Microbes aren’t always damaging! They can be pretty helpful to your farm and garden soil – resulting in a better, higher-quality yield. The question is: How can you harness these powerful elements? Do they make the difference between an average harvest and a bumper crop?
We’re here to answer all your questions about microbes in farming soil and will show you what benefits you can gain from inoculation.
What do microbes do in soil?
Microbes offer plenty of work and benefits to your farming soil. Here are just a few perks you can expect after investing in high-quality soil enhancements:
1. Oxygenation and chemical balance
Your plants need oxygen to grow. Soil carries its level of natural oxygenation, which the presence of microbes in the soil can influence. Pennsylvania State University has shown compelling data that up to one gram of soil can contain up to several billion bacterial strains and forms, all of which work symbiotically to increase soil quality and balance chemical levels for optimal growth. Farmers and growers can leverage this natural occurrence to their benefit by supplementing soil with microbe-based enhancers or mediums to encourage natural growth.
2. Breakdown
Wastage happens as a part of the growing process. Plants may shed off residues as they grow and advance through the developmental stages, or they may lose actual pieces of themselves in the process – such as part of their leaf and stem structure. When this happens, natural decomposers (such as slugs and snails), and the bacteria in the soil itself can come together and quickly break down the organic matter; keeping your soil free from harmful mold overgrowth and excessive or imbalanced bacteria.
3. Carbon regulation
Carbon is the top molecule that facilitates life. However, left out of balance, it may cause excessive carbon dioxide (CO2) release into the atmosphere; or excessive wastage and plant loss, respectively. Balancing the carbon in your soil is essential to your plant growth potential, and is most effectively done by encouraging the growth and self-regulation of microbes in your soil. They work overtime to naturally “turn over” your soil and offer new, balanced sources of critical growth elements such as nitrogen, carbon, and phosphorus. Strategically supplementing your bacterial colonies can only benefit you in your garden.
Worm Power offers sustainable ways to support your growth strategy
Whether you’re a small farm, commercial grower or gardener who wants to take their crops to the next level, Worm Power has resources and products to help. For more information about how you can leverage the Engine of Nature, please visit our website.
