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Kearney Today
By the People, for the People
New Soil Test Could Boost No-Till Farming
Phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) profiles offer deeper insights into soil microbial communities.
Apr. 18, 2026 at 7:21am
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A detailed visual representation of the diverse microbial life thriving in a healthy no-till soil, as revealed by advanced phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) testing.Kearney TodayA new soil test that analyzes phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) profiles will soon be commercially available to no-till farmers. Unlike standard respiration tests, PLFA profiles can reveal the specific types of microorganisms present in the soil, their concentrations, and the ratios of different microbial populations. Rhizosphere ecologist Jill Clapperton and fertility specialist Ray Ward are collaborating to bring this advanced soil biology test to market, with the goal of helping no-tillers make better management decisions to promote a diverse, active soil microbial community.
Why it matters
Understanding the complex soil microbiome is crucial for no-till farmers looking to improve soil health and productivity through practices like cover cropping. The new PLFA test provides a more detailed picture of the soil ecosystem compared to traditional methods, empowering no-tillers to fine-tune their management strategies.
The details
The PLFA test analyzes the fatty acid profiles of soil microorganisms, revealing the types and quantities of bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and other organisms present. This offers a more comprehensive view of the soil community than the standard respiration test, which only measures overall microbial activity. No-tillers will be able to use the PLFA test to compare the impacts of different management practices, such as cover cropping, within the same growing season.
- The PLFA test is expected to be commercially available starting in September 2026.
- Soil samples will have a 24-48 hour turnaround time at the lab.
The players
Jill Clapperton
A rhizosphere ecologist and the founder of Rhizoterra Inc., Clapperton has long used PLFA profiles to study soil microbial dynamics.
Ray Ward
The president of Ward Laboratories in Kearney, Nebraska, Ward is collaborating with Clapperton to bring the PLFA test to market for no-till farmers.
What they’re saying
“With one sample, PLFA profiles give me the biggest picture of what's going on in the soil. It will help no-tillers determine if they're making the right management decisions to promote a diverse, active soil-microbial community.”
— Jill Clapperton, Rhizosphere Ecologist
What’s next
No-till farmers will be able to start submitting soil samples for PLFA analysis at Ward Laboratories in September 2026.
The takeaway
The new PLFA soil test provides no-till farmers with a powerful tool to better understand and manage their soil's microbial communities. By revealing the specific types and quantities of organisms present, no-tillers can make more informed decisions to promote soil health and productivity through practices like cover cropping.
