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Enhancements in Soil Fertility and Plant Nutrition

Soil nutrient cycling, availability and organic matter decomposition patterns are well-known beneficial microbial consortia critical factors shaping plant productivity. Beneficial microbial consortia can greatly affect these factors and boost plant growth due to, for example, enhanced nutrient release from crop residue or fertilizer materials. Furthermore, noticeable improvements in soil organic matter formation may substantiate long-term fertility improvement.

Apart from soil nutrient status or soil organic matter status, there are numerous findings on beneficial microbial consortia impact on other soil quality indicators such as soil bulk density. These indicators corroborate the value of beneficial microbial consortia as a useful tool for enhanced crop production. The upcoming section provides insights into studies focused on overall soil quality indicators other than the nutrientional, soil organic matter or microbial status of soils.

Soil Quality Improvement

Besides fertility-related benefits, efficacies may result in reducting pathogen prevalence or improving plant resistance to pathogen-induced stress. For example, the faster breakdown of crop residue or composts reduces the medium in which pathogens find shelter or resources for reproduction. Also, enhanced microbial growth associated with faster organic residue breakdown may conceivably drive microbial diversity and further reduce the likelihood of pathogen proliferation. Several studies on beneficial microbial consortia show that such effects are possible, and these are provided in a section on soil quality.

Why Good Soil Matters*
Healthy soil is the basis of a solid foundation for agriculture. Unlike so many other natural resources, soil isn’t renewable due to its extremely long duration of reproduction. This makes it more important than ever to maintain this precious resource.

  • During times of drought and flooding, soil acts a natural protective barrier, filtering or storing water as needed.
  • As climate change becomes a growing threat, we rely more heavily on soil to maintain balance through its ability to trap CO2 while preventing it from escaping into the atmosphere. In fact, soil maintains 10% of the world’s CO2.
  • The deforestation, urbanization, pollution and mistreatment of soil are the biggest threats to healthy soil and humanity’s livelihood.
  • It takes 500 years for the planet to form just two centimeters of topsoil – a nutrient-rich agent of nourishment for crops.

How Does SCD Bio Ag® Help Soil?
SCD Bio Ag® (a microbial additive) helps create a healthy environment for soil and plants by introducing beneficial microorganisms to dominate harmful microorganisms. Recent research data indicates that Bio Ag has a positive correlation with soil biological activity, which plays a crucial role in the improvement of soil quality. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) reveals that when Bio Ag is applied to the soil, it increases total fungi, protozoa, rhizobia biomass, enzyme activity, and root hair growth in hairy vetch.

*Information sourced from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United States.