Foundations Series #5: Reading the Soil: Agronomy, Soil Testing & Crop Health with Lee Briese

Foundations Series #5: Reading the Soil: Agronomy, Soil Testing & Crop Health with Lee Briese

Author: Tad Hussey March 10, 2026 Duration: 1:17:26
In this episode, agronomist and crop consultant Lee Briese shares his practical approach to understanding and managing soil health. Drawing from years of field experience working with farmers, Lee explains why reading the soil requires more than just lab reports — it involves observation, interpretation, and understanding how chemical, physical, and biological properties interact. Lee discusses why he often prioritizes chemical soil analysis when making management decisions, and how tools like soil testing, visual assessment, and field experience help diagnose what crops truly need. He also emphasizes the importance of soil structure and aggregation, and why physically interacting with the soil — touching it, smelling it, and walking the land — provides insights that lab data alone cannot. The conversation explores how experienced agronomists approach soil much like doctors approach the human body: looking at multiple indicators together to identify underlying issues and guide effective interventions. Originally released as Episode 87, this conversation remains a valuable reminder that successful crop management starts with careful observation, sound data, and a holistic understanding of the soil system.

Tad Hussey, founder of KIS Organics, hosts the Cannabis Cultivation and Science Podcast, a deep and practical resource for anyone serious about growing plants organically. Rather than offering quick tips, Tad builds each conversation on a foundation of verifiable science, breaking down complex soil biology, plant physiology, and sustainable methods into understandable segments. He regularly brings in leading researchers, agronomists, and seasoned cultivators, creating a unique space where academic knowledge meets real-world, hands-on experience. You'll hear detailed discussions on everything from microbial inoculants and nutrient cycling to the nuances of light spectra and water quality, all through the lens of organic stewardship. This podcast is for gardeners, hobbyists, and professionals who are curious about the "why" behind their practices and want to move beyond conventional growing advice. It’s a thoughtful exploration of how to work with natural systems to cultivate healthier plants, focusing on foundational principles that apply broadly while delving specifically into cannabis cultivation. The dialogue is always evidence-based, cutting through industry trends to examine what truly works, making it an essential listen for those who believe that the best cultivation starts with understanding the science in the soil.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Cannabis Cultivation and Science Podcast
Podcast Episodes
Episode 129: Going Vertical With Living Soils With Chris Castle [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:04:44
My guest this week is Chris Castle. Chris is the co-founder and CEO/COO of Flora & Flame out of California, currently the largest vertical indoor living soil cannabis farm. Chris is a bay area native who has been cultiva…
Episode 127: Flushing and Photoperiod Research with Micheal Alden [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:28:34
My guest this week is Michael Alden. Michael is the Research Director at Stairway Holding, Inc. and explores methods to improve efficiency and productivity in cannabis cultivation. He spent the past 5 years as a graduate…
Episode 125: The Latest in Biocontrols with Suzanne Wainwright Evans [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:24:18
In this episode I talk with longtime podcast guest, Entomologist Suzanne "The Buglady" to talk about some new products available to growers, REIs and PPE with pesticides, and how to better combat certain pests like thrip…
Episode 123: Cannabis Nutrition with Bryant Mason part 1 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:32
My guest this week is Bryant Mason. I’ve had Bryant on the podcast a few times in the past and he’s one of my favorite guests. Bryant is a Certified Crop Advisor who specializes in organic cannabis nutrition. He has spen…
Episode 122: Supplementary Podcast #2 - Mycorrhizal Fungi [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:30
By now practically everyone has heard of mycorrhizal fungi, it’s a pretty incredible fungi that forms a symbiotic relationship with the roots of many plants. But I see a lot of misinformation and claims out there about i…
Episode 120: Heavy Metal Contamination in Cannabis with Robert Thomas [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:25:18
There are many sources of contamination in cannabis cultivation, lab testing, and processing. In this episode, we discuss some of the possible sources to watch out for as well as where regulations may be heading in regar…