Soil testing is an essential part of sustainable agriculture, and the BeCrop Test by Biome Makers can equip producers with better information to improve soil health. This biological test provides a deeper look at microbial activity in the soil by extracting DNA from the sample and measuring the concentrations of bacteria and fungi. It also assesses the soil health functions that those microorganisms perform in the soil.
Test results help farmers inventory the soil quality, determine nutrient uptake, and identify pathogens and disease issues. This information can then be used to make on-farm decisions to not only improve soil health but also optimize yield potential.
Jamie Nix, communications and content manager at Biome Makers, described the biological soil testing as an important piece to the soil health puzzle.
“With the BeCrop Test we look at all the abundance of soil microbial communities present to identify the biological pathways that are working. Using this biological soil test, in addition to chemical and physical testing, allows producers to see the big picture of their soil and make management decisions based on all three dimensions.”
Have you thought about biological soil testing for your farm? Here are three reasons you might consider using a BeCrop Test.
1. Gain deeper insight about your soil and the quality of it.
The BeCrop Test gives producers a precise look at the biodiversity of their soil. Results indicate the ratios of bacteria and fungi present in the sample and identify how these species work together in the microbial community beneath your feet.
James McCollum said that knowing the microbial ratio is key. McCollum is a sales manager at Waters Agricultural Laboratories, Incorporated. It is one of two partnering laboratory companies that process the BeCrop Test.
He said, “More diversity in the soil means better soil health and quality. Test results report the biodiversity of the soil along with the functionality, by determining the roles that the different bacteria and fungi play,” he said.
In addition, test results can indicate any resistance issues or vulnerabilities in the soil, and McCollum said that disease risks can be identified on a crop specific basis. This information helps farmers with variety selection and crop rotation. By identifying the susceptibilities, farmers can opt for resistant cultivars or decide to plant a different crop altogether.
2. Monitor soil health to see which practices work best.
Knowing what is in the soil and how it functions can help farmers drill down when making management decisions. Based on the test results, products may need to be added to correct microbial deficiencies. Farmers may also want to verify how the soil responds to different crop applications and which management practices best improve soil health.
Nix noted additional testing throughout the season gives a great overall picture of how the soil adapts to stress and reacts to applications like fungicides, herbicides, fertilizers, or biologicals.
“Samples before, during, and after mid-season can measure and monitor the effects of different management practices. This allows us to quantify the changes across time and in different plot points to compare what applications or practices are working best,” she said.
Source: farmprogress.com
Photo Credit: istock-pkujiahe
Categories: New York, Crops, Corn, Soybeans, Wheat