Like all living organisms, plants need certain conditions met to live and grow. We all know that sunlight is an important resource that plants need in order to grow. However, what lies below the surface is just as essential in providing plants with the proper components to truly thrive.
The Importance of Soil
Soil plays a major role in creating an optimal environment where roots can establish themselves and nutrients can be received. A healthy soil will include a beneficial balance of microbes and nutrients. Bacteria, fungi, nematodes, all play their part. Macronutrients Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium and other key micronutrients are also necessary. Many soils are depleted or lacking in certain elements which can be detrimental to the overall health of plants. A soil test can help diagnose your soil specificities! Adding microbial inoculants can help boost soil health with all soil types.
Microbial Inoculants
A microbial inoculant is produced from either a liquid or grain substrate. They are inoculated with beneficial microbes (fungi, bacteria, yeast). Once introduced into the soil, they act similar to the way yeast inoculates bread and will multiply themselves.
Introducing soil inoculants has many benefits. The additional microbes help increase transportation and supply of nutrients to the plants. In return, plants provide food in the form of sugars to the microbes. This symbiotic exchange is mutually beneficial for all parties and the soil, plants, and microorganisms continue to exist in harmony.
Microbes are also helpful at reducing pests and plant diseases! They limit harmful bacteria in the soil while also strengthening the rhizosphere to combat unwanted invaders. By adding microbes, water retention can improve which limits soil erosion. This is beneficial for conserving moisture during the hotter and dryer months. For newly planted trees, inoculants can be especially beneficial by helping the plant receive readily available water and nutrients that microbes provide.
How to add Microbial Inoculants
Inoculant can be incorporated into the topsoil of newly transplanted or established plants. It can also be reapplied until the beneficial microbes become predominant in the soil or according to product’s instructions. The inoculants can also be used for houseplants and can be added into potting soil or sprinkled on topsoil. Microbial inoculants are also used in a fermenting compost process called Bokashi. This includes adding the inoculates to organic material and food scrapes which are then converted into a nutrient rich compost.
The underground world of soil is complex yet highly important to the overall well-being of plants. Tell us how you keep your soil biome healthy and drop us a line at: info@onegreenworld.com