Testing soil for legume fatigue

Soil testing for legume fatigue using a heat-treated control method to detect pathogen buildup in pea, faba bean, vetch, red clover, and lucerne rotations. The test assesses risk of root disease and crop failure by comparing shoot growth in untreated vs. heat-treated soil. A ratio below 0.8 indicates significant legume fatigue risk, with ratios under 0.2 suggesting avoidance for 7–8 years. Conducted up to three months before planting, the procedure takes four hours plus baking time. Required materials: soil, trays, pots, seeds, scale, oven. Applicable to clayey and shallow soils.