For growers it is important to understand that plant nutrition isn't just about what nutrients are provided; it's about what nutrients the plants can actually absorb. Marco Breekweg of Biomicrobes explains that the root zone is more important than most people think.
© Thijmen Tiersma | HortiDaily.comMarco Breekweg at the Canadian Greenhouse Conference 2024
Experienced microbiologist
On a Tuesday afternoon in mid-April, the industrial hall at Microbac is bustling with activity as products are being packed. Upstairs in the office, Marco explains that the demand for pond products is high due to the sunny weather that has been prevalent since early March in the Netherlands. His company offers products containing beneficial bacteria, both under its own brand, Biomicrobes, and private labels, to help maintain a healthy biological balance in ponds.
Marco and his team have provided bacteria-based products for the crucial water quality market for over thirty years, he explains to us over coffee in the office. He discusses the various sectors that they have worked in, including some surprising ones. For instance, did you know that some petrol stations use beneficial bacteria developed by Marco to clean up fuel spills in the soil? Or that these bacteria are also used to prevent unpleasant odors from wastewater in septic tanks?
We're here to focus on horticulture, where there are different challenges such as water quality and the shift to more organic substrates, a shift that has led growers to pay closer attention to Biomicrobes' products. The Dutch company is already well-known in the North American market, where Marco and his team have attended numerous trade fairs and have found it easier to introduce products due to less bureaucracy.
What Marco also notices is that there is often still a lack of knowledge about what is possible with bacteria. "Bacteria are not Pac-Man, they don't just eat things. Bacteria produce peptides, enzymes and growth hormones, and these substances are important to prevent contamination of drip lines and pipes with biofilm, for example."
What exactly do bacteria do for your plant?
Today, it's about the root zone. What many people forget is that there is a whole network of microorganisms active there. Especially bacteria can help plants naturally to make nutrients more available and absorbable. The result? Healthier roots, less waste of fertilizers, and the ability for growers to get more out of their cultivation, explains the microbiologist from the Netherlands.
Today, the focus is on the root zone, something that is often overlooked despite the fact that it's home to a complex network of microorganisms. Bacteria, in particular, play a crucial role in naturally enhancing nutrient availability and absorption for plants. This leads to healthier roots, reduced fertilizer waste, and the potential for growers to maximize their crop yields, explains Marco.
1. They make nutrients absorbable
Some nutrients are locked in organic material or are hard to dissolve. Bacteria help fix this by breaking down these substances and converting them into forms that plants can absorb. Think of ammonium from organic nitrogen or phosphate from organically bound phosphorus.
2. They help release trace elements
Certain bacteria produce natural acids and substances that make iron, manganese, and phosphate more soluble. This makes a big difference in substrate or soil systems where these elements are difficult to access.
3. They stimulate the roots
Other bacteria produce growth substances, such as auxins that ensure that the root system develops better, with more fine roots and a larger absorption surface. In simple terms, more nutrients and water are available for the plant.
Balanced mixture of beneficial bacteria
Biomicrobes 08 is a product specifically developed by Microbac to maintain an active and healthy root environment. "It contains eight key types of beneficial bacteria that work together to enhance nutrient uptake, promote healthier roots, and maintain a stable microbial balance around the plant."
The following bacteria are included in Biomicrobes 08:
- Bacillus subtilis – Helps release nutrients and stimulates root growth
- Bacillus licheniformis – Ensures stable bacterial activity and makes phosphate available
- Priestia megaterium – Dissolves difficult-to-dissolve phosphate through natural acids
- Bacillus pumilus – Makes iron and other trace elements easier to absorb
- Bacillus amyloliquefaciens – Supports root growth and helps in nutrient uptake
- Bacillus laterosporus – Keeps the microbial balance in check
- Bacillus mucilaginosus – Releases potassium from soil particles
- Paenibacillus polymyxa – Binds nitrogen from the air and stimulates root formation with natural growth substances
What does that yield in practice?
With Biomicrobes 08, the grower provides a crop with access to an active network of beneficial bacteria. "The result is more nutrients available for the plant, a stronger root system, thus better absorption, more efficient use of fertilizers, and a stable, healthy root environment, which results in less stress for plants."
Growers can apply the balanced mixture of beneficial bacteria via drip irrigation, an irrigation system, or as a soil treatment, depending on the cultivation system.
For more information:
Biomicrobes
info@biomicrobes.com
www.biomicrobes.com