Thank you again!

We appreciate your taking the time to join our Acres webinar "How Microbes Protect Plants" presented by Dr. Judith Fitzpatrick.

There were quite a few questions posed during the webinar that unfortunately went unanswered. Dr. Fitzpatrick has answered them below.

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This may be addressed in the talk. Interested in learning about microbes and super sandy soils. Texas, southeast region TIA.
Generally, sandy soils have lower microbial biomass (MB) than soils with higher organic matter.

How to increase and sustain microbe populations?
Try several organic amendments in pot experiments. The right one will increase your microbe population by 25% or more and sustain your microbe population.

Where is the current research within this field going? What are the things we as scientists need to research more of?
We really need a system of testing soil, cover crop and crop to determine the best combination of soil, cover crop, crop and fertilization schedules; all of which contribute to soil and plant health.

What is the best way to source and apply a microbial inoculant into a depleted system?
Experience and testing. Unfortunately, there is no way to predict what is going to work in a particular system.

What is the best way for someone to become knowledgeable in this field? Any particular research papers, publications, websites, talks etc.? I am an agriculture student super interested in soil microbe research and improving soil health.
You can sign up for our weekly newsletter (link on our homepage). We report on the work of agriculturists and feature current research as well as advertise useful webinars. You can also look through the Acres USA website for articles and books on regenerative agriculture.

Is there a way we can work with Dr. Fitzpatrick?
Please contact us to make a research proposition.

Why are brassicas and a few other plants unable to form associations with A mycorrhizal fungi?
I am not sure about this, however, there is evidence that the presence of AMF in the soil around brassicas enhances growth. There is no explanation as to how, though.

How well does biochar help improve microbial efficacy?
Biochar generally decreases MB. However, it increases water holding capacity of soil.

Can an Aeroponic System benefit from Microbes and which one's would be better suited for use with Clay pellets with a PH zone of 5.7-6.2?
Sorry, we do not yet have enough experience in aeroponic systems to make any recommendations on this.

How do you measure microbial population on a farm?
We recommend base testing every acre, or more if the vegetation on the acre varies or if you notice visible differences.

Can you recommend some books to read to understand this better?
Teaming with Microbes by Jeff Lowenfels.

Is it profitable to buy microbes? Is it profitable to buy bio stimulants for soil application? Is beauveria bassiana a good addition to healthy soils?
The efficacy of a biostimulant is dependent on soil type, climate, crop, cover crop and fertilizer; you need to do some experimentation to see what combination gives you the biggest boost in microbial biomass.

Lot of cover crops will confuse plant microbiome?
Some cover crops will be much better partners to your crop, but you will need to experiment to know what combination works best in your soil.

How do plants exhibit a lack of needed microbes?
This question is large. We have research that shows that in organic based systems, microbial biomass correlates highly with plant health and yield. This observation is not true for those using high mineral fertilizers.

I have a sandy loam soil fairly saline-sodic. Is it best to get the soil chemistry balanced before applying a microbial supplement or can I apply a microbial supplement with soil amendments/fertilizers?
You need to evaluate the effect of different supplements on your soil

I would like to introduce Microbiometer and its testing ability to my cohort of small-scale peasant farmers - so far, the cost is problematic (local earnings are about $35 USD a month and inflation is a big problem). Nay sense that testing costs will come down at all or are there other options to help with this?
We are working with organizations serving developing countries to make the test more affordable. Please contact us for more information.

How much energy expenditure is required to make the systemic immune system function at a high level? I assume it is in the form of carbon like the high amount required from legumes with rhizobia being around 75% to make the association, and will that impact surrounding soil structure, less carbon more platyness lower aggregation?
I do not fully understand this question. Please feel free to contact me at info@microbiometer.com to set up a call.

Do the Siderophores capture all metals?
Yes, but at different efficiencies.

I have a domestic power cable running under part of my garden. Could this affect the biome in the soil?
WOW! I have wondered about this.

Can you speak to the potential for enhanced nutritional value via microbe associations? The plethora of plant & microbe metabolites that can promote human health upon ingestion (beyond the 14 elements supplied in salt-based fertilizers)?
What are the 14 elements supplied in salt-based fertilizers?

Has this been utilized by national forests and private trees initiatives?
Yes, it has.

In-field applications, what are some of the most effective methods to increase microbial health & induced immunity for crops?
There is no one size fits all approach to this. You will need to determine what works best for your crops through trial and error as well as regular testing. Organic amendments, cover crops, compost, no-till, etc. are a few things you can incorporate in your soil management.

How do microbes respond to seasonal intensities?
There is big jump in microbial biomass (MB) in spring. MB drops off as crops mature and put their resources into seeds.

What is the best way to source and apply a microbial inoculant into a depleted system?
I would suggest asking someone growing under the same circumstances as you are and do pot experiments to see what actually complements your system.

Is there a test that you would recommend for understanding plant immune systems?
Unfortunately, I am not aware of one.

How often should a microbial supplement/inoculant be applied to a crop?
When the microbial biomass starts to drop it is because the plant is going to seed, or nutrients are getting low. Use microBIOMETER® to let you know.

Do plants have more difficulty recognizing introduced or foreign pathogens from other environments, countries?
This is a good question which unfortunately I cannot answer. But what we do know is that foreign pathogens usually don’t have natural enemies in their new home, which means that the plant cannot recruit appropriate microbial or insect allies.

Is it worth adding microbial concoctions to your soil, either at planting or via foliar spray? Lots of products out there being promoted.
You will need to experiment to see if that product is working by testing before and after with microBIOMETER®. This way you will find out if your treatment is actually increasing microbial biomass and your fungal to bacterial ratio.

I'm interested in your thoughts about Phosphorus solubilization and availability. What level of availability is regulated by the microbial population?
There is plenty of phosphorus in most soils. The microbes, especially fungi release it by secretions that solubilize and capture (siderophores).

Can you address fungal to bacteria ratio? I've heard some say that fungal dominance is most important. However, I've also read that this thought mostly holds true in perennial crops and long-standing orchards.
The optimal fungal to bacterial ratio varies from crop to crop. Generally, folks feel a 1:1 ratio is ideal for agriculture, but there is no real literature that I know of showing F:B ratio relationship to yield.

I have been using your test kit for 2 month and I like it very much because I can compare the results from my different compost, soil, worm compost and compost tea. I have problems sifting the soil as it has been a bit moist and clogs in the sift. Is it okay not to sift the soil?
The purpose of sifting is to remove stones and other detritus. It is nearly impossible to sift moist clay, so that medium is not sifted. Therefore, you will need to remove any visible debris by hand.

How to measure amounts of microbes? What is a MicroBiometer???
microBIOMETER® is a rapid, on-site soil test for total microbial biomass and F:B ratio. Results are read by smartphone and stored in the app by GPS location for further analysis.

Is there a way to determine fungi bacteria ratio in a very basic way?
microBIOMETER® provides you with your fungal to bacterial ratio data for soil and compost.

I have a MicroBiometer and have really enjoyed looking at my soil in a new way. Question though: Is it better to save testing for warmer months since the microbiome is less active in the colder months?
Yes, your microBIOMETER® results will be lower in the colder months due to the microbes being dormant. However, many of our customers test their soil in the cold months to create a baseline and to identify seasonal changes. It depends on your purpose and goals for testing.