Brix methods-testing soil fertility

[vickalee]

Anyone out there ever hear about Brix methods? I went to a talk last night, given by a retired dietitian/organic pharmer, and saw a couple of tools that are being used to check soil phertility of organic crops. Pretty interesting stuff. Just curious if anybody is doing anything like this.

[Pharmer Phil]

Well Vickalee, as you probably expected, I have heard of this, even studied it some, don't practice it though, guess I am pretty sure of the nutrient value of my soil.
Seen some interesting tests performed too, even was given a link to a web site dedicated to high brix gardening...if I could find it.._{maybe under dis pile??}
basically, the Brix meter is a small refractometer that is used to determine the quality of produce and the health of growing plants. It measures the content of solids in plant juices - sugars, minerals, etc. To produce fruits and vegetables with excellent Brix readings, the soil must be well balanced in minerals, organic matter, and microorganisms. Most Organic Gradeners are fairly sure of their soils nutient level....But, They are WRONG
Now alot can be done to enhance he nutrients available to your plants, good organic practices, the use of organic teas and the like, Staying away from chemical fertilizers.
Think...The commercial producers are not under any sanctions to monitor the nutrient value in their crops.
SO, a carrot from a commercial field, may be prettier, and spotless, but a carrot grown in a well nurished organic field will have far more nutritional value, and thus, a much higher Brix! _Why?
Because Brix testing reflects nutritional quality
Ferget about Brix testing in the form of sugar, think "total solids" or the sum of the sugars, minerals, hormones, oils, amino acids, proteins, flavor

The taste of any fruit, vegetable, gets better as the brix increases. Taste reflects nutrition high brix fruits, vegetables, and grasses keep better they will dehydrate while their low brix counterparts rot.
insects seem to find higher brix plants less tasteful.
Animals on high brix pasture are much healthier.
During my years with Pepsi Cola, i had a brixometer in my arsenal of tools, I suggest if you are curious enough, to find someone who already owns one, and check out your soil, as a refractometer is a fairly expensive tool.
You can also have the testing done at a number of independent testing labs.

One "quote"
to remember tho is:

Varietal differences are importance. - the highest nutrition will be more likely found in heirloom varieties

_{which probably accounts for me being over 50 and feeling under 20...That Right Laura..Laura...darn woman hidin' again!!}

[vickalee]

Thanks Pharmer Phil! Great explanation. The lady giving the talk had one of the refractometers and a couple of other tools, but the 'body' of her talk was the food in schools program, and little time was set aside to go into it. I've read quite a bit about and it and I think I might try to budget for the refractometer. With new gardeners coming to my community gardens totally 'green' to organics, it might be something to show them. I was most impressed with what I heard. And, as I only grow heirlooms, an interesting study to do on my own. If anybody gets into this, let me know!!!