The Beneficial Bacteria Below Ground
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Nutrient Cycling
Soil Structure and Health
Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria
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Right under your feet is a living ecosystem that is tiny in size but huge in importance. When it comes to bacteria, many are often quick to assume they have a negative impact on health. In reality, there are good species of bacteria that contribute to plant and soil health.
With advancements in science, researchers at Mosaic are beginning to map the genomes of these bacteria to better understand their characteristics and behaviors. But there is a long way to go. Right now, more than 98% of bacteria species remain unmapped — which also indicates how much more there is to know about the role of bacteria in plant health. So, why is beneficial bacteria essential for plant health?
Nutrient Cycling
- Beneficial bacteria help in the decomposition of organic matter, releasing essential nutrients that plants require for growth. Complex organic compounds break down into simpler forms that plants can easily absorb, improving nutrient availability. For example, researchers at Mosaic know that rhizobacteria feed off the exudates from the plant roots to grow and colonize. As they grow, they digest the nutrients in the soil, breaking them down into forms more accessible to plants.
Soil Structure and Health
- Beneficial bacteria contribute to soil aggregation, forming stable soil structure and improving water infiltration. They enhance soil fertility by releasing enzymes that break down organic matter and increase nutrient availability. The presence of these bacteria helps maintain a balanced and healthy soil ecosystem, supporting long-term agriculture sustainability.
Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria
- Bacteria form symbiotic relationships with plants. These bacteria provide plants with growth-promoting substances to enhance root development and nutrient uptake.
Beneficial bacteria in the soil are crucial for agriculture production by contributing to nutrient cycling, soil health and plant growth. By harnessing the power of these microscopic allies, growers can improve crop yields and promote sustainable agricultural practices. Mosaic’s biological technologies use bacteria carefully selected for these characteristics to provide a consistent, predictable benefit to growers.