Barlow figured that the key to the problems was related at least in part to biology, which was not revealed by standard chemical analysis of soil and plant tissue. SMBS also managed a database to guide farmers and ecologists in soil restoration and improving plant health and agricultural productivity. In 1993, Barlow started taking samples to SMBS, and applying Ingham's knowledge to the challenges facing farmers. Populations of soil bacteria and fungi are sensitive to soil management practices. Frequent cultivations practiced by row crop farmers create an environment that favors bacteria, which are small, simple organisms that can easily survive disturbance.
Fungi are more tolerant of low moisture conditions.
Predator nematodes and protozoa feed on bacteria and fungi, and in the process supply plant-available nitrogen to crops. Generally, as food web complexity increases, crop productivity improves. As demand for the analytical services of SMBS grew, it became apparent that they could be provided more economically by a private laboratory, without the overhead required by university administration. They are not interested in making a profit by providing services to the private sector. They are happy to serve as incubators for innovative businesses.