Beneficial microorganisms (microbes) are indispensable helpers

Microorganisms, or microbes, are single-celled organisms whose activity can only be observed under a microscope. They are often perceived negatively as pathogenic microbes. But on the other hand, there are beneficial microorganisms — those that do not harm people, animals or plants and are, in gardening, commonly used to achieve significantly higher fertilizer efficiency for plants as well as to protect plants, for example against harmful pathogens. Microbes provide a natural and versatile support for the development of your plants!

If it weren’t for the activity of microbes, there would be no life on Earth. That is their importance! It’s not the first time we mention that a healthy “micro-life” is the best foundation for healthy and strong plants capable of producing abundant flowers or large fruits rich in valuable compounds. It is therefore no surprise that more and more growers enrich basic plant nutrition with quality microbial products (see below).

Bacteria, algae, fungi and protozoa, of which we would find countless in the soil, reproduce rapidly and often live in colonies or even form symbiotic relationships. A large group of microbes develops in the soil region closest to the roots of higher plants, technically called the rhizosphere. Because we regularly emphasize a healthy root system, you can already guess how positively microbes will affect your yield. Let’s now introduce at least the most important cases.

Rhizobacteria

Rhizobacteria are by far the most numerous group of microbes in the rhizosphere. The first example are bacteria that develop either directly in the plant root system or in its immediate vicinity. The beneficial effects of rhizobacteria on colonized plants were noticed by ancient growers. Today we only have much more sophisticated products to initiate and stimulate these processes in soil or substrate. Tips on selected products can be found at the end of this article. Are you interested in how rhizobacteria help plants, or growers, achieve the desired — yet natural — harvest?

• Better nutrient availability: Some rhizobacteria can make phosphorus and iron available from the soil, where these elements occur in inorganic forms. Bacteria of the genera Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Rhizobium or Erwinia convert them into a form easily absorbable by plants, which is both efficient and ecological.
• Ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen: The “superpower” of some rhizobacteria to enrich the soil with nitrogen (N) is of enormous importance to every grower or farmer. The best-known example are bacteria of the genus Rhizobium, which form small nodules on the roots of leguminous plants. As German scientists discovered at the end of the 19th century, these nodules are where these bacteria cluster. Observations of their activity, however, go back in a way to antiquity, when farmers noticed how well plants developed in soil enriched with nitrogen after growing beans or peas on it the previous year.
• Natural antibiotics: Antibiotic substances produced by rhizobacteria often have antiviral or fungicidal effects. As we mentioned at the beginning, beneficial microbes — and in this case specifically rhizobacteria — are indispensable helpers not only for plant nutrition but also for plant protection. Thanks to their ability to produce antibiotic compounds, they help prevent root rot or the occurrence of insidious molds (e.g., Botrytis).
• Source of natural stimulants: Many rhizobacteria also produce phytohormones, especially auxins — the best known is indole-3-acetic acid — and also cytokinins or gibberellins, which are synthesized in sites of active growth (buds, young leaves, seeds). These plant hormones improve seed germination and rooting of cuttings, and are therefore often part of many root boosters or fertilizers for cuttings and seedlings.

So that we don’t stay with just the general label “consortium,” let’s take a closer look at which microorganisms Biobizz Microbes contains:

• Bacteria: Four of the most beneficial bacterial species for substrate restoration improve plant nutrition processes, hormone production, root tissue growth and the solubility of key nutrients such as phosphorus (P). This translates into increased productivity and yield quality. From the guaranteed analysis we can map the presence of the following rhizobacteria in this product (see above):
• Bacillus valezensis > 500.000.000 UFC/g
• Bacillus megaterium > 200.000.000 UFC/g
• Bacillus pumilus > 250.000.000 UFC/g
• Bacillus licheniformis > 500.000.000 UFC/g
• Enzymes: A perfect complement to beneficial substrate microorganisms, proving that although this product is not the cheapest, its purchase and use are worthwhile for growers also because it serves the function of an enzymatic preparation. Enzymes increase the speed of colonization by substrate microorganisms, as well as the rapid conversion of nutrients for quick absorption. They also create free amino acids in the growing medium, thereby increasing both the activity and the results of the active microorganisms.
• Trichoderma: see above. Guaranteed analysis: Trichoderma harzianum > 10.000.000 UFC/g.

Biobizz microbes are recommended by the manufacturer to be applied once a week at a dose between 0.2 and 0.4 g/l throughout the entire growing cycle. It does not matter whether you grow your plants in a grow tent or outdoors. This product is suitable not only for classic soil cultivation but even for hydroponics. Biobizz microbes work especially well when you combine them with other Biobizz products.

• MYKORIZA premium and other plant nutrition products by Organics Nutrients

A great choice for anyone who chooses a 100% BIO approach to gardening are Organics Nutrients fertilizers. For example, the purely organic powder MYKORIZA premium contains mycorrhizal fungi, rhizobacteria, Trichoderma and other beneficial microorganisms. After joining our range, it immediately became a hit. We summarize all market novelties from this manufacturer in a separate article: Organics Nutrients: the natural way to big yields.

• Tarantula Liquid (Advanced Nutrients)

Protect your crop with a bacterial shield created by specially bred microbes guarding the plant root system from invasion by molds, pathogenic bacteria or pests. The liquid supplemental fertilizer Tarantula also increases phosphorus availability. It is not used for growing plants in coconut coir.

• Plant Success – Orca Liquid Mycorrhizae

Inoculate your plant roots for a perfect crop! This unique “all-in-one” mix is very easy to apply. It contains 11 strains of highly beneficial bacteria and 4 strains of endomycorrhizal fungi! You can be sure that this microbial consortium in the root zone will tirelessly work to create a dominant microbial ecosystem capable of successfully repelling pathogenic bacteria or fungi and thus preventing nasty problems such as pythium — a mold that can destroy entire crops in a short time.

If you would like advice on which microbial product best suits your individual plans and needs, do not hesitate to ask us anything via the well-known e-mail address info@higarden.cz. We look forward to your questions!

We also recommend these products:

• Xtreme Gardening Mykos Root Paks 500g
• HESI Bio Bloom
• Florganics FLO

Further reading:

• Advanced Nutrients – hydroponic fertilizers with pH regulation (pH)
• GUANOKALONG - bat guano is a rich source of nutrients for your plants
• Fulvic and humic acids: importance and use in plant nutrition