The Mikhail System

The basis for the Mikhail System is that the Soil is a Living System of three functional and interactive components – that must be balanced in themselves and between each other for the soil to function properly.

In other words, we recognise the interactions between structure, nutrients and biology in the same way that we seek to achieve a balanced and healthy lifestyle for ourselves. That is, to have a healthy human, you must first begin with a strong skeleton. To have strong bones you need Calcium, Magnesium and Phosphorus – in the right proportions. So too in the soil the proportions of Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium, Potassium and Hydrogen are important for the basic structure or ‘skeleton’ of the soil.

But, a human being is more than just a collection of bones. The skeleton supports the body and the development of strong muscles. This process requires Carbohydrate, Protein and Fat in the right proportions, throughout life. Likewise, in the soil, productivity is built on having Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium and Sulphur available to plants in the right proportion throughout their growing season.

Of course, human health relies on more than just carbohydrate, protein and fat; we also have requirements for various vitamins and minerals in the proper amounts. In similar fashion, productive soils must provide the complete range of Trace elements in suitable amounts.

Still, we all realise that healthy people need even more. We need the right balance of ‘good bacteria’ on our skins and in our digestive systems to help us take up the nutrients we require and help protect against infection. Soil is no different and the biological component of the soil also needs to be balanced. And just as the requirements for humans will vary somewhat for each individual and at every stage throughout life, so too, each soil will have its own individual needs and characteristics.

In terms how we manage sustainable production, the Mikhail System focuses on cation balance as the essential first step. This optimises soil structure and ensures the greatest possible availability of all nutrients. Consequently, the only nutrients needed will be those that the crop or pasture actually requires during the period of its growing season – made up of those available in the soil, plus added nutrients to make up any shortfall in the requirement. The desired cation proportions (as percentages of the Adjusted exchangeable Hydrogen) are as follows:

Once both cation balance and balanced plant nutrition have been achieved, it then only remains to stimulate the activity of those organisms that are needed to help facilitate the changes we have set in motion and the process is complete. 

A complete and detailed description of the Mikhail system and the 5-steps to reliably implement it for sustainable soil improvement is now available. Order your copy of this 56-page book here.

Each of our three main soil tests are based on this system and you can see an example report for each one by clicking on the link below (you will need Adobe Reader):

• The Standard Soil Balance Analysis includes both soil cations and plant nutrients
• The Complete Soil Balance Analysis is presented in three sections - cations, nutrients and biology.

For a more information, you can also read about:

• What you get with each test
• How to make the best use of the tests and
• How to get Help once you have your test report

If you are interested in Soil Biology, you can also read about the results of our research showing the effects of various 'Bio-active materials' like Kelp extracts, Fish emulsions and so on.