Privacy Policy

Effective Date: March 2026

SoilCensus is a product of Starrfly Labs LLC ("we," "us," or "our"). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and share information when you use the SoilCensus website, submit a soil sample, or interact with our services.

1. Information We Collect

Account and contact information. When you request a kit or create an account, we collect your name, email address, and mailing address. This information is used to fulfill your order, deliver your results, and communicate with you about your sample.

Sample location data. Each soil sample is associated with GPS coordinates that you provide or that are captured during the collection process. This location data is essential to placing your sample on the SoilCensus map and generating meaningful results.

Soil sample data. When your sample is processed by our lab partner, the resulting microbiome data — including species identification, diversity scores, and functional analysis — becomes part of your personal results and the aggregate SoilCensus dataset.

Usage data. We collect standard web analytics data including pages visited, time on site, browser type, and referring URLs. This data is used to improve the website and is not linked to your soil sample data.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

• Fulfill kit orders and deliver sample results to you
• Place your sample on the SoilCensus map (subject to your privacy preferences)
• Generate and improve the aggregate SoilCensus dataset
• Communicate with you about your samples, results, and our services
• Improve the SoilCensus website, products, and user experience
• Respond to your questions and support requests

3. The Public Map

By default, your sample appears on the public SoilCensus map. The public map displays only the sample location (as a map pin), the microbial diversity score, and the land use type. Your name, email address, mailing address, and precise street address are never displayed on the public map.

You may opt out of appearing on the public map at any time. If you opt out, your sample still contributes to the aggregate dataset but no pin or data point will appear on the publicly visible map.

4. Aggregate Data and Research

Your sample data contributes to the SoilCensus aggregate dataset. This dataset is used for research purposes and is made available to institutional buyers under data licensing agreements. The aggregate dataset contains georeferenced microbiome data but does not include your name, email, mailing address, or any other personally identifiable information.

We may share aggregate, anonymized statistics publicly — for example, the total number of samples collected, average diversity scores by region, or trends in microbial populations over time. These statistics never identify individual contributors.

5. Data Sharing

We share your information only in the following circumstances:

• Lab partners. We share your sample and mailing address with our DNA sequencing lab partner solely for the purpose of processing your sample and returning results.
• Aggregate data licensees. We share anonymized, georeferenced microbiome data with research institutions and other licensees. No personally identifiable information is included.
• Legal requirements. We may disclose information if required by law, legal process, or governmental request.

We do not sell your personal information. We do not share your email address with third-party marketers.

6. Data Storage and Security

Your data is stored on secure, encrypted servers. We use industry-standard security measures to protect your personal information and sample data. Location data is stored separately from personally identifiable information and is associated only through internal, non-public identifiers.

While we take reasonable measures to protect your data, no system is completely secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security of your information.

7. Your Rights and Choices

You may at any time:

• Request a copy of the personal information we hold about you
• Request correction of inaccurate personal information
• Request deletion of your personal information and account
• Opt out of appearing on the public map
• Unsubscribe from email communications

To exercise any of these rights, contact us at hello@soilcensus.com.

Please note that if you request deletion of your data, your sample will be removed from the public map. However, anonymized microbiome data that has already been included in the aggregate dataset cannot be individually removed, as it is no longer linked to your identity.

8. Cookies

We use essential cookies to operate the website and analytics cookies to understand how visitors use the site. We do not use advertising cookies or tracking pixels from third-party ad networks.

9. Children's Privacy

SoilCensus is not directed at children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe a child has provided us with personal information, please contact us and we will delete it.

10. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we make material changes, we will update the effective date at the top of this page and, where appropriate, notify you by email.

11. Contact

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or how we handle your data, contact us at:

Starrfly Labs LLC
hello@soilcensus.com