Microbial Inoculants

Beneficial microorganisms come in many forms - mycorrhizae, bacteria, and fungi. What they have in common are the many benefits they can provide for your garden and your home or farm.

These include odor control, the breaking down of organic matter, balanced and living soil, vibrant root systems and healthy plant growth with higher yields. The microbial inoculants that we carry can deliver these things and so much more.

Not sure which one you need? Read on each one below to find the right microbe for your garden.

Bacillus subtilis

Bacillus subtilis is a beneficial microbe that is found in both the soil and in the digestive tract of ruminants. When applied to plants, they colonize on the roots and can act as a natural defense against various plant pathogens.

  • Disease prevention: Bacillus subtilis produces antimicrobial compounds that suppress harmful pathogens like Fusarium and Rhizoctonia, reducing the occurrence of root and foliar diseases.
  • Plant growth promotion: By enhancing nutrient uptake, Bacillus subtilis promotes stronger root systems and healthier plant growth.
  • Soil health: It also improves soil structure and fertility by breaking down organic matter, releasing essential nutrients back into the soil.

Mycorrhizal fungi

Mycorrhizae have evolved to create a relationship with the roots of plants. In exchange for root exudates or sugars, mycorrhizae perform several functions for their plant partners:

  • Enhanced nutrient uptake: Mycorrhizal fungi extend the root system's reach by forming a network of hyphae (thread-like structures), allowing plants to access nutrients that would otherwise be out of reach. They also increase the root mass of the plant, enabling it to absorb more water and nutrients.

  • Drought resistance: By improving water absorption, these fungi make plants more resilient to drought stress, ensuring that they thrive even in challenging conditions.

  • Soil health and structure: Mycorrhizae improve soil structure by producing glomalin, a protein that binds soil particles together, increasing soil stability and reducing erosion.
For home gardeners, adding mycorrhizal fungi can dramatically improve plant growth and health, particularly in nutrient-poor or compacted soils.

Trichoderma

Trichoderma is a soil fungus that helps plants fight against diseases. It's widely used as a biocontrol agent due to its aggressive nature in suppressing harmful pathogens. It's very beneficial against root rot and damping-off by releasing enzymes that dissolve the cell walls of the fungi. It will continue destroying organic matter, essentially feeding the plant as it breaks things a part around it. Home gardeners can apply Trichoderma as a soil treatment or seed coating to protect plants from pathogens and promote robust root development.

Each of these microbial inoculant types are valuable tools for home gardeners looking to improve plant health, soil fertility, and disease resistance naturally. Each offers unique benefits that, when combined, create a stronger and more resilient garden ecosystem.