UK apple trial

BioAg Soil & Seed is a biological liquid culture that delivers essential nutrients and metabolites directly to crops, as well as stimulating microbial activity in the soil. This fermented microbial culture contains a rich source of vitamins, minerals, proteins, enzymes, amino acids, carbohydrates and dormant beneficial organisms.

Soil & Seed is formulated to improve soil microbial activity which is a key component of soil fertility and the ability of soil to supply available nutrients to plants. Its principal features are:

• Balanced food supply for soil microbes
• Stimulates soil microbial population and diversity
• Accelerates conversion of crop residues into humus
• Improves soil moisture and nutrient utilisation

It is this latter claim of improving nutrient utilisation from soil reserves that was the basis of this independent trial.

Aim

To evaluate soil nutrient levels when applying BioAg liquid biostimulant Soil & Seed to fertiliser regimes.

Method

Representative soil samples were taken from control and treated blocks prior to application, and post-application.

Samples were analysed for extractable (available) levels of phosphorus, potassium, magnesium and calcium.

Results

Mean soil available levels for all nutrients measured in the study increased above the control as per the following:

• Phosphorus +75%
• Potassium +11%
• Magnesium +75%
• Calcium +32%

Conclusion

This farm evaluation of BioAg Soil & Seed has demonstrated the effectiveness of this microbial liquid culture to substantially improve the level of soil available nutrients, particularly Phosphorus, Magnesium and Calcium, and to a lesser extent Potassium.

It is well recognised that biological activity is important to facilitate the release of Phosphorus from soil reserves. Phosphorus is an essential nutrient for energy utilisation in crops to drive vegetative growth and fruiting. Of all the major nutrients Potassium supply from soil reserves into the soil solution is the least sensitive to microbial action. It is interesting to note that Soil & Seed was less effective in increasing the available level of Potassium than for the other nutrients.

In terms of soil structure biological activity is important to the development of stable aggregates. Soil fungi, with their thread like mycelia, help to bind soil particles together. Bacteria secrete a polysaccharide glue which holds soil particles thereby improving soil structure. Air penetration to soils and drainage is very dependent on the establishment of a stable soil structure which enables soil life to flourish and soil fertility to build.