Meet The Microbes

While microscopic, and mysterious, Microbes are everywhere.
Let me introduce you to them because Healthy Soil is Alive!

Did you know there are as many microbes in a teaspoon of soil as human beings on the planet! Beneficial Soil microbes play crucial roles in soil health that include, nutrient cycling, pest, disease, and weed suppression, soil structure building, water infiltration, and carbon sequestration. We raise them, quantify their numbers, and through an assessment can identify what is missing on your farm, garden, or landscape and help you return them so you can reap the benefits.

Here's the science and an easy to follow animation

Here's a video showing you what they look like real time.

Here is where you can find them!

Biologically Complete Compost, contains beneficial microbes, bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and nematodes in the correct numbers. It is chunky and clay like due to its high microbial density and moisture content and used to inoculate other composts, make extracts, and teas, and as a beneficial amendment to form microbial root symbiosis with seedlings. We offer compost for sale and compost making workshops. Call for pricing

Biologically Complete Compost Extract: Microbes are extracted from the surfaces of biologically complete compost and suspended in water. It is used as as soil drench to reintroduce microbes, inoculate other composts and mulches, or make tea. They go to work to consume undesirable spores, insect larvae, eggs, and protect against bad microbes in soil. We offer custom compost extract. Call for pricing.

Biologically Complete Compost Tea: Microbes are extracted from biologically complete compost and aerobically brewed with food to increase desired microbes. It is used as a foliar spray. These actively feeding microbes utilize their glues to adhere to leaves, stems, and branches in the desired ratios. They go to work to consume undesirable spores, insect larvae, eggs, and protect against bad microbes on plant surfaces. We offer custom brewed teas. Call for pricing.

Manure: Animal manure contains a mixture of beneficial and potentially harmful microorganisms. When properly composted or aged, manure can be a source of beneficial microbes for soil improvement.

Worm Castings: Earthworms are known to promote beneficial microbial communities in soil. Their castings (excrement) are rich in beneficial microorganisms, organic matter, and nutrients. Adding worm castings to soil can introduce these microbes and improve soil structure.

Crop Residues: Organic matter left on the field after crop harvest can serve as a substrate for beneficial microbes. The decomposition of crop residues by microbes contributes to soil organic matter and nutrient cycling.

Cover Crops: Plant roots interact with beneficial soil microbes, forming symbiotic relationships. Leguminous cover crops, for example, host nitrogen-fixing bacteria (such as Rhizobia) in root nodules, contributing to soil nitrogen levels. Various cover crop species can also promote mycorrhizal fungi associations, which benefit plant nutrient uptake.

Compost: Compost is a rich source of beneficial soil microbes. During the composting process, microorganisms break down organic materials, transforming them into nutrient-rich humus. When incorporated into soil, compost introduces a wide variety of beneficial microbes that can enhance soil fertility and health.

Rhizosphere: The rhizosphere is the region of soil directly influenced by plant roots. Beneficial microbes often thrive in this zone, as they can access root exudates, which are carbon compounds released by plants. These exudates serve as a food source for microbes, promoting their growth and activity.

Natural Soils: Beneficial soil microbes are naturally present in soils that haven't been compromised. Their abundance and diversity can vary depending on factors like soil type, climate, vegetation, and land use. Natural soils typically contain a diverse community of bacteria, fungi, archaea, and other microorganisms.

Fall Leaf Drop: Leaves are full of microbial life! Dropping debris is how Mother Nature adds and feeds her microbes. You'll know if it is beneficial, it will smell sweet like the forest floor. Warning, if it smells it fails, meaning it has gone "anaerobic" and may be hposting detrimental microbes.

Native Soils and Forests: Natural ecosystems, including forests and grasslands, harbor diverse communities of beneficial soil microbes. These environments can serve as sources of microbial inoculants for agricultural or restoration projects.

It's important to note that maintaining overall soil health, including good soil structure and organic matter content, can create a conducive environment for the proliferation of beneficial soil microbes. When introducing beneficial microbes into the soil the plant species, and the specific goals of the soil management practice should be taken into consideration. If you have a toxic legacy to correct, start with a Humic Acid application to chelate or lock up toxins and synthetics.

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