Key Takeaways
- They can help to improve the water retention capacity of the soil, which can be beneficial in dry climates.
- They can help to reduce soil erosion.
- They can help to improve the biodiversity of the soil.
- They can help to improve the overall health of the soil.
- They can be a more sustainable option than chemical fertilizers.
Introduction
Soil microbes are the unseen heroes of the agricultural world. These tiny organisms play a vital role in the decomposition of organic matter, the cycling of nutrients, and the overall health of the soil. Organic fertilizers, such as manure, compost, and crop residues, provide a food source for soil microbes and help to improve their diversity and activity. This, in turn, can lead to a number of benefits for crops, including improved nutrient uptake, increased resistance to pests and diseases, and better drought tolerance.
Organic fertilizers and soil microbes have a symbiotic relationship that is essential for the growth of healthy crops. Soil microbes are tiny organisms that live in the soil and play a crucial role in maintaining soil health. They help break down organic matter, release nutrients, and improve soil structure. Organic fertilizers, on the other hand, are derived from natural sources such as animal manure, compost, and bone meal. They provide essential nutrients to plants and improve soil fertility. The relationship between soil microbes and organic fertilizers is mutually beneficial. Soil microbes reduce the need for fertilizers by breaking down organic matter and releasing nutrients that plants can use. In turn, organic fertilizers enhance overall soil and plant health to produce healthier and higher quality crops.
A recent study by Nosheen et al (2021) made the following claims about biofertilizers: “Nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, zinc, and silica are the essential nutrients required for the proper growth of crops, but these nutrients are naturally present in insolubilized or complex forms. Certain microorganisms render them soluble and make them available to the plants. The potential microbes, their mode of action, along with their effect on crops, are discussed in this review.” Making them highly effective to keep in the soil for food and commodity crop production.
What They Do
Soil microbes play a vital role in reducing the need for fertilizers. They break down organic matter into nutrients that plants can use, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. This process is known as mineralization. Soil microbes also help to improve soil structure by producing substances that bind soil particles together. This improves water infiltration and root penetration, which helps plants grow better. By reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers, soil microbes help to reduce the environmental impact of agriculture.
Biofertilizers and Their Purpose
Bio-fertilizers are another way to enhance overall soil and plant health. Bio-fertilizers contain beneficial microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and algae that can improve soil fertility and plant growth. Bio-fertilizers work by fixing atmospheric nitrogen and converting it into a form that plants can use. They also solubilize phosphorus and potassium, making them more available to plants. Bio-fertilizers can also enhance the availability of other nutrients such as sulfur and micronutrients.
The use of bio-fertilizers has several benefits over synthetic fertilizers. Bio-fertilizers are eco-friendly and do not harm the environment. They also improve soil health by promoting the growth of beneficial microorganisms in the soil. Bio-fertilizers can also help to reduce the cost of agriculture by reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers.
An article by Macik at el (2020) made the following claim about biofertilizers: “Biofertilizer is a substance containing live microorganisms which exhibit beneficial properties toward plant growth and development. Various mechanisms are used by microbial strains in order to enhance nutrient uptake, improve soil fertility and increase crop yields such as nitrogen fixation, potassium and phosphorus solubilization, excretion of phytohormones, production of substances suppressing phytopathogens, guarding plants from abiotic and biotic stresses and detoxification of below ground pollutants.” Essentially, biofertilizers not only provide the nutrients, but they also provide microbes that promote long term health of plants and soil.
Soil Microbes and Biofertilizers
The symbiotic relationship between organic fertilizers and soil microbes is essential for maintaining healthy soils. Organic fertilizers provide essential nutrients to plants while soil microbes break down organic matter into nutrients that plants can use. This process reduces the need for synthetic fertilizers and helps to maintain healthy soils. Bio-fertilizers enhance overall soil and plant health by fixing atmospheric nitrogen, solubilizing phosphorus and potassium, enhancing micro-nutrient solubilization and mobilization, suppressing plant diseases, and improving soil structure.
Conclusion
In conclusion, organic fertilizers and soil microbes have a symbiotic relationship that is essential for maintaining healthy soils and producing healthy crops. Soil microbes reduce the need for synthetic fertilizers by breaking down organic matter into nutrients that plants can use. Organic fertilizers provide essential nutrients to plants while improving soil fertility. Bio-fertilizers enhance overall soil and plant health by fixing atmospheric nitrogen, solubilizing phosphorus and potassium, enhancing micro-nutrient solubilization and mobilization, suppressing plant diseases, and improving soil structure. By using these natural methods of improving soil fertility, we can reduce the environmental impact of agriculture while producing healthier crops.
If you’re interested in determining if soil microbes would be beneficial for your plants or lawn, reach out to Algaeo today to get a soil test done and determine what the next best steps are for your growing needs.