Soil is home to an overwhelming number of microbes, most active in the upper 15 cm. The increased organic matter concentration of this topmost layer makes it the most fertile in comparison to deeper layers.

What lies beneath our feet

This is where most microbes gather, and it exerts a direct impact on crop nutrition, biodiversity, and the breakdown of plant matter such as stems, leaves, and roots.

Soil microorganisms play a vital role in breaking down these organic residues, converting them into inorganic compounds that close the nutrient cycle. These microscopic organisms make up approximately 85% of the soil’s living fraction. Their activity is essential for maintaining fertility and fostering healthy agricultural ecosystems.

In an ideal environment, soil can host a vast diversity of microorganisms—up to 50,000 different species. Each species fulfils a specific function, working symbiotically with crops to support their development, ensuring proper nutrition, and sustaining soil fertility.

Soil microorganisms

This microbial ecosystem includes bacteria, fungi, viruses, and other organisms interacting dynamically to reflect the health of both the soil and plants. Furthermore, these microorganisms are essential in processes such as fixing carbon, degrading pollutants (bioremediation), and decomposing organic residues and compounds (biodegradation).

The distribution of microorganisms in the soil profile varies depending on environmental conditions, oxygen levels, and nutrients availability. Numerous biotic and abiotic factors interact to influence this highly heterogeneous distribution:

• Soil structure and aggregates;
• Soil and water pH;
• Root presence;
• Crop type;
• Soil management systems.

Proper soil management through Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) is crucial for preserving biodiversity and promoting microbial health in the soil, which requires the adoption of sustainable conservation practices.

Moreover, they improve plant resilience by improving water uptake, enhancing soil structure, and protecting against certain pathogens, positioning them as indispensable allies in sustainable agriculture.

To achieve living, productive soil, it is essential to foster microbial growth sustainably and effectively.

At Alltech Crop Science and Ideagro, we are at the forefront of this effort. We are dedicated to offering solutions and strategies that leverage beneficial microorganisms to optimize crop growth and improve soil health.