It is quite common to hear about soil health and crop health, its productivity or contamination. However, rarely do we hear about the microorganisms that are an essential part of the crop. Microbiology is directly related to the subsoil and its ability to yield enough quality crops.. It is also closely related to the ability a field has to continue being profitable over time. What is soil microbiology and what does it mean for the plant?
The soil is a lot more than just earth
When we want to plant and harvest a crop, we normally look at the soil, at its composition, where it is, the climate of the area and other more physical aspects. Now, other biological factors are taken into account, such as the animals nearby or even those in the soil: insects and annelids which may help or hinder crop growth.
What are not usually taken into account, however, and we often forget about as they are practically invisible,are the microorganisms that live in the soil. Nevertheless, they are an essential part of plant health.. The ecosystem they make up is a vital factor in the future of the crop. Why is this?
· Microorganisms are the protagonists when it comes to feeding the plant: they are responsible for converting matter into components that plants can use to feed themselves and grow. Some microorganisms are in charge of taking atmospheric nitrogen and changing in into salts that can be used. This is what is called nitrogen fixation.
· Some of the soil’s microorganisms produce substances which encourage root growth, allowing the plant to improve its nutrition, giving greater, higher yield.
· Microorganisms iprevent pathogens from entering (which compete with the plant for space or food),helping to maintain microbiome balance, which is what the set of organisms that live together in the plant is called, so that everything works as it should.
Microorganisms also play an important part in soil detoxification.
Therefore, a plant which does not receive the help of these microorganisms will not be as productive or it will be more sensitive to stressful changes, such as a lack of water, being attacked by a disease or nutrient sequestration. The organisms that live in the soil are just like little machines, which are very efficient at maintaining the keeping plants alive and productive.
The most important microbiome for plants is probably the rhizosphere, the area where the microorganisms we associate with the roots of the plant interact, creating a special area around them. In other words, soil with the correct microorganisms is a soil with a greater ability to nourish and protect plant health, as without them, it is quite possible that the plant will not be equipped to get the most out of the soil around it.
How does soil microbiology affect the farmer?
It is the farmer who has the final word when it comes to deciding how to treat the soil being used to grow crops.. Having a knowledge of how important soil microbiology is can help farmers with crop production, as well as plant health and the soil these plants are grown in. This means an increase in productivity, the quality of the crop and ensures that the land can still continue to be used for crop growth for a long time. Sufficient knowledge of the microorganisms and how to manage them in crops helps to make decisions which will have an effect on the environment,field productivity and the quality of the products on offer on the market.
Biotechnology at the service of soil health
Bulhnova is the biofertilizer which allows for partial or total substitution of conventional chemical fertilization: the microorganisms that make up the solution have been selected for their exclusive characteristics of efficiency and resistance in extreme conditions such as those found in agriculture. In this way, the biotechnology developed by Probelte fulfills its practical function, providing direct solutions for the land and the farmer. Solutions which comply with the need to ensure for correct soil microbiology, the secret behind healthy plants, quality food and people’s health.