International Patent PCT/IB2012/001157 (WO2012140523 A1) METHOD AND DEVICE FOR ASSESSING THE LEVEL OF MICROBIAL ACTIVITY OF SOIL

The invention concerns a method and a device for assessing the level of microbial activity of a substrate (9), preferably agricultural soil, biomass and other contexts where there is enzymatic activity. The method comprises the following steps: preparing one or more biodegradable threads (8); tensioning the one or more biodegradable threads with a pre-defined tension; introducing the one or more tensioned biodegradable threads partially in the substrate; leaving the one or more biodegradable threads in the substrate; measuring the time elapsed from the introduction of the one or more biodegradable threads in the substrate to the breakage of the one or more threads. The device (1) comprises one or more biodegradable threads (8) and for each thread a first fixing element (12) suited to fix one end of the biodegradable thread and a second fixing element (20) suited to fix the other end of the biodegradable thread, between which each biodegradable thread can be independently tightened with a pre-defined tension. A respective kit is also described.