How do you Test Paramagnetism?

Dr Phil Callahan built the PCSM (Phil Callahan Soil Meter) to measure paramagnetism in grams of material that will move one centimetre to a magnet in one second, or cgs (also used to measure magnetism). Nutri-Tech Solutions offer a free paramagnetic reading service using this meter, or a meter can be purchased. 

0-100 cgs = poor soil

100-300 cgs = good soil

300+ cgs = excellent soil

A good paramagnetic ameliorant should read a minimum of 1500 cgs

Magnetic materials are very rare in nature (e.g. magnetite), but some metals, such as iron can be induced into a 'permanent' magnetic (ferro-magnetic) state by an applied magnetic force at certain temperatures. It is suspected that the magnetic field used in the PCSM may in fact do this, and PCSM readings of iron-rich soils can be an artifact of this - not a true paramagnetic reading. In its natural state, iron-rich soils may have no paramagnetic/magnetic force, hence no benefits to plant growth, but once a soil sample is put into a PCSM measuring well; it becomes magnetised and gives a false high paramagnetic reading. To avoid this possibility, some suppliers have deliberately sourced their paramagnetic materials from low-iron deposits, e.g. Nutri-Tech's Nutri-Score Crushed Lava.