ByDesignSoil Solutions
Soil Biology By Design
ByDesignSoil was created to help farmers, ranchers, and landowners rebuild soil function by working with biology-not against it. Healthy soil is a living system, and when that system is support properly, it becomes more resilient, productive, and profitable over time.
My work is rooted in observation, biological principles, and stewardship. Rather than chasing inputs or quick fixes, I focus on understanding what is happening beneath the surface and helping land managers make informed, biology-first decisions that fit their operation.
Why Biology Matters
Years of chemical dependency and soil disturbance have left many soils depleted, compacted, and biologically inactive. While chemistry has its place, it cannot replace the function of living organisms that cycle nutrients, build structure, and protect plants naturally.
Restoring biology isn’t about perfection-it’s about progress. Small, thoughtful changes can lead to long-term improvements in soil health, water infiltration, nutrient efficiency, and overall system stability.
Training and Approach
I am a certified consultant through the SoilFoodWeb School, trained in soil biology principles, microscopy interpretation, and biological system restoration. My consulting blends science, field observation, and practical management-always tailored to the realities of the operation.
I believe good consulting should be:
Respect the land
respect the producer
and work within real-world constraints
Kent Holle
Founder, ByDesignSoil
Johnstown, Colorado
Kent Holle has spent more than 35 years working with soil systems, including 22 years in a large Colorado school district where he managed turf across sports fields and playgrounds. During that time, he worked closely with the EPA and Colorado State University to develop and implement programs that significantly reduced the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides—while maintaining safe, functional landscapes.
That work led Kent to the principles of soil biology and eventually to the SoilFoodWeb School. He completed the Foundation Courses, Certified Lab Technician training, and the Certified Consultant Program, deepening his understanding of how living soil systems function and recover.
Today, Kent focuses on biology-first soil restoration—helping growers, land managers, and property owners rebuild soil health through observation, education, and practical management. His work centers on restoring function to depleted soils for turf, gardens, pastures, and cropping systems by working with biology rather than relying on inputs alone.
Kent cares about soil because he’s seen firsthand how living systems respond when they’re understood and supported, and how quickly things decline when they’re ignored.
Soil health isn’t accidental-it’s built by design.
What is SoilFoodWeb?
The SoilFoodWeb Approach has been used to successfully restore the ecological functions of soils on six continents. The courses offered by the Soil Food Web School have been designed for people with no relevant experience – making them accessible to individuals who wish to retrain and to begin a meaningful and impactful career in an area that will help to secure the survival of humans and other species.
