Using weeds as indicator plants.

[dream_weaver]

Growing up in a rural area, there were a few gentlemen farmers in the community. I spent a few summers planting, weeding, and harvesting for one of them. He used to see pigweed, and comment that it was an indication of good soil.

I see The Old Farmer's Almanac went even more in depth, listing several types of weeds, and what they generally indicate.

One parallel that could be drawn, if you want to know what kind of dirt Objectivism is comprised of, part of the process of identification could be aided by identifying what it is giving rise to. — Just a thought.