Beneficial soil microorganisms rely on carbon as a food source to cycle nutrients and support healthy, productive crops. Reintroducing biology into degraded soils through high-quality biological products and other regenerative strategies can restore soil vitality, reduce dependence on synthetics, and boost long-term farm profits.
Carbon is a food source for the beneficial microorganisms in your soil. These tiny, one-celled microorganisms play a pivotal role in the mobilization, solubilization, and transformation of nutrients from soil to plants.
Unfortunately, on many farms, there are very few beneficial soil organisms. Tillage and synthetics are tough on soil biology. That’s why when farmers decide to heal their land and decrease synthetic inputs, it’s often necessary to add biology to field soil.
Incorporating Biology Back into Your Soil
There are several ways to get biology back in your soil. You can make compost tea, spread manure, use fermented products, or use an extracted carbon-based biological product.
Manure
Manure is a time-honored tradition, but new science has confirmed you can get too much of a good thing. The high salt content of most manures combined with the frequency of droughts can lead to elevated salinity in your fields. Manure spreaders beware.
Compost Tea
Compost tea is messy and must be used immediately. There is a learning curve to brewing good compost tea. If not brewed correctly, you can spread pathogens to your field.
Fermented Products
Fermentation is a process that has been used for millennia. Without it, we wouldn’t have sauerkraut, sourdough bread, or yogurt. However, fermentation doesn’t always result in a balanced microbial population.
Biological Products
At ST Biologicals, we partner with Purple Cow Organic to offer BIOACTIVE LiquiLife+ to our clients. They have developed a broad-spectrum compost extract containing many beneficial species of bacteria and fungi for building soil health. The product is shelf-stable for 365 days and can be used with other fertility inputs. It’s not messy like manure or compost tea and can be used throughout the entire growing season.
Sustainable farming practices maintain ecosystem services while creatingfarm profit over the long term. And often in the short term. It all starts with observation. Only after you know where you are, can you know the road to your destination. Soil tests, water tests, and direct observation by walking the fields and digging up soil are all necessary.
Profitable outcomes are possible with strong microbial communities as plant allies in farm fields. Interested in greater soil resiliency and farm profit? The mentors at ST Biologicals can help you implement regenerative ag strategies at your operation. Get in touch with us today. We’re here to help you succeed. When soil speaks, we listen.
Degraded Soil FAQs
Why do I need to add biology back into my soil?
Years of tillage and synthetic inputs can deplete beneficial microorganisms, so adding biology helps restore soil function, improve nutrient cycling, and increase crop resilience.
What’s the best way to reintroduce biology to my fields?
Shelf-stable biological extracts like BIOACTIVE LiquiLife+ provide a broad range of beneficial microbes. Other options include compost tea, manure, and fermented products.
Are there risks with using manure or compost tea?
Yes. Manure can increase soil salinity, especially during drought, while improperly brewed compost tea can spread pathogens instead of beneficial microbes.
How do I know if my soil needs biological amendments?
Regular soil and water testing, along with field observation and digging to inspect soil texture and smell, can help determine your soil’s biological health and needs.
