Terms of Use

Effective Date: March 2026

These Terms of Use ("Terms") govern your access to and use of the SoilCensus website, services, and products operated by Starrfly Labs LLC ("we," "us," or "our"). By using SoilCensus, you agree to these Terms. If you do not agree, do not use our services.

1. Overview of the Service

SoilCensus is a citizen science platform that allows individuals to submit soil samples for DNA-based microbiome analysis. We provide sample collection kits, coordinate lab processing through our sequencing partner, deliver personalized results, and contribute sample data to a georeferenced, aggregate soil microbiome map.

2. Eligibility

You must be at least 18 years old to request a kit or create an account. By using our services, you represent that you are at least 18 and that the information you provide is accurate and complete.

3. Your Account

You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials and for all activity that occurs under your account. You agree to notify us promptly at hello@soilcensus.com if you become aware of any unauthorized use of your account.

4. Sample Collection and Submission

When you submit a soil sample through SoilCensus, you represent that:

• You have lawful access to the land from which you collected the sample
• You have permission from the landowner (if you are not the owner) to collect and submit the sample
• The location data associated with your sample is accurate to the best of your knowledge
• The sample was collected following the instructions provided with your kit

We are not responsible for samples that are lost, damaged, or degraded during shipping, though we will replace kits at no charge when mail-related issues occur.

5. Results

Your results are generated from DNA sequencing performed by our lab partner and analyzed using our computational pipeline. Results are provided for informational and educational purposes. SoilCensus results do not constitute professional agricultural advice, environmental consulting, or scientific certification.

While we strive for accuracy, microbiome analysis is a developing field. Results may vary based on sampling conditions, processing timing, and the current state of reference databases. We do not guarantee that results are complete or error-free.

6. The Map and Data Contributions

By submitting a sample, you agree that the resulting microbiome data may be:

• Displayed on the public SoilCensus map in anonymized form (subject to your privacy preferences)
• Included in the aggregate SoilCensus dataset
• Used for research purposes and licensed to third-party institutions

You retain the right to access your personal results and to opt out of appearing on the public map. See our Privacy Policy for details on how we handle your data.

7. Intellectual Property

The SoilCensus website, brand, logos, software, analysis pipeline, and aggregate dataset are the property of Starrfly Labs LLC or its licensors. You may not copy, modify, distribute, or create derivative works from any part of our services without written permission.

Your personal results are yours. You may download, share, and use them however you choose.

8. Acceptable Use

You agree not to:

• Submit samples containing hazardous, illegal, or intentionally contaminated materials
• Provide false location data or identity information
• Attempt to access other users' data or accounts
• Scrape, harvest, or bulk-download data from the SoilCensus website or map
• Use the service for any purpose that violates applicable law

9. Payment and Refunds

Kit prices are displayed at the time of purchase and include all materials, shipping, and lab processing. If your sample is lost or damaged in transit, we will send a replacement kit at no charge. We do not offer refunds for completed analyses, but if you believe your results contain an error, contact us and we will investigate.

10. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law, Starrfly Labs LLC shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages arising from your use of SoilCensus, including but not limited to decisions made based on your results.

Our total liability for any claim arising from these Terms or your use of the service shall not exceed the amount you paid us in the twelve months preceding the claim.

11. Disclaimer of Warranties

SoilCensus is provided "as is" and "as available." We make no warranties, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of our results, the availability of our services, or the fitness of our products for any particular purpose.

12. Modifications

We may update these Terms from time to time. When we make material changes, we will update the effective date at the top of this page. Your continued use of SoilCensus after changes take effect constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms.

13. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of North Carolina, without regard to conflict of law principles. Any disputes arising under these Terms shall be resolved in the state or federal courts located in North Carolina.

14. Contact

If you have questions about these Terms, contact us at:

Starrfly Labs LLC
hello@soilcensus.com