Soil health is the backbone of regenerative landscape design. In this episode, hosts Brit Sastrawidjaya and Bethany Rydmark talk with Nick Tomasini, soil consultant, microbiology specialist, and founder of Humankind Oregon, about the real science behind soil structure, compaction, microbial activity, and soil amendments that actually work.

Nick explains soil chemistry vs. biology, how to choose the right soil test, what mineral balancing actually means, and why compost extract often outperforms compost tea. He also shares cautionary insight on biochar, how to properly inoculate with mycorrhizae, and why fungal networks are essential for long-term plant health.

• Work with compacted soils or post-construction landscapes

• Want a clear approach to soil testing & diagnostics

• Are trying to reduce herbicide use

• Want practical, regenerative solutions backed by soil science

Chapters:

00:00 Start

01:26 Nick’s Origin Story

02:58 Two Decades of Change

07:00 Clients and Soil Awareness

11:41 Compaction and No Till

13:46 Soil Chemistry Testing

17:18 Carbon and Haney Test

19:38 Microbiology Test Options

24:06 Disturbance and Diversity

26:18 Raised Bed Soil Blends

29:33 Testing Compost Inputs

30:32 Remediation and Biochar

33:28 Charging Biochar Basics

34:39 Surface Area Hype Check

35:42 Micronized Biochar Cautionary Tale

36:20 Trials and Less Is More

37:02 Wood Chips for Remediation

38:44 Heavy Metals Remobilization Risk

42:05 Residential Soil Health Priorities

44:56 Mycorrhizae Endo vs Ecto

46:28 Compost Tea Reality Check

48:53 Compost Extract How To

54:36 Root Dips and Contractor Buy In

58:04 Weed Control Without Herbicides

01:02:05 Pelletized Wool Wild Card

01:04:00 Phytoremediation Rabbit Hole

01:04:45 Closing Thoughts

Follow Nick:

Website: https://www.humankindoregon.com/

Humankind Oregon on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/humankindoregon/

Follow Land Language:

Land Language Website: https://www.landlanguage.org/

Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelandlanguage/

Connect with Us:

Got questions? Ideas for future guests? DM us on Instagram or visit our website to share your thoughts. We're building this together.

About Land Language:

Land Language is a podcast for landscape professionals, plant lovers, and anyone who wants to understand what it really takes to build regeneratively. Hosted by contractor/designer Brit Sastrawidjaya and designer Bethany Rydmark, each episode brings you expert insights, practical tools, and honest conversations about transforming the landscape industry from the ground up.