The Benefits of Microbial and Bioactive Soil Amendments

Introducing beneficial microbes and organic or inorganic compounds can work wonders in improving overall soil health. Microbes enhance the soil structure, promote root and plant growth, improve crop health, increase water dynamics which can reduce salt and drought stress, prevent the loss of nutrients, increase the uptake of nutrients and water, and protect against disease and pests. 

Bacteria are less than 5 µm in size and can only be seen using a microscope. There are as many as 1 to 100 million bacteria per gram of soil. They have a wide range of functions in the soil and are the main agents for breaking down organic material and recycling nutrients in the soil.

Bacteria, microbes, and other organisms in the soil act as biofilters, decomposing many of the pollutants and pesticides in or added to the soil. The organisms in the soil are able to use some pesticides applied to the soil as a food substrate. This is referred to as biodegradation. Other organisms are able to tie up pollutants such as heavy metals, stopping them from being recycled in the soil ecosystem and ending up in the harvest.

With the demand and popularity of organic produce and crops, the use of non chemical naturally occuring soil amendments is at an all time high. Microbials do not replace standard fertilizers and nutrients, but work hand in hand with them to create a more dynamic soil where nutrients will remain bio-available. Breakthroughs in research exploring the potential of these products and a continued emphasis on sustainable agriculture is a driving factor in the growing awareness and popularity of natural microbial soil amendments. 

Here are two of our favorites: https://www.indoorvegan.com/international-bio-solutions/

Benefits of microbial and biological innoculants:

• Naturally Occuring: Organic & Non-GMO.
• Promotes Earthworm Activity.
• Improve Soil Tilth and Water Retention.
• Stronger Plants and Root System.
• Supports the natural soil microbiome.
• Faster Breakdown of compost.
• Improves Freeze & Drought Tolerance.
• Aid in soil remediation and overall health. 
• Lessens time in reclamation of fallow land.