Microbials for soil health: Industry status (2021-2024) and outlook

Soil is the foundation of terrestrial ecosystems, hosting diverse organisms, including bacteria, fungi, nematodes, insects and plants. Soil microbes are crucial for soil health, significantly influencing plant growth and crop production.

The metabolic activities of various microbes facilitate the cycling of essential nutrients in the soil. These microbes decompose organic matter, solubilize minerals and make nutrients available for plant absorption, thereby enhancing soil fertility.

Symbiotic relationships between plants and soil microbes, such as mycorrhizal fungi, boost plants' nutrient absorption capacity. This mutually beneficial exchange involves microbes providing nutrients to plants utilizing the sugars produced through plants’ photosynthesis. Such interactions improve plants' resilience to drought and nutrient deficiency, promoting overall plant health.

Microbes also help stabilize soil nutrients. Excessive use of chemical nitrogen fertilizers harms soil life and leads to groundwater eutrophication. Certain microbes can mitigate these effects. For instance, Priestia filamentosa produces metabolites that inhibit urease and promote the activity of nitrifying enzymes, reducing ammonium nitrogen loss. This microbe can also accelerate the conversion of nitrite to nitrate, diminishing N₂O emissions - a potent greenhouse gas [1].

Beyond nutrition, a diverse soil microbiome offers plant protection. A large population of beneficial bacteria and fungi plays a significant role in controlling soil-borne pests through various modes of action. Rhizosphere microbes that have a symbiotic relationship with plants can reduce pathogen invasion. Some microbes produce metabolites that combat soil insect pests and nematodes, offering sustainable alternatives to chemical pesticides.

Sustainable agriculture gains prominence. Research into microbial solutions to improve soil health and enhance crop yield and quality has intensified. Agri-tech companies invest in developing microbe-based inputs, including microbial fertilizers, biostimulants, and biopesticides. Many industry players are actively expanding their portfolios for soil health through independent development, as well as collaborations, and strategic acquisitions.

The following sections will give you an overview of the most popular and new microbial agents in the newly launched/registered products, collaboration and acquisition events during 2021-2024, and will discuss the prospects of the industry.

Bacillus subtilis is the most popular microbial agent

Among the microbial agents for soil health that have been newly launched and registered over the recent years, as reported on AgroPages, Bacillus subtilis is the most popular species. This beneficial microbe mainly colonizes soil and plant roots, taking a significant market position due to its good efficacy and advantages.

B. subtilis possesses an outstanding colonization ability. Under optimal conditions of 30–35°C, its population can double in only 20 minutes [2]. It quickly occupies space and consumes nutrients in the soil, thereby inhibiting pathogen invasion. For instance, the siderophores produced by B. subtilis can absorb iron from the environment, reducing its availability to pathogens. This bacterium also helps prevent nematode infestation. It forms biofilms on plant roots, enhancing resistance to soil-borne diseases and facilitating plant nutrient absorption. Furthermore, B. subtilis produces various metabolites that combat plant diseases, impeding their growth and reproduction. It also synthesizes L-amino acids that plants can utilize to boost their disease resistance.

Beyond pest control, B. subtilis acts as a biofertilizer. The amino acids it produces can be directly absorbed by plants or chelated with other medium and trace nutrients, promoting the utilization of various nutrients. B. subtilis also enhances the availability of phosphorus and nitrogen to plants. The organic acids and enzymes it secretes can solubilize phosphates, and the microbe can enhance nitrogen fixation. These nutrients are then absorbed by plants, significantly promoting their growth.

Additionally, B. subtilis facilitates the degradation of soil organic matter, increasing humus content. This process improves soil structure, reduces erosion, enhances fertility, and fosters beneficial bacteria and roots, contributing to long-term soil health.

From an industrial perspective, B. subtilis is easily fermented, and its ability to form spores grants it strong resistance to adverse environmental conditions and long shelf life, making it a preferred choice for many companies to invest.

PPFM, an emerging microbial agent

Unlike B. subtilis, which has been applied for crop production for at least decades, pink pigmented facultative methylotrophs (PPFM) is a new active ingredient in microbial formulations that entered the market recently. It can colonize plant roots and leaves, and contribute to crop production.

Natural PPFM exists in the soil, plant roots and leaves and can form a symbiotic relationship with plants. Carbon sources, such asmethanol, secreted by host plants, can be used by PPFM. PPFM produces plant hormones, such as indoleacetic acid, cytokinins and gibberellins, which can promote cell division and the growth of roots and the entire plant. PPFM can also produce substances that solubilize iron in the soil, which helps plants absorb iron, thereby promoting the synthesis of chlorophyll and improving nutrient use efficiency. This microbe also functions to fix nitrogen and solubilize phosphate in the soil [3]. The numerous amino acids secreted by PPFM also help promote plant metabolism and improve crop quality [4].

Regarding biological control, PPFM can produce antibiotic substances, compete with pathogens for resources and adjust the soil microenvironment, protecting plants from diseases. In addition, the Methylorubrum extorquens NLS0042, a strain of PPFM, can reduce corn rootworm damage.

The pink color of PPFM is due to the presence of carotenoids, which makes PPFM resistant to excessive sunlight [5].

Unlike B. subtilis, which is easy to produce at an industrial scale, PPFM has a thin cell wall and scaling up fermentation is very challenging. However, two companies have taken the lead in breaking through the technical barriers. MoonBiotech launched PPFM-based Mukangbao in 2022; NewLeaf Symbiotics has developed TS201, registered by the US EPA in 2022 and is now available in the American market.

Distribution and R&D collaborations to unleash new microbial potential for soil health

Many companies have expanded their portfolio by distributing microbial products developed by other manufacturers, and some companies have started R&D partnerships to create new technologies for soil health. These collaborations have unleashed new tools and will bring more innovations to the market.

AMVAC has partnered with NewLeaf Symbiotics to distribute PPFM-based TS201, branded as BioWake Prime, in the United States. This microbial formulation activates corn's natural defense against rootworms, reducing the damage they cause throughout the crop growing season, mitigating lodging and protecting yields. AMVAC announced expanded distribution to Argentina, Brazil, Ukraine and China after its U.S. launch.

Syngenta Group’s MAP strategically allied with BiOWiSH Technologies to provide BiOWiSH Enhanced Efficiency Fertilizer (EEF) across China. The product features BiOWiSH’s proprietary HoloGene 3 technology, utilizing Bacillus to deliver soil nutrients to crops through the rhizophagy cycle. This creates a mutually beneficial relationship between plants and soil microbes. The technology's unique mode of action and extended shelf life make it suitable for various operating and environmental conditions.

Sino-Agri Leading Biosciences partnered with Bioiberica Plant Health to distribute Bioiberica’s microbials for soil health and other products to China. Bioiberica focuses on high-demand crops for Chinese agriculture, such as chili pepper, tomato, cucumber, strawberry, citrus, grapes, rice, and wheat. With products already registered in China, Bioiberica aims to expand its coverage nationwide, particularly in the northern and southeastern provinces.

Lavie Bio has developed Yalos, containing Arthrobacter globiformis and Erwinia gerundensis. This product enhances growers' profitability by improving nutrient use efficiency and increasing crop yields. To expand the adoption of the product, Lavie Bio has partnered with two distributors: WinField United for sales in Canada and Ceres Global Ag for distribution in the United States and Canada.

Indigo Ag has collaborated with Turkish distributor Galeri Ziraat to provide Indigo Ag's microbial seed coatings within Central Anatolia in Turkey. Their partnership also includes biotrinsic i30 FP (Bacillus simplex) for corn, biotrinsic i177 FP (beneficial fungi) for cotton, and biotrinsic i39 FP (Cladosporium oxysporum) for winter wheat. These three products can promote plant nutrient and water absorption, improving resistance to drought.

Certis Biologicals has partnered with Belchim Crop Protection to increase Canadian grower access to Certis Biologicals’ flagship products, Double Nickel 55LC (Bacillus amyloliquefaciens D747) and LifeGard WG (Bacillus mycoides isolate J). Both products can be used as fungicides against soil-borne pathogens.

Syngenta has distributed FMC's Draco in Canada. This product contains Bacillus licheniformis and B. subtilis to combat nematodes, Rhizoctonia and other root-damaging pests. Draco also functions as a biostimulant, enhancing water utilization by crop roots and improving plant performance.

Syngenta has also collaborated with Metagen in Australia to develop innovative biological solutions that enhance crop stress resistance and improve soil health. This partnership combines Syngenta's expertise in crop protection and seed treatments with Metagen's advanced microbial solutions and soil microbial DNA assessment.

Novozymes has entered an agreement with Certis Belchim to jointly develop and distribute a new microbial fungicide for the European crop protection market. The product will target various soil-borne and foliar diseases in fruits, vegetables and ornamental plants. The first European registration is expected within 2 to 3 years.

New acquisition boom hitting the industry

Besides collaborations, microbials companies have expanded their portfolio and market reach through strategic acquisitions.

Mosaic, a leading fertilizer company, has acquired Plant Response, a developer of biofertilizers and other biologicals, to consolidate its position in the soil amendment market. Plant Response has multiple products that enhance plants’ nutrient use efficiency, complementing Mosaic’s portfolio. For example, Plant Response’ biofertilizers, BioPath and PowerCoat, contain Bacillus strains that colonize crop roots, facilitating the solubilization and absorption of nutrients at rhizosphere. Plant Response is developing a new product for phosphate utilization, and phosphate is a key product for Mosaic. The acquisition positions Mosaic to leverage the technology and potentially create new opportunities in the phosphate market.

Biobest has acquired BioWorks and Biotrop, both providing microbials for soil health. For example, BioWorks’ RootShield, containing Trichoderma harzianum T-22, can control Pythium, Fusarium, Rhizoctonia, Cylindrocladium and Thielaviopsis. Biotrop's offerings include FURATROP, containing B. subtilis CNPSo 2657 for nematode control and root protection, and BIOFREE, a biofertilizer combining Pseudomonas fluorescens CCTB03 and Azospirillum brasilense AbV6 that can fix nitrogen and mobilize phosphorus. These acquisitions have transformed Biobest from a horticulture biocontrol and pollination specialist into a major player in beneficial insects, biocontrols, biostimulants, inoculants, and pollination sectors for greenhouse and out-door field crops and strengthen its position in South America.

Rovensa Group's acquisition of Agro-K, a biostimulant developer, strengthens its Rovensa Next division in the crucial American market. Agro-K's expertise spans plant physiology, nutrition, soil science and microbiology, contributing to improved crop quality and resource efficiency. The acquisition propels Rovensa’s revenue beyond 800 million euros.

Alltech Crop Science's purchase of Ideagro accelerates their soil and crop research and fosters microbial product development to expand Alltech Crop Science's global offerings to customers worldwide.

In product acquisitions, Certis Biologicals obtained two fungicides from AgBiome: Howler (Pseudomonas chlororaphis AFS009) and Theia (B. subtilis AFS032321), both effective against soil-borne diseases.

Outlook

Soil health is crucial for sustainable agriculture, with microbes playing a key role in its improvement. The microbials industry is experiencing rapid growth and shows promising prospects. As global demand for sustainable products increases, microbial formulations will become increasingly vital in crop production. The outlook for the future development of the industry is as follows:

1. Efficient selection of excellent strains

Rapid progress in molecular biology, such as genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics, has significantly advanced microbial species and efficacy research. These technologies enable companies to select functional strains more efficiently. Synthetic biology and gene editing technologies help to create or improve excellent functional strains suitable for industrial production.

2. Optimizing functional strain combinations

Multi-strain microbial formulations are becoming a key industry trend. These products, which combine different strains with diverse functions, offer more significant advantages than single-strain products. They are particularly beneficial to soil health, where multiple microbial functions are usually required, and these functions often involve synergistic actions. However, challenges might occur as some microbes may compete with or antagonize each other, necessitating careful evaluation on the co-culture characteristics of different strains.

3. Customized solutions

Regional conditions and crop-specific nature demand precise microbial solutions. Future trends favor customized products based on specific soil types, climatic conditions and crop requirements. This requires companies to deeply understand local soil and other conditions and integrate digital technologies, such as precision agriculture and Internet of things (IoT), with microbial formulations. Real-time monitoring of soil microbiome changes, combined with meteorological data and crop performance, will enable precise application and improve the efficiency of microbial utilization.

4. Accelerating supply chain integration

Major agricultural input suppliers will continue expanding their microbial offerings for soil health through strategic partnerships or acquisitions. And companies specializing in microbials will seek collaborations with seed and fertilizer companies to offer integrated solutions. This integration trend facilitates resource optimization and technology sharing, promoting overall industry development.

5. Crucial education

Microbial products require more complex application methods and efficacy evaluation than chemical formulations. Future efforts should focus on enhancing education and training for farmers and retailers to improve their knowledge of using these products. Establishing demonstration fields and conducting long-term tracking will obtain valuable application data, boost users’ confidence in the products, facilitate product adoption, and provide more soils to benefit from microbial solutions.

References

[1] Presentation by DANNENGSHENGWU at BioEx 2024.

[2] Errington J, Aart LTV. Microbe Profile: Bacillus subtilis: model organism for cellular development, and industrial workhorse. Microbiology (Reading). 2020 May;166(5):425-427. doi: 10.1099/mic.0.000922. Epub 2020 May 4. PMID: 32391747; PMCID: PMC7376258.

[3] Kumar, M., Tomar, R.S., Lade, H., Paul, D., 2016. Methylotrophic bacteria in sustainable agriculture. World J. Microbiol. Biotechnol. 32, 120. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11274-016-2074-8.

[4] Bajpai A, Mahawar H, Dubey G, Atoliya N, Parmar R, Devi MH, Kollah B, Mohanty SR. Prospect of pink pigmented facultative methylotrophs in mitigating abiotic stress and climate change. J Basic Microbiol. 2022 Aug;62(8):889-899. doi: 10.1002/jobm.202200087. Epub 2022 Mar 29. PMID: 35349170.

[5] Kumar R, Lee AC. Isolation and characterization of pink-pigmented, facultative methylotrophic (PPFM) bacteria from leaves of neem, Azadirachta indica A. Juss. Philippine Journal of Systematic Biology. 2009;3(1):8–16. doi: 10.3860/pjsb.v3i1.1009.

This article was originally published in AgroPages magazine 2024 Biologicals Special.

Contact Joyce Wang (joyce@agropages.com) to show your bio-solutions through AgroPages.