Personalized biological soil management increases productivity and quality of agricultural production

The soil microbiome (the whole set of microorganisms) can improve agricultural quality, since fungi, bacteria and other organisms that compose it participate in nutrient cycling, produce substances that promote plant growth and protect the plants against pest attacks, diseases, and environmental stress. Thus, soil biological management can elevate productivity in both annual and perennial plants as, for instance, coffee and eucalyptus. This productivity increase may vary according to culture and it is a result of improved production and final product quality, accordingly to data from Andrios Consultoria.

Another benefit of the balance of the soil biome for the farmer is reduction of production costs in relation to the lower needs for application of inputs such as fertilizers and pesticides. Although this microbiome is unique for each plant species, varying accordingly with the plant cultivar and growth phase, the abundance of a set of microbial species is associated with the improvement of plant performance.

According to Marília Bixilia Sanchez, scientific director of DSMA Biotecnologia, soil management starts with a good analysis of its components. “It is essential to understand the structure of the microbial community and its metagenome, and how it is influenced by different soil types, agricultural practices, and plant varieties. Thus, if we know which species are beneficial and which does not bring advantages to crops productivity, we may change its composition, through proper agricultural practices, and make better use of the potential of this microbiota to promote growth and increase crop yield”.

Factors such as cultivated area, soil type, plant genotype, among others, interact with the agricultural practices to structure the microbial community associated with the plant. “Thus, it is possible to conduct a personalized management for each area and cultivated plant species, allowing the selection of a set of microbial species the result in a higher productivity gain”, explains Cristiane Andreote, director of Andrios.

Marcus Adonai Castro da Silva, co-founder of Biome4all, emphasizes that if the parameters indicate that the soil is in bad conditions, these analyses provide an indication that there is a need of intervention. “Studies show that, if not properly taken care, these microbial sets lose their biodiversity and functions in the system. Therefore, it becomes important to adopt practices for improving the microbiomes in agricultural areas”.

Among these practices are the good management of crops, valuing plant biodiversity, as, for instance, a good crop rotation, the use of organic wastes and the good positioning of biological products that result in a high-performance agriculture.