Welcome back to the third installment of Sow, Grow, and Know. This series unravels the transformative role of Soileos in modern agriculture. Having previously discussed the unique mode of action and soil health transformation, we now focus on one of the most crucial components of fertile soils - the soil microbiome. In this post, we look at the symbiotic relationship between Soileos and soil microbiomes.
The Unsung Heroes: Soil Microbiomes
The soil microbiome, a diverse and complex community of microorganisms living within the soil, plays a pivotal role in agriculture. These tiny organisms, which include bacteria, fungi, viruses, and algae, are the engines of soil fertility. They contribute to nutrient cycling, breaking down organic matter (like cellulose) into plant-available nutrients, improving soil structure, and even protecting plants against diseases.
The Synergy Between Soileos and the Soil Microbiome
Soileos, our innovative crop nutrition solution, harnesses the power of cellulose, a carbon-rich substrate, to rejuvenate your soil and provide essential nutrients to your crops. By acknowledging the significant influence of the soil microbiome, our technology actively partners with these beneficial microorganisms, creating a harmonious collaboration. Through its unique formulation, Soileos creates an optimal environment that nurtures the growth and activity of soil microbes—acting upon the existing symbiotic relationship between the microorganisms and plant roots. Soileos enhances nutrient availability, stimulates root development, and improves plant health.
Unlike conventional fertilizers that dissolve in water, risking nutrient leaching and wastage, Soileos leverages the power of the soil microbiome to deliver essential nutrients to crops. Its cellulose-based technology binds essential nutrients to cellulose fibres, forming a water-insoluble bond. This bond remains intact until soil microbes decompose the cellulose, releasing the nutrients directly to the root zone where they are most needed.
By harnessing the capabilities of the soil microbiome, Soileos ensures a slow and consistent release of nutrients, perfectly aligned with plant uptake. This approach prevents nutrient wastage and optimizes nutrient delivery. Moreover, as the microbes break down the cellulose in Soileos, they multiply and diversify, creating a more vibrant and resilient soil microbiome.
The abundance of microbial biomass is critical in maintaining a thriving soil microbiome. Soileos plays a pivotal role in increasing microbial biomass within the soil. As the population of beneficial microbes flourishes, they contribute to soil fertility, nutrient cycling, and soil structure improvement. Microbes efficiently break down organic matter, releasing essential nutrients that become readily available for plant uptake. The increase in microbial biomass facilitated by Soileos fosters a healthier soil ecosystem, ensuring long-term sustainability and productivity.
Soileos embodies the convergence of technology and nature, working harmoniously with the soil microbiome to support healthier soils, thriving crops, and a sustainable future. By understanding and leveraging these complex interactions, we can pave the way for agricultural practices that nurture our crops and the invaluable ecosystems beneath them.
Microbial Biomass Increase: A Win for Soil Health and Nutrient Delivery
The increase in microbial biomass facilitated by Soileos has far-reaching implications for soil health and nutrient delivery. With Soileos, growers can experience a markable increase in microbial biomass and activity, leading to a more vibrant and diverse soil microbiome. This enhanced microbial activity is crucial in nutrient cycling, improving soil structure, increasing water-holding capacity, and improving aeration. The result is robust root growth, enhanced plant health, and improved crop yields.
How do we know it works?
In collaboration with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), we conducted research trials in 2020 to explore the mode of action of Soileos with a focus on microbial activity. When Soileos was applied as fertilizer, the naturally present microbes thrived, consuming organic carbon from cellulose, leading to a significant increase in their microbial biomass carbon. In this process, they also consumed cellulose-bound micronutrients such as zinc. The AAFC studies revealed an impressive microbial biomass increase of more than 20% with Soileos compared to the control (Figure 1).
Additionally, a diverse and thriving soil microbiome, supported by increased microbial biomass, has the advantage of outcompeting plant pathogens. This natural defence mechanism helps reduce the risk of diseases and promotes a healthier crop. By harnessing the power of Soileos, growers can create an optimal environment for nutrient availability, root development, and crop productivity while fostering a resilient and disease-resistant agricultural ecosystem.
With Soileos, you address nutrient deficiencies and unlock the full potential of your soil microbiome, leading to sustainable farming. EIntegrate Soileos into your farming operation to witness the transformative impact on your crops and soil health.
Read more about our mode of action in this white paper
A Glimpse into the Future
The partnership between Soileos and the soil microbiome creates a harmonious symphony that merges nutrient provision, soil health improvement, and environmental sustainability. However, this is just a snapshot of what Soileos brings.
As we continue to explore the multifaceted benefits of Soileos, our next installment will delve into the global issue of micronutrient deficiencies and showcase how Soileos is making a tangible impact on international farming practices.
