  How to detect spacetime torsion? In this essay we provide the theoretical
basis for an answer to this question. Multipolar equations of motion for a very
general class of gravitational theories with nonminimal coupling in spacetimes
admitting torsion are given. Our findings provide a framework for the
systematic testing of whole classes of theories with the help of extended test
bodies. One surprising feature of nonminimal theories turns out to be their
potential sensitivity to torsion of spacetime even in experiments with ordinary
(not microstructured) test matter.
