Wow, another great soils consultant has passed. RIP, Michael Astera, author of The Ideal Soil--A Handbook for the New Agriculture. Michael was instrumental in making Albrecht soil testing and fertility recommendations -- with its otherwise arcane calculations -- readily accessible to farmers and gardeners. Michael analyzed and wrote hundreds of soil fertility reports. Soil mineral balancing using the Astera method elevated nutrient dense food production. It became a hit with giant pumpkin growers. For many years, Astera sold individual minerals and fertilizer blends through soilminerals.dot.com His business partner, Ann Diaz/Liz Brown still sells their Agricola's 4-8-4 Complete Fertilizer.