Improving Soil Conditions and Fertilizer Use Efficiency with Microbial-Based Products From Advanced Microbial Soluitons.

Commercial microbial soil amendments range in composition from single to multiple species and may also contain additional stimulants for plant or microbial growth.  Generally speaking, the microorganisms within these products were selected for their ability to perform specific functions within the soil.  In contrast, products from Advanced Microbial Solutions (AMS) were developed from natural complex microbial communities and their biochemical by-products.  These components, when applied to the soil, produce multiple benefits for improving plant growth and soil functions.  The direct benefits to soil include a reduction in compaction, reduced salinity and sodium levels in the root zone, improved water penetration and water holding capacity, and increases in plant-available nutrients.  Although the exact mechanisms for these soil improvements are under investigation, they seem to be related to cation displacement and mobility; especially with regard to sodium, calcium, magnesium and potassium.  Plant benefits include deeper root penetration, larger root mass, increased nutrient uptake, and improved salinity tolerance.  The mechanism for increased salt tolerance appears to be related to an increase potassium uptake along with a reduction in sodium content in the tissues.  AMS products address multiple and inter-related factors within the soil which directly and indirectly benefit plant growth.  Product performance has been shown to be independent of soil type or plant species; thus providing benefits for horticultural, landscape, turf and agricultural applications.  The products have also been shown to be very useful in increasing the performance of applied fertilizers and improving water use efficiency.  These benefits are of significant value given the increases in fertilizer costs and reductions in water quality and quantity in major agricultural areas of the country.