Controlling the Soil Microflora for Optimum Crop Production and Protection
As a leading manufacturer and distributor of natural soil nutrition and liquid plant food products that enhance the effects of fertilizer and stimulate plant growth, Pro-Soil Ag Solutions, Inc. is driven by our mission to help farmers improve the health of their soils and the quality of the crops they raise. Below is some helpful information about controlling soil microflora for optimum crop production and protection.
The idea of controlling and manipulating the soil microflora through the use of inoculations, organic amendments, and cultural and management practices to create a more favorable soil microbiological environment for optimum crop production and protection is not new. For almost a century, microbiologists have known that organic wastes and residues, including animal manures, crop residues, green manures, municipal wastes (both raw and composted), contain their own indigenous populations of microorganisms often with broad physiological capabilities.
It is also known that when such organic wastes and residues are applied to soils many of these introduced microorganisms can function as biocontrol agents by controlling or suppressing soil-borne plant pathogens through their competitive and antagonistic activities. While this has been the theoretical basis for controlling the soil microflora, in actual practice the results have been unpredictable and inconsistent, and the role of specific microorganisms has not been well-defined.
For many years microbiologists have tried to culture beneficial microorganisms for use as soil inoculations to overcome the harmful effects of phytopathogenic organ isms, including bacteria, fungi, and nematodes. Such attempts have usually in volved single applications of pure cultures of microorganisms which have been largely unsuccessful for several reasons. First, it is necessary to thoroughly under stand the growth and survival characteristics of each particular beneficial microorganism, including their nutritional and environmental requirements. Second, we must understand their ecological relation ships and interactions with other micro organisms, including their ability to coexist in mixed cultures both before and after application to soils.
For more information about optimum crop production, check back next week. 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 efficiencies, contact us today!