Microbebio® Q & A

What are soil microbes?

Microbes are single celled organisms found in the soil. They are diverse at metabolizing a variety of organic food sources and converting them into useable by-products for plant use.

 

What do soil microbes do to the soil?

Bacteria work to accelerate the breakdown of organic matter into inorganic material. This process is called nutrient recycling. Microorganisms are excellent recyclers of soil nutrients and minerals for improved plant uptake. A majority of nutrients are present in the soil in an insoluble form, unavailable for plant use. Microbes are the only organisms on earth that are able to convert them into plant useable forms for improved crop yield and soil health.

 

How do microbes help improve the soil on a long-term basis?

Microbes improve soil tilth, lessens soil compaction, and improves water channeling and aerification.  Additionally, the microbes are excellent nutrient recyclers and decomposers, resulting in an abundance of nutrients and minerals in the soil over a long-term period.  As a result, most, if not all the major and minor nutrients will increase in the soil horizon profile and will be available for new plant growth as well as carryover into the next planting season. Once microbial products are applied to soils consistently, microbial populations and CFU’s will increase exponentially.  This improves biodiversity and protection of the plants and roots.  The more CFU’s that are available in the soil then the more the plant will thrive and grow with a greater yield potential.

How does MicrobeBio help increase quality and yeild?

Increase Yield – MicrobeBio® microbes free the carbon and other essential nutrients by effectively breaking down and increasing the organic matter found in the soil. This balances soil pH and reduces soil salinity, returning them to biological circulation. Microbes also provide amino acids, which are the basic building blocks of proteins, in which other fertilizers don’t include. These amino acids are fundamental to maximize growth and to correct any nutrient deficiencies in the pant.

The Microbebio Symbiotic Cycle – Microbebio product helps increase photosynthesizes, giving more sunlight energy in the form of carbon compounds to increase the transfer of proteins, carbohydrates and nutrients into the root area. In return feeds the army of Microbebio beneficial bacteria in such a way that they will protect and stimulate crop growth and production. Microbebio product replenishes and exponentially increase the beneficial bacteria that have coexisted in the soil for millions of years to help enhance the symbiotic cycle for the plants. For example, microbes make essential elements such as nitrogen and phosphorus available in exchange for carbon provided by plants. MicrobeBio® microbes act as nutrient agent, allowing the plant to utilize more of the bio-available essential nutrients within the soil. Rather than being washed through the soil, or locked in a form plants cannot use, the plants can absorb these nutrients through the stem, leaves and root arbuscules. MicrobeBio® product helps in the assimilation of micro and macro nutrients supplied to the plants, promoting growth, promoting crop development, enhancing flowering fruit set, increasing quality and production, improving the color, size and consistency of the crop.

Do the microbes damage the soil?

No, microbes do not damage the soil, even in very high doses. In agriculture, the ‘salt index’ of a product determines how much damage to crop fertility will be done if a product is overapplied.  For example, Urea has a salt index of 74.4, DAP has a salt index of 29.2 whereas beneficial microbes have a salt index of 0.  As a result, beneficial Ag microbes have no potential to damage soils or crops, even at higher than recommended dosages.

 

What bacteria are involved in these microbes and what are their functions?

The MicrobeBio^® microbial line is diverse and takes into consideration the soil and climate requirements.  The microorganisms comprised in our products are carefully and scientifically selected to metabolize a wide scope of simple and complex polymers commonly found in different soil types, taking into consideration salinity and pH.  Our bacteria are within the groups of Bacillus, Paenibacillus, Diazotrophs (Nitrogen fixers), Streptomyces, Phosphaticum (Phosphorus releasers), Trichoderma, Saccharomyces and many other organisms that work to complete the soil food web cycle in the soil and to optimize plant nutrient uptake and utilization.  These microbes are superior at recycling nutrients in the soil all year long, providing timely nutrients to plants when they need it the most.  Additionally, a subset of microbes work in synergy to form a competitive exclusion perimeter surrounding the rootzone (rhizosphere) to protect the plant from disease and invaders.

 

What are functions of the microbes in MicrobeBio^®?

Our microbial products contain an unparalleled proprietary formula of 50+ strains of microorganisms.  The most notable difference between our line of microbial products and that of other manufacturers is encompassed in the following three words:   Bio-diversity, Endospores, and Equilibrium.

We have conducted rigorous lab and field compatibility studies in Africa, southeast Asia, and the U.S. to ensure the synergy and efficacy of this formula:

• Bio-Diversity: This chain of 50+ strains of bio-diverse microorganisms are critical for promoting nutrient cycling in soil when applied to the root zone or as a foliar treatment.
  • By contrast, mono-cultural strains (without diversity) are susceptible to environmental pathogens and more easily succumb to lysing, denaturation of their DNA, and death
  • The bio-active potential of these microbial spores (vs. “live” microbes which live and die), ensure a longer duration of nutrient uptake by plants throughout all phases of the growth cycle

 

• Endospores: Our products contain viable bacteria, sporulated via fermentation.
  • Rationale: Spores (vs. active cells) limit metabolism and catabolism, thereby increasing shelf life and minimizing excessive genetic mutation of bacterial cells, which can lead to mutant cells that do not perform the way they were intended.
  • Converting our products into endospores ensures fidelity (long-term activity), significantly reduces genetic mutations and stabilizes the quality of the product.
  • By contrast, the quality of viable (“live”/active) cells in a container risk jug expansion or compression due to excess metabolism or CO₂ production in the container.
  • Endospores are absolutely the preferred form due to their preservation, fidelity, quality assurance of performance in the field, and high shelf life.

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  • Equilibrium: After many QA trials, we believe that a heterogeneity of microbes promotes a prolonged duration of soil balance, resulting in season-long composting by the bacteria.
    • Biodiversity and redundancy allows for
      • Accelerated organic mineralization in the soil
      • Nutrient release
      • Perimeter protection against pathogens
      • Improved soil tilth leading to better air and water channeling

   

  Here is a partial list of our proprietary formula of microbial spores and their functions

  BENEFICIAL MICROBES

  Genus Azotobacter

  • Aids nitrogen fixation in association with non-leguminous plant roots in the presence of oxygen (which usually inhibits the nitrogen fixing enzymes). By contrast, others do so by consuming all oxygen sources within their immediate surroundings.
  • Increases uptake of N^3‑ (atmospheric nitrogen). Historically, microbes were discovered as the original mediator for N^3‑ Produces three enzymes, catalase, peroxidase and superoxide dismutases to neutralize reactive oxygen species.

  Genus Bacillus

  • Nutrient Decomposition: Assists resistance to environmental factors such as heat, desiccation, radiation and chemical attacks which can persist in the environment for long periods of time. The endospore is activated at times of nutritional stress, allowing the organism to persist in the environment until conditions become favorable.
  • Enzyme, Plant-Growth Hormones, Soil Structure: Produces enzymes, antibiotics, and small metabolites. It produces a variety of extracellular enzymes that are associated with the cycling of nutrients in nature.
  • C:N Ratio (Carbon & Nitrogen): Isolates the nitrate reductase enzyme to increase beneficial anaerobic respiration on nitrate. Additionally, oxidizes carbon monoxide aerobically.
  • Phosphate Solubilization: These microorganisms join together by polysaccharides on the cell wall to extract inorganic phosphorus from insoluble compounds. Used as a preventative measure to inoculate plants against pathogens. Also used in the making of penicillin and enzymes.
  • Lactic Acid Formation: Amends soil with organic materials for rapid microbial growth to significantly increase nutrient uptake.
  • Prophylactic: Boosts bacterium growth which prevents rhizoctonia and fusarium spores from germinating. Builds high resistance to environmental stresses including UV light exposure, desiccation and the presence of oxidizers.
  • Bio-pesticide: Functions as a natural insecticide and endotoxin in many insecticides and pesticides.

  Genus Paenibacillus

  • Nitrogen Fixation (conversion), nutrient cycling, soil structure: Capable of fixing (converting) nitrogen into a compound that is readily accessible by plants. The sources of less-accessible nitrogen (N₂) are found in soil, plant roots, marine sediments, and the atmosphere.
  • Prevents Pathogen Encroachment: Similar to other strains, these bacteria form bio-films on plant roots to produce exopolysaccharides (probiotics) which suppress pathogen proliferation (fights plant diseases) and induce systemic plant resistance.

  Genus Pseudomonas

  • Pathogen Reduction: Produces antimicrobial compound PCA-phenazine-1-carboxylic acid (C₁₃H₈N₂O₂) which prevents Rhizoctonia and Fusarium spores from germinating when applied to seedlings
  • Auto-Immune Disease Reduction: Via Aerobic Denitrification and Nitric oxide dis-mutation

  Genus Streptomyces

  • Significant Anti-biotic: Commonly found in soil and deep sea sediments. Demonstrates significant activity against organisms that cause plagues and diseases by producing antibiotics
  • Anti-fungal: Strong in-vitro antagonism against various fungal plant pathogens in plate assays by producing extracellular anti-fungal metabolites

  Genus Trichoderma

  • Strong preventative nematicidal (anti-worm) measure: Applied to root zone as an anti-fungal Penicillium which treats Botrylis and Fusarium.

   

  MYCORRHIZAE:

  Genus Glomus

  • Supports root extensions

  Genus Saccharomyces

  • A species of yeast involved in secretory pathways of antibodies against diseases

   

 

What beneficial processes do soil microbes carry out?

Soil microbes are important in cycling nutrients like carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus and sulfur. They also regulate the amount of nitrogen that is available to plants. It is through the actions of soil microbes that the nutrients in organic fertilizers are released for plants and used by other microbes. They also degrade pest control chemicals and other hazardous materials that reach the soil.

 

What kinds of microbes are found in a typical field or turf grass, and how abundant are they?

The most numerous microbes in soil are the bacteria actinomycetes, fungi, soil algae, cyanobacteria and protozoa. These microbes are generally in huge abundance and their combined mass is also quite large. (It can range from several hundred to thousands of pounds per acre).

 

What factors control the rates of growth and activities of soil microbes?

Generally, microbes grow best in soils that have a neutral pH (7.0), a balance of air and water filled pore space and abundant organic substrates. The most limiting factor for microbe growth in soil is the abundance of available organic carbon sources. The majority of microbes use organic carbon in order to oxidize it for energy and to build the organic constituents of their cell bodies.

 

What can we do to increase microbial activity in soil?

To increase activity, you need to create an optimal environment in terms of aeration, moisture, pH level and amount of organic substances needed to fuel the population. It’s also known that the number of microbes in soil is directly proportional to the organic matter content.

 

What replenishes nutrients in the soil?

Nutrients are replenished by certain different microorganisms that are found in the soil or also by the death of certain plants. The decaying plants tend to slowly break down into the basic soil nutrients over a period of time.

 

Will the microbes have a negative effect on the pH levels?

No, in fact the use of our microbial soil enhancer will balance the pH over time, creating optimum balance.

 

What treatment is there for soils that are acidic to make the microbes work effectively?

Organic fertilizers are optimal food sources for beneficial microbes to help them work more efficiently and effectively.  The organic fertilizers have a slow release characteristic to them that allow for season long feeding of the microbes.  Once the microbes begin to grow then they will reduce the pH of the soil as a natural byproduct of growth.  These pH reducers produced by bacteria help plants interact with their environment in a more effective and better way since plant roots prefer a pH soil environment.

 

What happens to the microbes when farmers harvest their crops?   

Some of the microbes get taken out with the plants, having formed a colony around the root ball, while other microbes in the soil remain alive in the organic layer and top soil layer. Many of these microbes die during the harvest process when they are disturbed, exposed to direct sunlight and the soil loses moisture. Therefore, the microbes need to be replenished in the soil so that nutrients can continue to be unlocked for the new planting season. Applying new microbes via MicrobeBio® every planting season ensures the soil remains fertile and alive. This is necessary for continuing the natural cycle of nitrogen fixation as well as unlocking the other nutrients in the soil.

 

How long do the microbes live in the soil?

Microbes live throughout the entire season and then start to gradually decline in number after you have harvested, as there is less sugar in the soil. Most of the bacteria will become dormant spores, but some will die off which is why it is a good idea to reapply the MicrobeBio^® soil enhancer in the next season.

 

How do these soil bacteria survive undesirable conditions such as salinity, drought, abiotic and biotic factors and PH? 

The microbes that MicrobeBio^® provides are stable and spore formers. These unique characteristics of our bacteria enable them to survive extreme environments like abiotic and biotic factors until better conditions present themselves.

 

Why should I add soil microorganisms, aren’t they already in my soil?

Over-used and over-fertilized soils tend to lose their microorganisms. They are also loss due to fires, floods, drought and freeze. Soils under these conditions can see up to 99% loss in their microorganisms which has a major role in the health of your soil and plants.

 

Do the microbes harm those already in the soil or upset the biodiversity?

Not at all! They are natural strains of microbes collected from natural soil of forests and we maintain the natural genomics in the laboratory so they will work with existing microbes to generate a far greater community in the rhizosphere, creating very strong, reliable soil. This will help the plants to access the nutrients already present.

 

Will the product have a mining effect on the soil’s nutrients?

No, our soil testing shows that your soils will improve dramatically, becoming more fertile and richer of nutrients year on year. Our microbes also increase the level of natural plant hormones in soil over time (by extra cellular secretion).

 

What are the benefits of healthy soil?

You will have reduced water usage, improved nutrient cycling, increased drought resistance, deeper root growth, improved soil structure and increased disease resistance.

 

How do microbes help to sustain life on earth?

Let’s first consider oxygen. Does the word “photosynthesis” come to mind? While we typically think of plants as producing the oxygen we breathe, they are only part of the equation. Were you aware that photosynthetic bacteria (called cyanobacteria) produce 50% of the oxygen we breathe? Yes, fifty percent!!! Half of the oxygen we breath is a result of microbes that lived billions of years ago.

 

How does the climate and weather patterns affect the microbes or soil?

Climates and soil types have a varying effect on soil biodiversity.  MicrobeBio^® is the first company to be able to answer this challenge through the use of its novel biochemical screening platform that identifies, characterizes and selects specific microbes in a soil profile for optimal use and application in specific climate regions.  Through our identification platform, we are able to rapidly isolate and optimize specific microbial biofertilizers for selective and optimal use.  Thus, what was previously a barrier is no longer a limitation to our microbial technology.

 

How can these bacteria help soil in the off-farming season or during winter?

The beneficial bacteria colonize the soil and reside in the small rock pores and structures within the soil.  Once the microbes form colonies, then they will become part of the overall microbiology profile in the soil.  Since the microbes excel at mineralizing nutrients from rock forms into plant usable forms, then a greater concentration of nutrients will be made available over the winter and will be available for rapid use by the Spring planting season.

 

Would a drought affect or kill the microbes?

Far from it, the microbes will continue to multiply exponentially. And remain living in both layers of soil. At the time of drought, it provides support to plants and rhizosphere with their hormones and water retention capacity.

What exactly is MicrobeBio^® soil enhancer?

MicrobeBio^® Soil Enhancer is a formulation of beneficial microbes that complement each other to promote soil quality and plant health.

 

Where do the organisms in MicrobeBio^® come from?

MicrobeBio^® soil enhancer contains natural occurring soil microorganisms. These microorganisms are isolated from soils using special techniques.

 

Are the organisms in MicrobeBio^® genetically modified?

No, all the organisms in MicrobeBio^® are found naturally in the soil.

 

What are the agricultural benefits of MicrobeBio^® Soil Enhancer?

Correct application and usage of our products can lead to significant increases in crop yields and reduce fertilizer use by up to 100%. MicrobeBio^® Soil Enhancer is also safe for humans, animals and the environment.

 

What kind of crops can MicrobeBio^® Soil Enhancer be used on?

MicrobeBio^® Soil Enhancer can be used for any crop. Application, number of applications and concentration can vary by type of crop.

 

What is the best time of day to apply MicrobeBio^® soil enhancer?

The morning to early afternoon is the best time to apply the soil enhancer.

 

Do MicrobeBio^® soil enhancer products need to be applied every year?

It is recommended to apply MicrobeBio^® soil enhancer annually to reinforce microorganisms in the soil and to protect the plant rhizosphere.

 

How does MicrobeBio^® soil enhancer improve poor soil?

MicrobeBio^® soil enhancer releases trapped nutrients and makes it available to plants. It also produces agglomerations with clay in the soil which leads to healthier soil and better organic matter in the soil.

 

What does 10 to 12th power mean?

Our MicrobeBio^® soil enhancers guarantee at least 2.0 x 10¹² CFU/Gallon of beneficial agriculture microbials.  That is around 2 trillion bacteria ready to work in your soil.

 

How much deeper will water penetrate my soil when I use MicrobeBio^® soil enhancer on my fields?

MicrobeBio^® will drastically increase how deep water penetrates the soil. A recent sample from a field that was treated with MicrobeBio^® for 10 days showed that water was penetrating almost 12 inches into the soil. While another field under the same conditions, but without MicrobeBio^®, only penetrated 5 inches of soil.

 

How does MicrobeBio^® reduce the effects of soil salinity?

When put into the soil the bacteria will start multiplying which breaks down organic matter and transforms it into organic acids. The acids then start to combine with various matter in the soil including salt. This is known as chelating. Chelation is when a coating is formed around matter such as salt or metals. This coating allows plants to absorb more nutrients from it while taking in less salt. As the bacteria continues to multiply and chelate, water starts to penetrate deeper which causes salt to move downward. This chain reaction allows water to reach deeper in the soil while also removing salt from topsoil and moving it deeper into the ground giving your plants access to more nutrients.

 

Are there any restrictions for MicrobeBio^® Soil Enhancer use?

There are no minimum restrictions on the amount of water required per acre. There are no grazing restrictions or waiting periods after application.

 

Why did some of my plants/ fields turn a little yellow after I first applied MicrobeBio^®?

Some slight yellowing or wilting might occur when you first apply MicrobeBio^®. This happens when MicrobeBio^® is put into fields that has previous compost that has not been processed yet. The bacteria begin to break down the old compost, which deprives the plants of some nutrients like nitrogen. After a few weeks the nutrients is put back into the soil and your plants will return better than ever.

 

How should MicrobeBio^® Soil Enhancer be stored?

Due to our unique manufacturing process, our powder products can be stored unopened for up to 5 years. MicrobeBio® soil enhancer should be stored indoors if possible, in a well-ventilated area, and can be stored for up to two years at temperatures between 40F and 85F. Protect it from freezing, as freezing will diminish the products performance.

 

What is the shelf life of these soil bacteria? 

Liquid (minimum 2 years) and powder (minimum 5 years).

 

Can MicrobeBio^® work with any soil?

Yes, MicrobeBio^® has a proprietary testing and formulation platform that enables it to produce and customize product formulations specific to the changing climates and soil types.

 

Does MicrobeBio^® work on sandy soils?

Yes, MicrobeBio® will work in sandy soils providing you apply our products with organic matters such as well-rotted manure, finished compost, wood chips, biochar, hay or straw with MicrobeBio’s products until the soil returns to normal health.  At that time, you can use our products normally.

 

To till or not till

As per research done by many different organizations, no till is very beneficial for micro-flora of soil. While MicrobeBio® doesn’t require tilling, if you insist on tilling your soil, we recommend secondary tilling only for best results and for long term effects for the next crop season.

 

Can these products be used in a hydroponics system or other soilless media?

Typically, these products will benefit the biological processes in all operations that grow plants. For more detailed information feel free to contact us.

 

What is the advantage of using MicrobeBio^® soil enhancer vs. chemical fertilizers?

MicrobeBio^® soil enhancer doesn’t contain any salt or other toxins that could damage the soils natural nutrients. Chemical fertilizers contain high levels of salt and other toxins that do not benefit the soil or plants and could cause more harm than good in the long run.

 

What differences are there between chemical and organic fertilizers?

Chemical/conventional fertilizers are typically derived from petroleum and oil sources.  These are synthetic, manmade chemicals that convert petroleum hydrocarbons into a nutrient-salt complex.  Once applied to the soil, these salt complexes break up and a portion of them are quickly locked into the soil, becoming insoluble and unusable, whereas the remaining percentage leach into rivers, ponds and other bodies of water causing pollution and eutrophication (algae overgrowth). Organic fertilizers do not contain nutrient-salt complexes but are loaded with organic material that slowly releases for season long nutrient absorption by crops.  The conversion of the organic fertilizer into plant usable nutrients is facilitated by microorganisms.  Microbes are the only species on earth that can convert nutrients in the soil into forms that plants can use.  No other chemicals or mechanisms are able to perform the functions of beneficial bacteria.  This is the reason why organic fertilizers and beneficial bacteria are essential to soil health and crop production.

 

What are the benefits of organic fertilizers?  Soil, plant, and human benefits?

Organic fertilizers are superior to conventional fertilizers in the marketplace because of their low risk profile and use.  Organic fertilizers improve soil structure, water and air channeling in the soil that directly improve soil and plant health.  Also, organic fertilizers are stable, do not leach into the water table or rivers and are considered slow release.  Their slow release characteristics allow them to be a reliable food source for crops and plants all season long. Due to the application of organic fertilizers and beneficial microbes, the mineral and nutrient content that has long been “locked” in the soil will be released into the plant.  As a result, mineral, vitamin and nutrient content in crops, vegetables and fruits will be increased over time.  This will directly and positively affect human health and the overall health of the population.

 

Do inorganic fertilizers and other chemical inputs harm the soil’s microbial population?

There is a misconception that chemical fertilizers will kill off microbes or sterilize the soil. Since there are so many types of microbes in the soil it would be extremely hard to exterminate all the microbes. Certain applications such as ammonia can cause reductions of microbial numbers in the immediate vicinity, but this quickly equilibrates with soil solutions in the form of ammonium ions.

 

Why are biological products more variable in producing desired results?

Each soil has its own microbial population that is selected by the biotic and abiotic factors unique to that soil. This makes it difficult to add or displace microorganisms to a system. This means each soil has a stable community of microbes which makes it hard to get consistent results from biological products used across different soils.

 

Why is organic important? What is the key challenge that the agricultural industry faces today?

There is a growing demand for organic agriculture farming products due to the overuse of chemical fertilizers and pesticides which has stripped the soil of its natural nutrients. The use of organic fertilizers will restore the soil back to its natural state and provide healthier and stronger plants.

 

What products can you grow using organic fertilizer?  Ex: wheat, corn (maize), soya beans, vegetables, tomatoes, etc.

There are no limits to the types of crops available for treatment with organic biofertilizers.  All crops and soil types are accessible and can be improved through microbial action in the soil.  The end result will be enhanced soil tilth, and improved microbial biodiversity throughout the rootzone.

 

How does the cost compare with chemical fertilizers?

The cost of organic fertilizers is more favorable then chemical fertilizers. Organic fertilizers are more cost effective because they contain short and long season nutrient release properties.

 

What is the yield difference in farms using chemical fertilizer and organic fertilizer per hectarage?

Crop yield improvements increase annually as the soil health is restored to a greater balance and microbial colonization in the soil is increased.  Typical yields can range from 20-75% over conventional fertilizers.

 

How does too much chemical fertilization affect the contents of the soil over time?

Chemical/conventional fertilizers have an extremely high salinity associated with them.  As a result, over salting of the soil is common in conventional fertilizer applications. The NPK nutrients in chemical fertilizers are highly available once put down in soils, however there has been much research that has proven only 30% of all nutrients in synthetic fertilizers are used by plants.  The remainder of the NPK and micronutrients are either leached into water tables or volatilize into the atmosphere.  This is not a desirable outcome and has proven time after time to cause environmental pollution in water, soil and air.

 

Are there any risks involved with MicrobeBio^® organic fertilizers?

No risks exist by using organic fertilizers produced by MicrobeBio^®.  All fertilizer inputs and beneficial microbes are naturally derived, non-GMO and beneficial to the environment and ecosystem.

 

If I premix with organic matter, how long do I have to use it?

If the organic matter has a moisture content of less than 15% then you have at least a year to use it otherwise you should use it within 3 to 6 months.

 

 Can you use chemical pesticides/insecticides with our products?

You cannot mix chemical pesticides or insecticides with our product at application point as the chemicals will harm the microbes and kill them. However, 5 days after application of our Organic Soil Enhancers you may use chemical pesticides, herbicides and insecticides as our microbes will have moved in to the second layer of the soil and will increase their population, meaning the application of these chemical products will not have the same effect on them.

 

Can MicrobeBio^® provide solutions to challenges such as army worms or persistent pests? 

Yes MicrobeBio^® has identified and is able to supply biological solutions for common insect pests, including most piercing and sucking insects and the army worm.

 

How many strains of organisms in our nematode products are saprophytic?

Saprophytic means they encumber all carbon sources, crop residue and dead roots in the soil.  4 out of 5 strains of nematode are strong saprophytes.

 

How many days are in the plant parasitic nematodes life cycle?

Pathogenic nematodes life cycles are approximately 30 days.

 

How many days do the nematodes protect the root? And what percentage of the root is protected? 

The biological nematode bacteria will protect the root for the first 2 days after they have been applied to the soil and root zone.  The bacteria are able to control and reduce damage to the roots by >75% – 85%.  It is important to apply when planting or very soon after planting to protect the germinating plant.  The first 45 days of a plant’s life cycle are the most important because of its immature immune system.

 

Do our nematode products kill nematode species such as Ring, Stunt, Stubby Root, Lance, Sheath, Dagger, Cyst, Root Knot, Spiral, Lesion, Sheathold and Sting? Would you please provide us with what general microbes will help protect against these? 

Yes, the bacteria are proven to control and protect the plants against all of the nematodes mentioned above.  The Bacilli bacteria is one of the primary nematodes for controlling bacteria.

 

Are the products safe for children and pets when applied to the ground?

Yes, our products are 100% safe for pets and children.

 

Do I need to wear protective gear when handling these products?

No, protective gear is not needed when handling our products.

 

Is MicrobeBio^® a fertilizer?

MicrobeBio^® is not technically a fertilizer, it is a biological soil conditioner. MicrobeBio^® breaks down unusable matter in the soil so the plants can use it as nutrition and also increases the fertility of the soil.

 

Do I need any fertilizer?

It is good to add fertilizer at the same time, so you can accelerate the bacteria into their growth phase. Once they begin to divide, they will start to convert unusable matter into nutrients for the plants and will require less fertilizer.

 

Can I use too much MicrobeBio^®?

Not really. We have had farmers use up to 6 times the recommended amount on troubled soil and they have had success with it. They believe the decrease in tractor time and water consumption more than pays for the heavy usage.

 

Can You administer chlorinated Water with MicrobeBio’s products?

You can use chlorinated water with the product providing the water has been standing for over 48 hours in open storage, to allow chlorine gas time to disperse, or use vitamin C to neutralize chlorine in the water before synthesizing the formula.  This method can be used for both diluting or irrigating crops.

 

Do MicrobeBio^® Products Help with Water Retention?

Yes, our products help the soil retain water, leading to a water saving of up to 50%.  Water retention increases because the microbial activity of our microbes in the soil increase the organic carbon and other organic content. Organic carbon and other contents increase the water retention of soil over time.

 

Why is MicrobeBio^® better than compost?

MicrobeBio^® has several advantages over compost. Including:

• Healthier, sturdier plants.
• Healthier soil.
• Reduces soil erosion and nutrient runoff.
• Greater resistance to pest and disease.
• Improved water efficiency and holding capacity resulting in decreased water needs.

Composting also has many shortcomings compared to MicrobeBio^®. Compost cannot usually be used on a commercial basis due to lack of materials, while MicrobeBio^® can be used on any plot of land small or large. Compost can carry risk of bacteria such as salmonella. MicrobeBio^® only introduces beneficial bacteria and microbes that feed of off bad bacteria. Composting creates salinity problems which can have negative impacts on the health of your soil. MicrobeBio^® is designed to combat salinity and make your soil healthier to produce bigger and healthier crops.

 

How is MicrobeBio different? 

Our unique manufacturing process leads to a much higher microbe count in our products and subsequently higher effectiveness compared to other products. All MicrobeBio® products are manufactured in a pharmaceutical grade facility. The way we package our products also creates much better efficiency and low rates of contamination when compared to other products. We also supply our products at a better price point and provide an ongoing agronomic service, with soil testing/analysis and contact with our scientists to make sure our products deliver for our customers.

 

Does MicrobeBio^® soil enhancer products solve Carbon Dioxide problems? 

Yes, the bacteria are able to take carbon atoms from organic compounds and convert them into organic acid chains.  This means that they can take the carbon atoms from CO₂ and link them together into organic acids that plants can benefit from in the soil. The bacteria decrease CO₂ during carbon cycling and sequestration.

 

How does carbon sequestration work from our products?

C-C-C-C linkages occur to remove Carbon from CO₂ before it emits the CO₂ into the atmosphere.  This directly reduces CO₂ and carbon.

 

What percentage of current CO₂ emission can be directly traced to industrial and conventional agriculture practices? 

There have been several government studies that attribute a large proportion of CO₂ emissions coming from Agricultural practices as well as from other industries like power plants. In the US, the EPA is expected to regulate CO₂ emissions much more strictly in the near future, so this is an important topic in the US as well.

 

 

What are Microbial Inoculants?

Microbial inoculants are microorganisms that are added to the soil. The idea behind this is that adding more microorganisms will change the indigenous microbial community. Since microbes are the first stage of the food web, microbial inoculants change the dynamics of the soil.

 

What’s the difference between microbial inoculants, biofertilizers, soil inoculants, biological soil amendments, soil probiotics, and probiotic fertilizers?

There isn’t much difference between any of these. They all describe the process of adding beneficial microorganisms to soil to improve soil quality and improve the health of the plants.

 

What is humus?

Various organisms breakdown organic and mineral materials in the soil by enzymatic action and by taking the materials in as nutrients and metabolizing them further. Most of the breakdown products are used as nutrients by the plants. The breakdown products that are not used as nutrition become resistant to further decomposition and are more or less stabilized. This stabilized product is known as humus.

 

What is humin?

Humin is a highly condensed humic substance. It is an extremely stable material with a half-life that can extend into centuries. It is highly resistant to microbial attacks.

 

What do humic substances do for the soil?

They increase absorption of minerals, increase absorption of organic compounds, increase the water holding capacities of the soil, increase the soils buffering capacity and they darken the color of the soil.

 

What is the impact of humic acids, molasses and sugar added directly to the soil, rather than adding bacteria?

The addition of sugars directly to soil is usually a mistake.  The reason is that soil imbalances commonly occur as a result of numerous biotic and abiotic factors in the environment.  Also, after crop harvest an imbalance and deficiency in nutrients is commonly seen in the soil due to crop uptake throughout the season.  These deficiencies reduce the number of beneficial bacteria living in the rootzone.  As a result, much research has proven that opportunistic pathogenic fungi like Pythium, Rhizoctonia, Phythopthora, and Fusarium take over the field and are present in high numbers prior to next season’s planting.  Since fungi are microscopic, the grower is unable to determine that his soil is infected with crop pathogens and plants new seedlings into infected soils.  Adding molasses and sugars to imbalanced soils is a very bad idea because the sugars will work to proliferate the pathogens in the soil prior to seed planting and germination.  Therefore, MicrobeBio^® always recommends treating soils with our beneficial and highly scientific bacteria first to control soil pathogens and to protect the sensitive seedling as it begins to germinate.

 

What is Leonardite and how is it used?

Leonardite is a mined product that can contain up to 85% humic substances depending on the source and the processing. It contains both humic and fulvic acids. It is sold as a combination fertilizer, soil amendment and biological stimulant. The rate of application is important as adding to much can tie-up soil nutrients and reduce their availability to plants.

 

What are soil polysaccharides?

Polysaccharides are non-humic polymers that have sugar like structures and they help stabilize soil aggregates and contribute to soil tilth. Around 25% of the humus in soil is in this form. They are less complex and less resistant to microbial attacks than other materials of the humic group.

  

Questions of Soil Borne Pathogens

 

Do your products solve the problem of soil borne pathogens?

Yes absolutely.  The bacteria we include in the bio fungal packages is very strong at containing and killing off fungal pathogens.

 

What microbes will work on soil borne pathogens in general?

Many of the bacteria in our packages such as Actinomycetes, Pseudomonas and Bacillus work against soil borne pathogens.

 

You answered that your MicrobeBio^® soil enhancer products can take Carbon Atoms from CO₂ and link them together into beneficial organic acids that plants can utilize. Based upon that, what is the percentage increase of organic carbon in soil after 3 months, 6 months…?

Our customers really need to know the analysis of this information.  It can vary by type of soil and the original organic matter in the soil.  However, if a healthy dosage of microbes is added to the soil, then it is not unreasonable to see improvements up to 15% – 60% over the course of a year or year and a half. It can be sooner if multiple treatments are applied.