We’re pleased to announce the launch of the Soil Acoustic Meter’s (SAM) powerful new companion platform – a dedicated data portal developed by ecological data experts, Natural Apptitude.
This exciting collaboration brings together Soil Acoustics’ ground-breaking ecoacoustic technology with Natural Apptitude’s expertise in environmental data analysis, creating a user-friendly tool that puts fast, cost-effective soil insights directly into the hands of land managers, farmers, researchers and more.
A Smarter Way to Monitor Soil Health
Healthy soils are at the heart of food production, biodiversity and climate resilience. But, understanding what’s going on beneath the surface has traditionally been expensive, slow and inconsistent. The Soil Acoustic Meter is helping to change that.
Instead of digging worm pits or sending off soil samples, the SAM records the sounds of invertebrate life in the soil. It’s compact, easy to use and GPS-enabled – simply insert the probe into the ground to record a three-minute sample, then plug the device into your computer via USB-C to upload the data.
Instant Insights with the SAQI Score
The new data portal developed by Natural Apptitude brings your recordings to life. Each upload is run through our AI-powered analysis system, comparing it against a unique, ever-growing database of soil sound signatures from a wide range of farms and habitats across the UK.
Within seconds, you’ll receive a Soil Acoustic Quality Index (SAQI) score and a summary report. A high SAQI score indicates more abundant and diverse invertebrate activity – a good indicator of healthy, biologically active soil.
You can:
- Label recordings by land use and cover type
- Track how SAQI scores change over time
- Compare data across locations
- Download and store your recordings
- Integrate findings into wider biodiversity monitoring efforts
No Labs. No Waiting. Just Data That Works.
With SAM and the data portal, there’s no need for lab testing or expensive consultants. Whether you’re working on regenerative farming, rewilding, conservation, or agri-environment schemes, our tools can help you make better decisions, faster.
“This is an exciting time for agriculture and land management,” says Andrew Baker, Founder and MD of Soil Acoustics Ltd. Thanks to Natural Apptitude’s brilliant work, our customers can now get rapid, reliable soil health insights that support more sustainable, science-based land use.”
Gavin Ward, Co-Founder of Soil Acoustics Ltd, adds “Working with Natural Apptitude has been a very positive experience from start to finish. Their proactive communication and technical expertise have helped us deliver a platform that’s intuitive, robust, and ready to scale.”
Be Among the First to Use a SAM
The Soil Acoustic Meter is now in production and available to order via our online shop. As an early adopter, you can take advantage of a UK-only introductory offer:
- £996 incl. VAT (plus delivery)
- Unlimited uploads & analysis for the first 12 months
- Subscription-based service from year two
- Manual payment via invoice available at checkout
Offer valid in the UK until 7th July 2025, with International shipping to follow later this year.
Click here to be one of the first to get your hands on a device and join a growing community of land managers using sound to shape a more sustainable future for our soils.
Come and See (and Hear) for Yourself
We’ll be showcasing our SAM at Groundswell 2 – 3 July. Visit us on Stand G24 in the Pasture Field, opposite the Earthworm Arms (yes, really!). Pop by to hear what soil life sounds like or book a time to chat with us by emailing saffron@soilacoustics.com.
