In many situations the producers said they have been impressed and seen noticeable changes in their soil and crops after starting the program based on the concepts of Dr. Reams Biological Ionization. Bigger root mass, and increasing aerobic zones were definitely on the list. At one location we had an opportunity to compare two plants coming from fields where the calcium has been used. One of the fields had one more treatment of Dormant Calcium applied. In this case we could see an obvious change in root mass as well as the soil. Participants of the tours were introduced to techniques used to determine the depth of the aerobic zone, the symptoms of mineral imbalances in the soil and the plant, brix testing, conductivity testing and visual effects of various soil treatments on some of the test plots. We saw thistle plants and roots that were very sick and weak. The roots were deteriorated and they could easily be pulled from the soil without breaking off. We took some pictures at this location in an attempt to show the people who could not be there with us to see for themselves. We saw peas with lots of nodulation, aerobic and anaerobic zones in the soil, healthy and unhealthy roots, flocculated and compacted soils. We also saw variations in color of plants, as well as lumps, clumps and cracking of the soil. Another observation was the root growth following the path of least resistance; they would shoot out sideways when met with hardpan. We could also see the root hairs only grew in the flocculated soil. We saw many other things that until now a lot of us assumed were just supposed to be that way. Once you have a chance to see the difference a few changes in the farming practices make, it is easier to see how things can be different and even better.

We also got to see some very nice crops from an organic producer. His wheat crop looked as good as any we had seen. We visited a cherry orchard, some gardens in addition to the fields. We had some rainy and windy weather, yet our group stuck it out all of us giving full attention to the speakers as well as the plants and soil we were there to see at any given location. Merlin captivated us all for a plethora of reasons and we all learned a thing or two during our time with him.