The Importance of Microbes
Human health research has revealed that billions of microbes live on and inside the human body. They support nutrient absorption and perform other essential functions that the human body cannot perform on its own. They also help to fight off pathogens and have even been shown to influence moods and mental health. Their role is so important that they are sometimes referred to as an “invisible organ”.
Microbes play an equally important role in plant health. They are inside plants and coat all root and above-ground surfaces. They exchange sugars, nutrients, and water with plants in a mutually beneficial relationship. Microbes respond rapidly to changing plant nutrient needs and support the plant through numerous vegetative and reproductive growth phases. The outcome of this exchange is a healthy plant that can ward off diseases and pests and that produces nutrient-dense foods. Microbes also enhance overall bulk soil properties by fixing nitrogen and creating soil aggregates. This provides structure that improves soil water holding capacity, oxygen penetration, nutrient retention, and protects the soil from erosion. All of these eco-services are provided for free to farmers who learn to manage their microbial herds.
But, how do farmers and ranchers know if they are helping or harming their microbial collaborators? Until recently, farmers managed their operations without visibility, and often even without awareness, of their invisible microbial partners. The best they have been able to do is to look for indirect indicators of microbial life like soil aggregate formation, plant health, and drought resistance. However, it is difficult to tease out the impact of each management practice when multiple applications are made throughout a season.
DNA Sequencing for Measuring Microbes
Fortunately, exciting new DNA sequencing technologies have emerged that will soon change this. They will allow farmers to regularly measure the microbial universe in their soils and on their plants. Integrating DNA sequencing data with other traditional soil and plant health indicators will provide a much more complete picture of what is happening in the farmer’s field and how to manage it.
There are a multitude of potential uses of routine microbial DNA sequencing on a regenerative farm or ranch. Here are a few ideas:
- Assess how pesticide, herbicide, and nutrient applications impact the biology in the soil and on plants over time.
- Verify that the microbial species claimed in biological products are actually present.
- Evaluate the diversity of microbes in composts and liquid extracts that are made on-farm or purchased.
- Determine whether the biological amendments added to the soil or plant surfaces survive and grow as intended.
- Determine if a specific species used as a seed treatment has successfully associated with the emerging plant.
- Sequence unfamiliar pathogens that appear in the field for quick diagnosis and response.
The data generated from microbial DNA sequencing is complex and will take time and experience to translate into optimized farm management practices. It will likely require multiple samples over a period of time to begin to see trends and understand how best to leverage the data. The vast diversity and capability of life in the soil is a new frontier in human knowledge. As more and more farmers and ranchers collect samples, the formerly invisible and powerful world of microbes will emerge.
Looking Forward
Advancing Eco Ag (AEA) will soon be offering on-farm microbial DNA sequencing to evaluate soil and plant health. Combining this information with other indicators and AEA’s experience will provide growers with incredible new insights into optimizing their farm and ranch production. With the great value that microbial DNA sequencing offers to enhance production, it will undoubtedly emerge rapidly as a valuable tool on the farm and ranch.
It is an exciting time for farmers and ranchers as DNA sequencing transforms the understanding of the complex and beautiful symbiotic relationships between microbes and plants. Farmers will see themselves as “microbe” managers and let the microbes support and grow the plants. This knowledge will enable farmers to become better stewards of the land and optimize conditions that support these relationships. This will lead to greater farm profits, more nutritious foods for consumers, and a healthier overall environment for future generations.
This article first appeared in the 10th Edition of Green Cover's Soil Health Resource Guide.
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