Number of samples required - Existing soil conditions - Property history - Testing requirements - Level of analysis - Complexity of the final recommendations
Third-party laboratory fees, specialized contaminant testing, shipping and project travel are quoted separately when required. For larger properties, we do not necessarily sample every acre individually. Representative management zones are identified according to land use, soil conditions, history and intended future use.
HOW TO BEGIN
You do not need to know which tests you need before contacting us. That is part of our job.
1. Schedule a Discovery Call
Tell us about your property, where it is located, what you are growing—or hope to grow—and what problems or questions brought you to us.
2. Clarify the Soil Project
We determine the primary growing systems, acreage, number of soil-management areas, relevant history and whether an in-person or guided online assessment is most appropriate.
3. Receive a Clear Scope
You receive a project scope describing the assessment process, estimated testing requirements, deliverables, timeline and investment.
4. Begin With Context
We first understand what you want the soil to do and what can already be learned about the property. Then we test. Then we interpret. Only then do we recommend solutions.
You do not need to know which tests you need before contacting us. That is part of our job.
1. Schedule a Discovery Call
Tell us about your property, where it is located, what you are growing—or hope to grow—and what problems or questions brought you to us.
2. Clarify the Soil Project
We determine the primary growing systems, acreage, number of soil-management areas, relevant history and whether an in-person or guided online assessment is most appropriate.
3. Receive a Clear Scope
You receive a project scope describing the assessment process, estimated testing requirements, deliverables, timeline and investment.
4. Begin With Context
We first understand what you want the soil to do and what can already be learned about the property. Then we test. Then we interpret. Only then do we recommend solutions.
ABOUT THE SOIL CONSULTANTS
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Lead Soil Consultant - Lucian Toma
Lucian Toma is a regenerative soil consultant, ecological designer, educator, and farmer with over a decade of experience leading soil, composting, permaculture, and technical-assistance programs for gardeners, farmers, local governments, colleges, and university Extension. He has farmed across five different climates and soil types and specializes in practical soil assessment, regenerative fertility planning, and long-term soil management. Soil Systems & Implementation - Anna Maria Desipris Anna Maria Desipris is a decade-long regenerative farmer, beekeeper, and herbalist who has helped establish and manage farms from design through implementation across three different climates and soil types. She supports soil consulting with hands-on experience in fertility building, plant systems, organic matter management, and the practical realities of maintaining regenerative growing systems over time. |
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CLIENTS EXPERIENCES
"I met Lucian at a workshop on composting he was teaching for Lincoln University of Missouri on his farm. Lucian said he can help me improve my farm for free via the University program and I accepted. We do not use computers unless really necessary, so he helped me in person, via the phone and printed a lot of materials for me to improve my 10 acres farm. I have revived my 2 acre blueberry patch, my 1/2 acre blackberry patch, and 2 acre asparagus and vegetables production with regenerative soil practices, something I did not know how to do before, but it has become very intuitive with his help. He still answers when I have questions and visits often."
~ Ron - Farmer, Blueberries, Blackberries and Vegetables ~
~ Ron - Farmer, Blueberries, Blackberries and Vegetables ~
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do I need a soil test before contacting you?
No. In many cases it is better to speak first so we can help determine where samples should be collected and what kind of laboratory testing is useful for your intended growing system.
Can you work with soil outside Missouri?
Yes. Guided online assessment allows us to work with projects in many locations. Local laboratory services, regional soil information and client-provided observations can be integrated into the assessment.
Is soil microscopy included?
Absolutely! Qualitative biological assessment and microscopy may be included when appropriate to the project and when suitable samples can be collected and transported.
Do you test for pesticides, herbicides or contamination?
When property history suggests a potential concern, we can help identify appropriate questions and recommend specialized laboratory testing. Specialized contaminant testing is separate from routine soil-fertility analysis and may involve additional laboratory costs.
Can you tell me exactly what amendments to apply?
When amendments are appropriate, recommendations can be included. However, our regenerative approach begins more broadly with soil cover, living roots, organic matter, compost, biology, water, management and local fertility resources rather than automatically beginning with purchased inputs.
Can you help with pasture soil?
Yes. Pasture and grazing soils require different approaches than intensive vegetable production. The intended livestock system, vegetation, water, compaction, soil condition and management strategy all influence recommendations.
Can you help after the initial plan?
Yes. Follow-up soil consulting and periodic reassessment can be used to review progress, interpret future tests, adjust management and continue improving the fertility system over time.
No. In many cases it is better to speak first so we can help determine where samples should be collected and what kind of laboratory testing is useful for your intended growing system.
Can you work with soil outside Missouri?
Yes. Guided online assessment allows us to work with projects in many locations. Local laboratory services, regional soil information and client-provided observations can be integrated into the assessment.
Is soil microscopy included?
Absolutely! Qualitative biological assessment and microscopy may be included when appropriate to the project and when suitable samples can be collected and transported.
Do you test for pesticides, herbicides or contamination?
When property history suggests a potential concern, we can help identify appropriate questions and recommend specialized laboratory testing. Specialized contaminant testing is separate from routine soil-fertility analysis and may involve additional laboratory costs.
Can you tell me exactly what amendments to apply?
When amendments are appropriate, recommendations can be included. However, our regenerative approach begins more broadly with soil cover, living roots, organic matter, compost, biology, water, management and local fertility resources rather than automatically beginning with purchased inputs.
Can you help with pasture soil?
Yes. Pasture and grazing soils require different approaches than intensive vegetable production. The intended livestock system, vegetation, water, compaction, soil condition and management strategy all influence recommendations.
Can you help after the initial plan?
Yes. Follow-up soil consulting and periodic reassessment can be used to review progress, interpret future tests, adjust management and continue improving the fertility system over time.