Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for well planning and management in a field to maximize the production of hydrocarbons. Specifically, the present invention involves identifying microbial compositions (including phenotypic microbial compositions) of solid samples, such as cuttings or core samples, or fluid samples, such as produced or injected fluids and determining well communication or fracture height (frac height). With well communication and/or frac height analysis using microbial compositions, the operator can better plan the placement and geometry of wells in a field to maximize production and reduce the number of wells that need to be drilled to maximize that production.