Classification of soils based on their microbiological properties

Most soils are classified on the basis of their chemical and physical properties; little has been done to classify soils ac­ cording to their microbiological proper­ ties. The reason for this is that a soil’s chemical and physical properties are more readily defined and measured than their microbiological properties. Improved soil quality is usually characterized by in­ creased infiltration, aeration, aggregation and organic matter content and by de­creased bulk density, compaction, erosion and crusting. While these are important indicators of potential soil productivity, we must give more attention to soil bio­ logical properties because of their impor­tant relationship (though poorly under­ stood) to crop production, plant and ani­mal health, environmental quality, and food safety and quality. Research is needed to identify and quantify reliable and predictable biological/ecological in­dicators of soil quality. Possible indica­tors might include total species diversity or genetic diversity of beneficial soil mi­croorganisms as well as insects and ani­mals.

The basic concept here is not to classify soils for the study of microor­ganisms but for farmers to be able to control the soil microflora so that biologically-mediated processes can im­ prove the growth, yield, and quality of crops as well as the health, fertility, and productivity of soils. The ultimate objec­tive is to reduce the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides.

Pro-Soil Ag Solutions, Inc., manufacturer and distributor of natural soil nutrition and liquid plant food products that enhance the effects of fertilizer and stimulate plant growth, is driven by our mission to help farmers improve the health of their soils and the quality of the crops they raise.

Our products improve soil health by stimulating and feeding native microbial life in the soil which creates a higher yielding crop. To learn more about how you can increase photosynthetic inefficiencies, contact us today!