There are several reasons why farmers may want to add NLAg to their soil:
1. To improve soil structure: Microbes can help to break down organic matter in the soil, leading to the formation of a crumbly, well-structured soil that is more conducive to plant growth.
2. To increase nutrient availability: Many microbes are involved in the process of nutrient cycling, which is the process by which nutrients are made available to plants. By adding microbes to the soil, farmers can help to increase the availability of nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
3. To promote plant growth: Some microbes are known to produce plant growth hormones or other substances that can stimulate plant growth.
4. To suppress plant diseases: Some microbes are known to produce substances that can inhibit the growth of plant pathogens, helping to suppress plant diseases.
5. To improve soil health: By promoting a diverse and healthy microbial community in the soil, farmers can help to improve the overall health and fertility of their soil, leading to better crop yields.
Yes, adding NLAg to the soil can potentially decrease the amount of fertilizer required. Certain types of microbes, such as nitrogen-fixing bacteria, can help to make nutrients more available to plants by breaking down organic matter and releasing nutrients into the soil. This process, known as nitrogen fixation, can help to reduce the need for synthetic nitrogen fertilizers.
Some types of microbes, such as rhizobia, can form symbiotic relationships with certain plants, such as legumes, and help them to take up nitrogen from the air and fix it in the soil. This can also help to reduce the need for synthetic nitrogen fertilizers.
In addition to nitrogen-fixing microbes, there are other types of microbes that can help to make other nutrients more available to plants, such as phosphorus and sulfur.
It's important to note that while adding microbes to the soil can potentially decrease the amount of fertilizer required, it's not a replacement for fertilizers in all cases. Soil microbes alone may not be sufficient to provide all of the nutrients that plants need to grow, and in some cases, additional fertilizers may still be necessary. It's also important to use appropriate application rates and timing for any fertilizers that are used, in order to minimize the potential for negative impacts on the environment.
Beneficial fungi can be a useful addition to soil. These fungi form symbiotic relationships with plants, providing them with nutrients and protecting them from certain diseases. This can lead to improved plant growth and health.
There are many types of beneficial fungi that can be applied to soil, including mycorrhizae, rhizobia, and Trichoderma.
NLAg contains both beneficial bacteria and beneficial fungi.
It is generally recommended to apply microbes to soil at the beginning of the growing season, as this is when plants are starting to actively grow and can benefit most from the added microbes. However, it is also possible to apply microbes at other times of the year, such as during the preparation of beds for planting or as a way to enhance the decomposition of organic matter in the soil such as after harvest to help decompose stubble.
Humic-Ag is a type of organic matter that can be added to soil to improve its fertility and structure. There are several reasons why farmers might choose to add Humic-Ag to their soil:
Improves soil structure: Humic-Ag can help to improve the structure of soil by increasing its water-holding capacity, reducing compaction, and improving aeration. This can make the soil more conducive to root growth and improve crop yields.
Increases nutrient availability: Humic-Ag can help to make nutrients in the soil more readily available to plants, which can improve their growth and health.
Enhances soil fertility: Humic-Ag can help to increase the overall fertility of the soil by providing a source of nutrients and improving the soil's structure.
Reduces soil erosion: Humic-Ag can help to reduce soil erosion by increasing the soil's water-holding capacity
Trace minerals and elements are essential for plant growth and development. They are required in small amounts, but they play important roles in a variety of physiological processes, including photosynthesis, respiration, enzyme function, and the synthesis of hormones and other compounds.
Adding TM-90 to the soil can help to improve soil fertility and promote healthier plant growth. For example, adding zinc can help to improve crop yields and resistance to diseases, while adding boron can help to improve the quality of fruit and increase the uptake of other nutrients.
It is important to use trace minerals and elements responsibly and according to the recommendations of a soil test or a knowledgeable agricultural professional, as applying too much of certain trace minerals and elements can have negative impacts on plant growth and the environment.
Microbes, including bacteria and fungi, play an important role in breaking down plant material in agriculture. In the case of stubble, or the leftover plant stalks and roots left in a field after harvest, microbes can help decompose this material, making it easier for the soil to absorb nutrients and improving soil structure. This process, known as stubble decomposition, is an important part of maintaining healthy soil and improving crop yields.
There are many different types of microbes that can contribute to stubble decomposition, including bacteria, fungi, and protozoa. These microbes break down the complex organic compounds in the stubble into simpler molecules, such as sugars and amino acids, which can then be taken up by the soil and used by plants.
Stubble decomposition can be enhanced by several factors, including the presence of moisture and oxygen in the soil, the presence of other nutrients, and the temperature of the soil. In general, stubble decomposition tends to be faster in warmer temperatures and in the presence of moisture.
Overall, the process of stubble decomposition is an important part of maintaining healthy soil and improving crop yields in agriculture. By breaking down plant material and releasing nutrients back into the soil, microbes play a vital role in this process.
There are several factors to consider when deciding whether to apply NLAg in-furrow or broadcast.
One factor is the type of crop being grown. Some crops, such as corn, may be more suited to in-furrow application because they have a deep root system that can benefit from the microbes being placed directly in the root zone. Other crops, such as small grains, may be better suited to broadcast application because they have a shallower root system.