To carry out Soil Life Monitor, Eurofins uses an internationally accepted method to determine the functional groups of microorganisms in soil. The method is based on the analysis of certain fatty acids, the PLFAs, in the cell membranes of living microorganisms. These fatty acids are not present in dead cells due to their rapid degradation. The PLFA composition of cell walls is unique to different groups.
If you want to learn more about the species present, Eurofins offers DNA analysis and plating methods to gather more information.