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Microbiology
The rock in
fecondo is finely crushed and blended with beneficial soil microbes and
other natural additives to make the nutrients plant available in the soil.
This process is known as ‘activation’ or ‘composting’. The
microbes colonise rapidly and can be seen growing on the rock within a few
days. When colonized enough, the rock is dried slowly, the microbes
sporilate (hibernate) ready for action when they hit moisture in the soil.
Natural nitrogen (protein) sources, carbohydrates, humic and fulvic acids,
natural hormones, vitamins and bio stimulants are the nature of the
additives.
Microbes in fecondo
The soil microbes that are added during the activation process of making fecondo include the following.
Streptomycetes - a strain of actinomycetes
(filamentous bacteria)
· This strain gives fecondo
fertiliser an earthy smell.
· These soil organisms need trace elements in order to
produce enzymes. They access these by excreting acids which break down the mineral rock. The enzymes they produce enable them to breakdown plant matter (carbohydrates, proteins and oils) that they require for growth and reproduction.
· Once consumed the nutrients are then excreted in a plant accessible form.
· This species produce over 500 antibiotic substances which are effective against pathogenic (anaerobic) microbes.
· Streptomycetes are particularly good at breaking down carbon for stubble digestion.
Trichoderma
spp. An ascomycetes fungi
&
VAM (Vesicular Arbuscular Mychorizonial) Fungi
· Both of these fungi colonise the rhizosphere (root zone).
· They create a protective layer of hyphae around the roots to ward off pathogen fungi.
· The hyphae extend out and act as root extensions to access water and nutrients more effectively.
· They excrete glomulin that binds soil particles together.
· The hyphae help to supply oxygen to and brake up compacted soil.
· Trichoderma & Vam have both been trialled and shown to reduce the problem of rhizoctonia.
· VAM holds soluble P in it’s vesicles
Azotobacter - soil inhabiting bacteria
· Work with nutrients to create nodules on plants that can fix nitrogen from the atmosphere using the enzyme nitrogenase.
· When lots of carbohydrates and minerals are present in the soil an increase of azotobacter occurs which in turn increases Nitrogen supply.
(There are many more strains of bacteria and fungi present in smaller amounts but these are the main ones which are known to have a beneficial affect.)
view the research
Microbes in
the soil
The Australian climate and European
agricultural and horticultural practices mean that microbiology is
generally lacking in our soils. This is why we have created a product
which supplies essential nutrients and micro biology which enables the
plants to use the nutrients. It is not a new concept but the whole
understanding of soil biology and nutrient balance is quite complex and
there are parts of it which elude many people in the industry.
There are millions and millions of microbes naturally present in soil,
plants, animals
and people. Certain types are beneficial (mainly aerobic) and others
are harmful (mainly anaerobic).
Just like the human gut, it is important to have more beneficial ones
than harmful ones in order to have healthy soil and for plants and to
avoid disease and infection. Soil microbes perform many roles and can be
classed into groups.
The microbes in fecondo will not only
activate the nutrients present in the Tarcowie Rock Phosphate but they
will also assist the plants to access other nutrients which may be in the
soil already from previous fertilizing and general soil composition. The
microbes can be encouraged and helped to flourish so they can continue
doing this digestion process on an ongoing basis.
Nutrient
converters & holder’s:
Breakdown rock particles and
convert nutrients such as Phosphorous, Calcium, Manganese, Silica, Zinc,
Copper etc. into plant soluble form using acid secretions and hold for
later use by the plant. These microbes prevent the tie up of expensive
fertilisers.
Decomposers:
Convert organic matter from crop residue and manures into organic
carbon available to the plant. Increase in carbon improves water and
nutrient holding capacity.1 part Biologically active Carbon holds 4 parts
water.
Nitrogen fixers: Some of these microbes convert Nitrogen
from organic matter and others can interact with plants (mainly legumes)
to convert Nitrogen gas from the atmosphere into plant available form.
Root extenders and soil aerators: Microbial filaments
called hyphae act as extensions to the roots. The surface area of the root
system becomes much greater allowing for far better access to moisture and
nutrients from the soil. This extended root system acts to aerate the soil
also.
Growth stimulators: A number of microbes produce natural
plant stimulants like enzymes, vitamins and acids which are necessary for
growth and vigor. This reduces the need for Nitrogen.
Protectors: Various microbes protect the plant by
forming an external protection layer over the root system. Others produce
antibiotics which work on pathogenic microbes (which are mainly anaerobic)
like pythium, rhizoctonia and fusarium.
Soil binders: Secretions from different microbes help
to form soil aggregates which improves soil structure.
Retaining Microbe Activity
The success of a bio(microbe)-inoculant depends on:
1. The number of spores being applied to the soil.
2. The method of application (best if well incorporated into soil).
3. Ready access to nutrients required for colonization (especially C & N).
4. Access to chloride free H2O (require some soil moisture).
5. The pH of the soil (slightly alkaline is best).
6. Oxygen levels in the soil.
7. The use of fungicides or fertilisers containing chloride.
All of these factors affect the ability of soil microbes to successfully colonise, survive and perform their function in the soil. If the soil dries out the microbes sporilate
(produce spores) to ensure the regeneration of their species when moisture is once again available just as field mushrooms do.
There are some fungicides which can be used without being detrimental to trichoderma but there are a few which are incompatible. The trichoderma is
sensitive to fungicides benomyl, imazilil, propiconazol, tebuconazole and triflumizole. Check the active ingredients before use. If a fungicide has to be used apply fecondo 14 days after it’s use.
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