When working in the field, any farm, whether it is a large agricultural company or a private farm, strives to get a high quality harvest. In this article, we will explain why Microbiome Profiling Test is important for soil health and fertility and tell you more about the advantages of this method. It is important to note that the soil consists of a large amount of microbiota, namely: bacteria, fungi, nematodes, protozoa.
Microbiome Profiling Test is a test of soil health and fertility, providing the most up-to-date information on the presence of potentially harmful microorganisms and bacteria in the soil that can cause plant diseases. Such a test will help to identify the cause of plant diseases, detect it, and most importantly – to identify, prevent effectively and eliminate the risks of crop losses and costs at an early stage.
Advantages of Microbiome Profiling Test:
Due to the correct and effective microbiome profiling testing, a farmer or agricultural business owner will have the following opportunities:
- Reduce crop losses caused by plant diseases;
- Save money and increase yields through proper application of plant protection products and fertilisers ;
- Increase the level of environmental friendliness of the grown crop;
- Identify the presence of beneficial microorganisms in soil that enhance plant growth and development, contribute to their resistance to diseases and other harmful factors. For example, nitrogen-fixing bacteria and rhizobacteria that promote plant growth;
- Monitor and determine soil quality features such as microbial biomass, enzyme activity and respiration rate, which will contribute to crop sustainability and productivity;
- Prevent the spread of diseases and pests that may be active in the soil. For example, fungal pathogens, nematodes, etc.
- Testing of the microbiome for phytopathogens allows you to know exactly what awaits the seed in the field where it is planned to be placed before you start planting it in the soil. This increases the predictability of the growing process, which helps to avoid “blind” problem solving.
- Once you see what pathogens are present in the field, you can select plant sorts and hybrids that will best match the growing conditions and therefore ensure a high quality crop.
Soil is a complex ecosystem, the biological components of this system are interconnected. Healthy soil has the right balance of soil microbiota profile.
The best way to know that your field has healthy soil that will ensure a good crop is to conduct a Microbiome Profiling Test so that you can make informed decisions on how to improve productivity and reduce the risk of crop loss in the future. To do this, you need be aware of the details of the correct balance of microbiota in the soil, to ensure, soil productivity & the ability of plants to resist diseases, harmful environmental factors, and as a result – high quality of the crop, and therefore better sustainability.