Increasing Crop Yields: What do living organisms do in the rhizosphere?

Pro-soil is interested in helping farmers increase crop yield. Our healthy soil products and an increased knowledge about living organisms do in the rhizosphere can help accomplish this goal. Read on to find out more.

The rhizosphere is a center of intense biological activity due to the food supply provided by the root exudates. Bacteria, actinomycetes, fungi, protozoa, slime molds, algae, nematodes, enchytraeid worms, earthworms, millipedes, centipedes, insects, mites, snails, small animals and soil viruses compete constantly for water, food and space. Soil chemistry and pH can influence the species mix and functions of microbes in the rhizosphere.

Interact with plant roots.

Most soil microorganisms do not interact with plant roots, possibly due to the constant and diverse secretion of antimicrobial root exudates. However, there are some microorganisms that do interact with specific plants. These interactions can be pathogenic (invade and kill roots and plants), symbiotic (benefit plant growth), harmful (reduce plant  growth), saprophytic (live on dead roots and plants) or neutral (no effect on plants). Interactions that are beneficial to agriculture include mycorrhizae, legume nodulation, and production of antimicrobial compounds that inhibit the growth of pathogens.

Mineralize nutrients.

Microorganisms convert organic forms of nutrients into inorganic forms that plants roots can take up. In legumes, microbial root nodulations enable plants to fix nitrogen from the air.

Encourage plant growth.

Rhizosphere microorganisms produce vitamins, antibiotics, plant hormones and communication molecules that all encourage plant growth.

Stabilize soil aggregates.

Waste products and secretions from microorganisms help combine soil particles into stable aggregates around plant roots. These aggregates hold moisture within, but allow drainage between aggregates, so that root hairs do not get waterlogged.

Much like rhizosphere, our products improve soil health by stimulating and feeding native microbial life in the soil which creates a higher yielding crop. To learn more about how you can increase your crop yield, contact us today!