How Do Mycorrhizal Fungi Help Plants

What Does Mycorrhizae Do For Plants?

  • Increase Nutrient Use Efficiency and Uptake
  • Improve Plant Stress Tolerance
  • Boost Crop Quality and Yields

How does GreenEden Mycorrhizal Fungi help grow great plants?  The 7 strains of Mycorrhizal Fungi in our products were specifically chosen for the benefits they provide your plants.  Each one of these strains are scientifically proven to greatly expand the root zone of plants.  This helps your plants get established quickly, and obtain the water and nutrients they need to thrive. 

GreenEden Mycorrhizae colonize plants across a wide range of growing conditions, and soil types, maximizing plant potential and performance.  No matter what your growing setup is.

There are many studies that have shown that using a combination of multiple Mycorrhizal species perform better than using a single strain.  This is due in part to the fact that not all Mycorrhizal perform the same in different types of growing conditions, environments, and plant and soil types.  

When you use a quality, multiple species Mycorrhizal product you give your plants the best chance for success.

Meet the Fungi

A Mycorrhizal Combination to Boost Your Grow The Natural Way

  • Funneliformis mosseae:  One of the most prevelant Endomycorrhizal fungi that colonizes a wide range of plant species across most climates.  Known to colonize medicinal plants such as Cannabis.
  • Rhizophagus intraradices:  Widely distributed and common strain that colonizes a wide range of plant species across various growing conditions.  One of the best Mycorrhizal species for Cannabis. 
  • Rhizophagus fasciculatus :  Wide ranging species that effectively combats drought, salt, and other biotic and abiotic stresses.
  • Glomus dussi:  Complementary species that is known to help increase root and plant mass, yields, and pathogen resistance.
  • Rhizophagus clarus:  Common species that colonizes plants and shown to increase Nutrient use efficiency, yields, and phytochemical content.
  • Septoglomus deserticola:  Species prevalent in dry regions that improves plant stress tolerance and drought stress tolerance.
  • Glomus microaggregatum:  Prevalent in wide ranging environments that adapts easily to drought stress and other adverse conditions.

The Mycorrhizal listed above are Endomycorrhizae.  Endomycorrhizae colonize up to 85% of all plant families.  This includes most vegetables (not brassicas), landscape plants, high value crops like Cannabis, and others.

The diversity of Mycorrhizal in GreenEden EndoBoost products allows your plants to to ‘choose’ the species that gives it the largest possible benefit.  Research has shown that Mycorrhizal populations change over time due to many different factors.

Check out these links (here, here, and here) for more on how research has shown the benefits of inoculation with multiple Endomycorrhizal strains, and in combination with ‘helper bacteria’ that boost plant potential, phytochemical content, and yields.

Establishing healthy living soils with Endomycorrhizae is one secret to successful gardening.  This is especially crucial for high-value crops like Cannabis.  Inoculating your plants with a robust and diverse population of Mycorrhizal Fungi and beneficial microbes grow better plants.  This combination helps your plants to better deal with stress, gain nutrients and water efficiently, and obtain what they need to thrive.

Mycorrhizal Fungi and Associated Microbiota as Plant Biostimulants

What to Look for in the Best Mycorrhizal Fungi Products

Multiple Mycorrhizal Species

Some products include a combination of Endo and Ectomycorrhizae.  These products make sense to use if you want to treat multiple plant types.  Conifers (pine, spruce, fir, etc.), Oaks, and other tree species are colonized by Ectomycorrhizae.  While some other species are colonized by both Endo and Ectomycorrhizae.  

Choose your Mycorrhizal wisely depending on what you’re growing and read product labels.  Don’t be fooled by products that inflate their Mycorrhizal counts by adding Ectomycorrhizal strains that will not colonize most plant types.

Spore (Propagule) Counts

Mycorrhizal propagules are a combination of spores, hyphae (root hairs), and root fragments.  These propagules each have the ability to infect plant roots and begin to form a Mycorrhizal network.  Higher spore counts give your plants a better chance at colonization.  This allows you to use a smaller volume of product for successful inoculation of plant roots with Mycorrhizal.

Complimentary Ingredients

Living soils grow great plants 

Mycorrhizal Fungi do not work alone in building living soil.  The complimentary ingredients in GreenEden Inoculants work with the Mycorrhizal to help obtain the nutrients and beneficials your plants need for a successful grow.  

Plant Growth Promoting Bacteria, Beneficial Fungi, Humic Acids, Plant Extracts, Vitamins and Amino Acids.  These are the triggers that unlock untapped resources from your soil and give you the much sought after production and yields growers expect.  Read more about these Plant Biostimulants here.

The science behind Mycorrhizal Fungi is complex and the research is always evolving.  There are many things we still do not understand.  What is known is that a plants root zone is a complicated ecosystem.  And the colonization of the root zone by Mycorrhizal evolves and changes over time.  Plants communicate with this ecosystem and take what they need to survive and thrive.  This ‘Internet of Plants’ works as a system that benefits both plants and the organisms that live among them.  This is how Mycorrhizal Fungi help plants.  

Boost Your Grow The Natural Way

 

 

Why Are Mycorrhizae Important To Plants and Soil?

Living Soil

worm castings

What is the difference between dirt and soil?  And why do mycorrhizal fungi play such a critical role in developing natural, healthy, resilient plants and soil?  First, lets define the terms…

Dirt is made up from three main components: Sand, Silt, Clay.  Inert, lifeless particles.  Mineral fragments.  Basically a medium to host the diverse array of life that inhabits soil.  Merely one component in the composition of a living soil.

Soil is a combination of ‘dirt’, organic matter, liquid, and gases.  It is with these added materials that we begin to develop a living soil, also referred to as the Soil Food Web.  This diverse, complete habitat supports a vast array of fungi, bacteria, protozoa, worms, vertebrates, insects, and plants. All part of a living soil, and critical to maintaining a healthy overall environment.  These organisms contribute to this environment by allowing for increased plant nutrient supply and soil structure, protection from harmful parasites, reduction in erosion, salinity, and leaching of nutrients.

Mycorrhizal fungi are an integral part of this living soil environment.  They act as a foundational organism for the soil ecosystem.  Many studies have been conducted that show that the presence of mycorrhizae in soil has many benefits.

Almost all land plants form symbiotic associations with mycorrhizal fungi. These below‐ground fungi play a key role in terrestrial ecosystems as they regulate nutrient and carbon cycles, and influence soil structure and ecosystem multifunctionality. Up to 80% of plant N and P is provided by mycorrhizal fungi and many plant species depend on these symbionts for growth and survival<1>.

Vast networks of Mycorrhizae form in habitats that are undisturbed or managed sustainably.  These networks allow for the movement of water and nutrients amongst varying plant species.  The most prevalent of these fungi are the Endomycorrhizae, or Arbuscular Mycorrhizae (AM).

These fungi form mutualistic symbiosis with more than 85% of higher plant species. They play important roles in plant resource capture and nutrient cycling. The ability of AM fungi to enhance host plant uptake of relatively immobile nutrients, in particular phosphorus (P), and several micronutrients, has been the most recognized beneficial effect of mycorrhiza.  Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi absorb inorganic P either from the soluble P pools in the soil, or from insoluble forms, such as, rock phosphates (RP). Recent studies show that the mycorrhizal fungus Glomus intraradices solubilized RP through localized alterations of pH and/or by the production of organic acid anions, that may act as chelating agents<2>.

In simpler terms, mycorrhizae make nutrients and micronutrients more readily available to plants.  By breaking down organic matter, chelating (bonding) nutrients from the soil, and improving water holding capacity, these fungi form the base of a living soil.  Allowing the soil to naturalize and build a healthy ecosystem.

Now for the catch…

Land management practices affect the formation of mycorrhizae. The number of mycorrhizal fungi in soil will decline in fallowed fields or in those planted to crops that do not form mycorrhizae. Frequent tillage may reduce mycorrhizal associations, and broad spectrum fungicides are toxic to mycorrhizal fungi. Very high levels of nitrogen or phosphorus fertilizer may reduce inoculation of roots. Some inoculums of mycorrhizal fungi are commercially available and can be added to the soil at planting time<3>.

Common, accepted practices have gone against what nature has intended.  Tillage, synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, topsoil stripping.  All of these affect soil structure and the overall soil ecosystem.

In order to build a natural, healthy, resilient soil ecosystem, an entirely different approach needs to be taken.  Minimal tillage (no till), mulching bare soil, use of natural/organic soil amendments,  and crop rotation practices need to be considered.  Thoughtful amendment of living soil ecosystems.  Mimic nature, build the soil, and see better results.

Boost Your Grow The Natural Way. 

References:

<1> https://doi.org/10.1111/nph.13288

<2>Javaid, Dr. Arshad. (2009). Role of Mycorrhizae in Plant Nutrition. Microbes in Sustainable Agriculture. 145-166.

<3>https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detailfull/soils/health/biology/?cid=nrcs142p2_053864

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Simple Living Soil Recipe for Seed Starting

Easy Living Soils

Everyone that enjoys cooking or baking have their own go-to methods and hacks they rely on for success.  Growers are no different.  There are so many different ways to get to similar results.  We are going to focus on an easy and effective way to make a quality living soil seed starting mix on your own.  Just like baking a cake.  With only a handful of ingredients to get your plants off to a great start.

This mix is ideal for seed starting and an excellent base for creating a biodynamic growing system.  Incorporating the least amount of inputs and gaining the maximum benefit.  Using nature as your guide to grow great plants.

What is Living Soil?

A healthy living soil is a healthy ecosystem.  And a healthy soil ecosystem contains the elements that any other healthy ecosystem has.  DIVERSITY.  Living soils contain a multitude of beneficial bacteria, fungi, protozoa, nematodes, earthworms, and more.  These diverse organisms work synergistically to break down organic matter and nutrients that are made available to plants.  They also defend against soil pests and pathogens.  

Living Soils are made to be used biodynamically.  Re-amended and re-used over multiple growing cycles.  Using no-till methods assist in keeping the diversity of your living soil intact.  Living soils are complex systems where encouraging and maintaining a biological diversity of beneficial life is key.

This living soil mix is intended to get your plants established quickly, with reduced risk of plant loss or transplant shock.  Living soils let your plants gain nutrients and water more efficiently, using less fertilizer and water.  This simple, effective soil mix is something that any beginner or master grower can use for awesome results.

There are 4 key components to this living soil mix.  As we are just going for a seed germination mix, there are no additional nutrients added to start.  And of course you can add to and tweak it to your own preference.  We will list these individually, with options for whatever other input alternatives may be more readily available in your area.  

How to Create a Living Soil

Peat Moss/Coco Coir (1 Part or 1/2 part each – 40% of mix)

Peat and coco can be used individually or mixed together in equal parts.  They are the main ‘bulk’ of the soil, and have good water holding capacity.  It is important to water these in well prior to blending and planting.  Peat is ‘hydrophobic’, which means it is difficult to wet and sheds off water easily.  Where coco is ‘hydrophilic’, which means is can easily absorb water.  Blending these two inputs give you a quality base to start with.

 

Perlite/Pumice/Vermiculite (1 Part – 40% of mix)

We mix roughly equal parts of our ‘base’ peat/coco with one of or a combination of these.  Perlite, pumice etc. gives the soil good drainage and aeration.  Different regions have different ingredients available.  Vermiculite (shown below) is fairly common, and some areas may have something like rice hulls available.  The most important thing is to keep the ratio close to the peat mix or slightly less.  

Vermicast/Compost (15-20% of mix)

A quality compost is a key factor in this living soil mix.  Compost holds a great mix of plant available nutrients in a concentration that will not burn young plants when used in these smaller amounts.  There is also an abundance of microbial life in composts that hold other numerous benefits.  Just what we’re looking for in a living soil.  Studies have shown that vermicast (vermicompost) used in ratios no greater than 20% have many benefits in regards to seed germination and early plant development.  

EndoBoost Pro Granular Mycorrhizae (2% of mix – follow application instructions)

Living Soils are an ecosystem.  And we want the most healthy, productive, and effective ecosystem to grow great plants.  EndoBoost Pro helps create the conditions for that to happen.  Mycorrhizal Fungi to expand the root zone.  Beneficial Microbes for increased plant performance, soil health and protection.  With powerful Plant Biostimulants to feed your soil, and drive plant growth and yields.  Amendments for living soil that give you the best results with the least inputs and waste.

How to Mix Your Living Soil

Now that we have identified each individual part of the mix, they can be blended and watered in to complete the process.  The simple ratio of ingredients can be measured out to whatever quantity you need.  Nothing changes whether you are measuring by the gallon or yard.  Home gardeners looking to start their annual vegetable garden, for example, would be best served measuring by the gallon.  

For an example, we will mix 5 gallons of soil.  Use a tarp, mixing bucket, tray, or wheelbarrow.  Whatever you have on hand.  Add 2 gallon of peat moss for each 2 gallons of vermiculite, for example.  Water well and mix to the consistency of a damp sponge.  Estimate soil moisture by squeezing a handful of soil to see a firm consistency with no water actively dripping or flowing from your hand.  You would then add up to 20% of quality compost (no more than 1 gallon for this example).  Finally adding the EndoBoost Pro Mycorrhizal at the rate of to 2tbsp. per 5 gallons (1tsp. per gallon).

And there you have it!  5 gallons of a great living soil ready for your seeds.  

Seed Starting Basics

Now it is time to plant those seeds.  Ideally, you have your pre-moistened living soil blend ready to go.  Your solo cups, planting cells, or paper pots on hand.  And of course the seeds you want to plant.  The idea is to get the seeds into an environment where they can sprout and have room to grow.  Depending on the plant, you may need to transplant into a larger container before final transplant.  Either way, you want to minimize the disturbance to your seedling.  Therefore, use a proper sized container so you end up transplanting as few times as possible before the plant finds its home.  

You want to make sure that your living soil mix is secure and packed down into the container.  Firmly, but not so much that it ends up being a solid block.  Remember that we want our beneficial organisms and plants roots to be able to get the access to water and nutrients that they need.  An overly compacted soil will more than likely cause problems.  

Make sure to follow the directions on your seed packets and plant at the proper depth.  Certain plants are more fussy than others for germination.  The general rule of thumb is to plant at a depth 2-3 times the width of the seed.  Lightly cover the seeds and water in.  It is best to mist the plants as opposed to other harsher methods that may dislodge your seeds or damage seedlings.

Boost Your Grow The Natural Way

Keep soil moist, warm, and get the seedlings under supplemental light or a south-facing windowsill when they sprout.  Use this mix right through final transplant.  Keep your living soil vibrant and productive with waterings of a quality soluble Mycorrhizal Inoculant like EndoBoost Hydro, and follow up with InoBoost Easy Compost Tea in addition to your normal feeding program.  Look for increased plant performance, flowering, and yields.

 

EndoBoost Seed Mix

p.s.  As always if you found value in this post, please like, share, and subscribe to our email list.  Feel free to reach out at support@greeneden.co.  Thanks!

8
May, 2023
EndoBoost Hydro Soluble Mycorrhizae

How To Grow The Best Plants Naturally With EndoBoost Hydro

What Is EndoBoost Hydro?

A Powerful, Soluble Microbial Biostimulant – With The Most Diverse, Concentrated, And Complete Nutrient Enhancing Formula – To Boost Your Grow The Natural Way! 

 EndoBoost Hydro has a supercharged blend of ingredients that naturally builds soil and benefits plants; and is guaranteed to boost your growth, yields and production.

Endomycorrhizal Fungi have evolved over hundreds of millions of years.  It has been theorized that mycorrhizae are a key reason that plants transitioned from sea to land.  85% of all plants form a symbiosis with Endomycorrhizae, where plants feed the fungi sugars from photosynthesis, and mycorrhizal colonize and extend plant roots to make water and nutrients more readily available to plants.

Mycorrhizal Fungi are essential to establishing healthy, productive plants.  They set the stage for explosive root growth, increased nutrient and water availability, and protect against pathogens.

Beneficial Bacteria act as the “probiotics” for plants.  A healthy, living soil needs a diversity of microbes to give your plants the essential nutrients they need to thrive; and create the conditions for strong, healthy, resilient plants and soil.

These Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) break down organic matter and macro and micronutrients, induce plant growth hormones, increase nutrient availability, improve soil health, and defend against pathogens.

Humic Acids, Sea Kelp Extract, and Yucca Plant Extract are the Biostimulants (Biofertilizers) that feed your living soil.

Humic and Fulvic Acids are powerful chelators that increase nutrient uptake, boost microbial activity, increase drought tolerance, and improve soil structure.  They are formed through the breakdown of organic matter, and are sourced as leonardite.  Leonardite is found near lignite based coal deposits, and serve as the best natural source of humic substances; organic matter in its most pure form.

Sea Kelp Extract is a natural biofertilizer, with over 70 trace minerals and vitamins, growth hormones, enzymes, and proteins.  Seaweeds have been used as fertilizers for millennia; and aid in cell division, soil fertility, feed microbes, and enhance nutrient utilization.

Yucca Plant Extract is a natural surfactant.  It helps to break the surface tension of water, allowing for better soil infiltration.  This improves nutrient uptake and water holding capacity.  Yucca also protects against plant stress and reduces salt buildup in roots and soil.

Trichoderma Fungi are a truly unique and powerful biostimulant.  Like mycorrhizal, it colonizes the area around plant roots.  But unlike mycorrhizal, it can also survive away from plant roots for some time.  It works with other microbes through this colonization to promote plant growth, defend against root and plant pathogens, fixes nitrogen, and induces many plant growth hormones.

Vitamins and L-Amino Acids serve many essential functions related to plant health.  Like in humans, vitamins are essential for optimal health.  Deficiencies in specific vitamins can cause detrimental effects.

Plant benefits from ideal vitamin regulation include increased nutritional content, creation of enzyme co-factors necessary for plant function, and supplementing deficiencies during the plants life cycle; including during rooting, flowering and fruit set.

L-Amino Acids are also essential to successful, vigorous plants.  They increase root and leaf biomass, improve microbial activity, buffer heavy metals and salts, improve stress tolerance and chlorophyll synthesis; and are a source of organic nitrogen.

 

Diverse and Potent Biostimulants Grow The Best Plants

Dare to compare.  The diversity of species and potent concentration of EndoBoost Hydro is second-to-none.  This diversity and potency allows plants to be quickly established and optimized for maximum growth and health.

Healthy ecosystems contain massive amounts of diversity, and EndoBoost Hydro delivers an abundant complement of fungal and bacterial strains that give your plants the maximum benefits they need for success.

But why is that important?

Plants have been shown to use what is called Induced Systemic Resistance (ISR).  ISR is a response that is induced by beneficial bacteria and/or fungi that results in suppression of plant pathogens and pests, as well as promoting plant growth.

The selection of beneficial bacteria, fungi, and biostimulants in EndoBoost Hydro is no accident.  Research shows that combinations of biostimulants work in tandem to enhance plant growth and health.

The combination of ingredients in EndoBoost Hydro are highly selective to be the most dominant and effective to colonize plants, induce ISR, protect plants and induce growth.

For growers, this means you have the opportunity to have the best plants.

Effective and Versatile ‘Professional Grade’ Solution To Give You The Most Vigorous, Healthy, Productive Plants

Professionals and novices alike will appreciate the effectiveness and versatility of EndoBoost Hydro.  Research over decades has concluded that biostimulants have a prominent role to play in biointensive, regenerative, and productive agriculture and horticulture.

Regardless of your method, we have you covered.  Hydroponics, soil, coco coir, sphagnum peat, aeroponics, aquaponics.  EndoBoost Hydro will be effective in any soil or hydroponic growing setup.

All growers benefit from the versatility of EndoBoost Hydro.  Applied dry, in solution, as a root drench, injection; or any other method that gets direct contact with plant roots.  They are all effective.

 If you are a hydroponic grower, the benefits are even greater.  EndoBoost Hydro is dormant in dry form; unlike many liquid inoculants which use chemicals to suppress the microorganisms in solution.  With 1 tsp per 10 gallon concentration, EndoBoost Hydro is ready to be unleashed as soon as it is applied.  

One answer to give your grow the start it needs.  The benefits include:

  • Faster Plant Establishment (An Insurance Policy for your Plants).
  • Endomycorrhizae Colonize 92% of all Plant Families on Earth, and are the Backbone of a Healthy Rhizosphere.
  • The “Fungal Highway” Formed by Mycorrhizal Hyphae Moves Nutrients and Water from Abundant Areas to Deficient Areas, Resulting in Less Fertilizer Use Overall.
  • The Combination of Mycorrhizae, Beneficial Bacteria and Fungi Work Together to Protect Against Pests, Pathogens, and Stress, Lowering the Need For Pesticides.
  • The Biostimulants (Humic Acids, Sea Kelp Extract, Yucca Plant Extract) Feed and Assist this Diverse Living Amendment and Benefits All Plants in Any Kind of Grow.

Do your research, then compare the potency, diversity, and science to confirm that EndoBoost Hydro is is a true, all-in-one, professional grade amendment.  Guaranteed to Boost Your Grow The Natural Way.

p.s. If you like this post, please like and share.  Spread the word that there’s biointensive, sustainable ways to have stellar plants, naturally.  Thanks.

 

 

 

 

 

 

27
Jan, 2023

EndoBoost Pro Benefits Soil and Plants

EndoBoost Pro Premium Natural Mycorrhizal Fungi

 

  • 100% All Natural, Pure Blend of Endomycorrhizal Fungi, Beneficial Bacteria, Trichoderma, and Biostimulants – Easy to Use Living Soil Amendment that Naturally Builds Healthy and Strong Soil and Plants – No Chemicals – Nothing Synthetic – GMO Free – Made in the USA
  • Potent, Diverse Concentration of 7 Endomycorrhizal Fungal Species – 17 Strains Beneficial Bacteria – 4 Trichoderma Species – with Humic Acids, Sea Kelp Extract, and Yucca Plant Extract Organic Nutrients
  • Works as an Effective, Advanced Solution to Naturalize Soil, Increase the Surface Area of Roots, Enhance Nutrient and Water Uptake, Budding, Flowering, Yields, and Production
  • Diverse Beneficial and Nutrient Compound Reduces Transplant Shock, Plant Loss, Fertilizer Use, Need for Pesticides, Heat Stress Damage, and Drought Stress
  • All-Purpose Soil Enhancer Promotes Growth in Plants of All Types Including Annuals, Perennials, Vegetables, Shrubs, Trees, Turf, Cannabis, Houseplants, Orchards, Vineyards, and more
  • EndoBoost Pro can be used as a Soil Amendment, or in any method there is Direct Root Contact
  • As little as 4 Ounces Treats up to 200 Gallons of Soil.  Equal to 100 Square Feet Coverage; Billions of Beneficial Fungi, Microbes and Biostimulants.  A Little Goes a Long Way.

Beginner or Experienced Growers Alike can Boost Your Grow The Natural Way!

Order Now!

5
May, 2022
Mycorrhizal Roots

What Are Plant Biostimulants and How Do They Benefit Plants?

Plant Biostimulants Defined

“A substance or microorganism that, when applied to seeds, plants, or the rhizosphere, stimulates natural processes to enhance or benefit nutrient uptake, nutrient efficiency, tolerance to abiotic stress, or crop quality and yield.”  This, according to the proposed 2018 U.S. farm bill establishes the first definition of biostimulants by any U.S. government entity.

“The inclusion of a definition for plant biostimulants in the Farm Bill represents a critical initial step in the legislative process that will ultimately support the development of new sustainable technologies for agriculture and U.S. farmers,” said David Beaudreau, Executive Director of the U.S. Biostimulant Coalition (USBC).

A slightly altered definition:  “A plant biostimulant is any substance or microorganism applied to plants with the aim to enhance nutrition efficiency, abiotic stress tolerance and/or crop quality traits, regardless of its nutrients content”<1>.  The key difference in this definition is the phrase, ‘regardless of its nutrients content,’ which in essence says that these materials can improve and enhance plant growth and function in ways that are not solely due to the nature of the material alone.  It is this statement that sets Plant Biostimulants apart from traditional plant fertilization.  Plant Biostimulants work as a complement to nutrients present and work in ways to make these nutrients more available to plants, among many other benefits.

With decades of development and scientific research citing the many benefits of biostimulants, the included definitions offer some legitimacy to a still emerging field.  With the potential to accelerate the use of these substances in sustainable agriculture/horticulture and other ways.

In this post, we will define the broad categories of Plant Biostimulants, and show how these materials work with plants and within a soil ecosystem to improve soil and plant health and productivity.

What Are The 3 Main Functions Of Plant Biostimulants?

  • Nutrient Use Efficiency
  • Stress Tolerance
  • Plant Quality Traits

Benefits of Using Plant Biostimulants 

  • Increased Nutrient and Water Uptake/Availability
  • Increased Root and Plant Growth
  • Tolerance to Abiotic Stress (Extreme Temperatures, Drought, Flood, High Winds, Nutrient Deficiency, Soil Compaction)
  • Improved Plant Performance, Quality, and Yields
  • Improved Soil Health, Function, and Performance
  • Increased Resistance to Pathogens

Categories of Biostimulants

  • Humic and Fulvic Acids
  • Seaweed Extracts and Botanicals
  • Beneficial Fungi
  • Beneficial Bacteria
  • Others (Protein Hydrolysates, Chitosan, Inorganic Compounds, etc.)

Humic and Fulvic Acids

Humic substances (HS) are natural constituents of the soil organic matter, resulting from the decomposition of plant, animal and microbial residues, but also from the metabolic activity of soil microbes using these substrates<1>.  Humic and Folic Acids hold similar functions in plant and soil benefits, with slightly different chemical makeups.  HS are the major component of humus, or the organic portion of soil.  

Common sources of commercially available HS are leonardite (mineral deposits), naturally humified organic matter (peat/volcanic soils), or chemically extracted from composts and agricultural by-products.

The benefits of HS for plants as well as soil are many.  HS are reported to play key roles in various soil and plant functions such as controlling nutrient availability, carbon and oxygen exchange between the soil and the atmosphere, and the transformation and transport of toxic chemicals.  In addition, humic substances in soils affect plant physiology and the composition and function of rhizosphere (root zone) microorganisms <2>.  Thereby increasing nutrient uptake, plant growth, and yield.  As well as indications that HS can have a positive effect against abiotic stress (drought, salinity, soil deficiency, etc.)

The results of studies have shown that HS are optimized when used in combination with plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and other biostimulants<2,3>.  Suggesting that using combinations of biostimulants containing HS may play a large role in developing more sustainable and eco-friendly agricultural practices.

Seaweed Extracts and Botanicals

The use of seaweeds and botanicals as biostimulants (biofertilizers) have been used in agriculture for millennia, as a soil amendment and to enhance crop productivity.  The effects of these various materials have been documented in research studies to have many benefits to both soil and plants.

Seaweeds and botanicals are renewable resources that have benefits as both biostimulants and biofertilizers, acting as a food source for plants as well as benefiting the soil biome in feeding PGPR. In soils, they act as chelaters, breaking down nutrients to feed plants, improve soil structure, as well as maximize water retention.  They also contain plant growth promoting hormones and other materials to aid in plant stress reduction (drought, salinity, and temperature extremes, etc.),<1,2>.

Common sources of seaweed extracts, such as Ascophyllum nodosum, contain over 70 trace minerals and vitamins, growth hormones, enzymes, and proteins.  Used in combination with PGPR, they have shown increases in root development, plant growth and yield, and have been shown to be effective in many agricultural and horticultural crops<2>.

Other botanicals, or extracts from plant substances, are being developed to assist in plant protection (biocontrol) products.  However, development of these extracts also show potential as biostimulants as well.  Similar to crop rotations, intercropping, cover crops and mulching, these materials show promise in allelopathy, or the beneficial interaction that occurs between plants.

Beneficial Fungi

The mutualistic benefits between plants and fungi have been evolving since the origin of plants on land, over 450 million years ago.  Mycorrhizal fungi form symbioses with over 90% of all plant species.  Many common agricultural and horticultural species associate with mycorrhizae, and the benefits of such have been widely documented. There is an increasing interest for the use of mycorrhizae to promote sustainable agriculture, considering the widely accepted benefits of the symbioses to nutrition efficiency (for both macronutrients, especially phosphorus, and micronutrients), water balance, biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) stress protection of plants<1>.

The fungal networks formed by mycorrhizae have also been shown to create what are called hyphal networks.  These networks allow interplant signaling to occur, where plant defense mechanisms are triggered to defend against insect and fungal pests<5>.  Also, these hyphal networks allow for the movement of beneficial bacteria to where this signaling has occurred.

Other beneficial fungi, such as Trichoderma, have been identified to have their own unique benefits to soil and plants.  These fungi, unlike mycorrhizae, can live apart from plants; and have been reported to act as a biopesticide (biocontrol) agent and have plant growth promoting properties.  By colonizing plant roots, Trichoderma outcompetes pathogenic fungi, and induce plants to enable chemical defenses against certain pests.  They also promote plant growth through the release of growth enzymes and increase nutrient use efficiency<1,6>.

Beneficial Bacteria

Beneficial bacteria, specifically Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) are multifunctional and influence all aspects of plant life.  Here are some of the ways this happens:

  • Help supply nutrients to crops;  
  • To stimulate plant growth, e.g., through the production of plant hormones;  
  • To control or inhibit the activity of plant  pathogens;  
  • Improved soil structure;  
  • Response to biotic and abiotic stress;  
  • Interactions with other organisms in the agroecosystems and bioaccumulation or microbial leaching of inorganics<1>.  

In this way, PGPR act as both biostimulants and biocontrol agents.  The soil, and specifically the rhizosphere, is the most biologically diverse ecosystem on the planet.  The inoculation of PGPR into these zones allow for plants to obtain the maximum benefit possible.  Much research has been conducted on the relationship between plants and PGPR<8>.

Similar to probiotics for humans, PGPR are recruited by plants to assist in improved nutrition and immunity.  Using the Mycorrhizal network, PGPR can be signaled, and move to assist the plant in defending against pathogens.  This occurs through the release of specific compounds that trigger a response from either the plant or the bacterium.  Many beneficial soil-borne microorganisms have been found to boost the defensive capacity in above-ground parts of the plant.  This induced systemic resistance (ISR) is a state in which the immune system of the plant is primed for accelerated activation of defense.  Where plants have been shown to signal for specific bacteria based on specific conditions<7>.

The potential for beneficial bacteria use in biointensive growing has been widely studied, and a diverse combination of bacteria affords the best opportunity to allow for plants to gain the maximum benefit in health and vigor.

Others (Protein Hydrolysates, Chitosan, Inorganic Compounds, etc.)

Other forms of biostimulants also have benefits to soil and plant health.  Protein hydrolysates are acquired from plant or animal byproducts.  They include amino acids and have been shown to increase Nitrogen uptake, regulate hormones and enzymes, and chelate nutrients.  Protein hydrolysates are known to increase microbial biomass and activity, soil respiration and, overall, soil fertility. Chelating and complexing activities of specific amino acids and peptides are deemed to contribute to nutrients availability and acquisition by roots<1>.

Chitosan and inorganic compounds also contribute in similar ways to optimize soil and plant health.  Many effects of beneficial elements are reported by the scientific literature, which promote plant growth, the quality of plant products and tolerance to abiotic stress<1>.

Chitosan and inorganic compounds also contribute in similar ways to optimize soil and plant health.  Many effects of beneficial elements are reported by the scientific literature, which promote plant growth, the quality of plant products and tolerance to abiotic stress<1>.

Reported Examples of the Main Effects and Physiological Actions Played by Plant Biostimulants

Plant Biostimulants Benefit Plants

The research is extensive, and ongoing.  The results are documented.  Numerous plants species have been cited to positively benefit from biostimulant use.  A growing awareness is occurring that there is a better way from the traditional methods used in farming and horticulture.  Feed the living soil, feed the plant.  Biostimulants improve soil health, optimize nutrient use, and increase plant growth, vigor,  yield and production.

The work that biostimulants perform allows for less fertilizer use and less need for pesticides, and also shows potential to be useful in site restoration/remediation<2>.  The research into the benefits of biostimulants, and the methods to maximize those benefits continues.

A more biointensive and sustainable agricultural (horticultural) environment is possible.  Build a living soil that is more resilient, regenerative, and let nature do the work.

Boost your grow the natural way.

references:

<1>du Jardin; Nov. 2015; Plant Biostimulants: Definition, concept, main categories and regulation; Scientia Horticulturae volume 196; pg.3-14

<2>Velez et al.; Agricultural uses of plant biostimulants; May 2014; Plant and Soil (383, 1-2)

<3>Befrozfar et al.; Vermicompost, plant growth promoting bacteria, and humic acid can affect the growth and essence of basil; 2013; Annals of Biological research; 4 (2), pg.8-12

<4>Povero et al.;A systemic approach to discover and characterize natural plant biostimulants; April 2016; Frontiers in Plant Science; online

<5>Johnson, Gilbert; Interplant signaling through hyphal networks; Nov. 2014; New Phytologist; Wiley online library

<6>Harman; Trichoderma; Cornell University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences; online

<7>Berendsen et al; The rhizosphere microbiome and plant health; Aug. 2012; Trends in Plant Science; Vol. 17(8); pg.478-486 

<8>Hayat et al.; Soil beneficial bacteria and their role in plant growth promotion: a review; Aug. 2010; Annals of Microbiology; online

21
Feb, 2022
Easy Compost Tea

Compost Tea For Plants – The Easy Way

Compost Tea Basics

Theres a lot of information out there on the benefits of using compost tea for plants.  But how does the process work?  Do you have a compost pile?  Do you get good compost?  What is in it?  Is it safe?  Are there alternatives?

All valid questions. And the answers you seek may not be as simple they seem.  If you ask 100 gardeners the secret to how they grow the best plants you are likely to get many different responses.  This is no different when it comes to opinions on compost tea.

Can you make your own compost and compost tea?  Absolutely!  We encourage everyone to take steps like composting to reduce waste and enrich your gardens and landscapes.  But perfecting an effective and safe compost tea takes some work, education, and time.

 Do you want to experiment and roll the dice to get the results you are counting on?  Or are you looking for an easier, consistent product without doing the legwork?   How you answer these questions will determine which way you want to go.  Either way you can get the results you are looking for and get them in the way you are looking to.  Naturally.

Let’s dig into what your options are when considering making your own compost tea.  And what alternatives are out there…

Easy Compost Tea

 


What is Compost Tea?

A combination of:
  • Beneficial Microbes 
  • Nutrients
  • Humic Acids (Humates)
  • Water (clean/non-chlorinated)
  • Food source (sugars, nutrients)

Compost Tea will be some combination of these inputs.  They result from steeping or brewing finished compost in water.  This is done in order to extract and/or multiply beneficial organisms from the compost.  Quality compost teas are generally aerated in some type of a brewer or bucket type setup.  Typically, a tea is aerated between 24-48 hours.  However, care must be taken to not brew too long as it will invite potential issues.

 The type and quality of beneficial organisms in a compost tea is dependent on many factors.  The two main factors being the quality of inputs that go into the compost, and the composting/brewing process itself.  In order to maximize the amount of beneficial organisms in a tea, some form of food is needed to maximize these numbers.  Some common food sources used for compost teas are unsulfured blackstrap molasses, sea kelp, or fish hydrolysate.

What’s in your Compost Tea?

The value of a good compost tea is that you are adding plant available nutrients, Humic acids, and living beneficials to your plants and soil.  These are all highly valuable and important for living soils.  The fact remains that it is difficult to know what will be in your final product.  The only true way to know what is in your compost tea is through analysis.  

A quality actively aerated compost tea will have a rich diversity of bacteria, fungi, and other soil dwelling creatures.  Through microscopic analysis these creatures can be observed and a general inventory can be taken.  If you know what you are looking for.  One of the disadvantages of compost tea is that there can be a lot of variance in what your final product really is.  It is impossible to know what is in a compost tea without proper evaluation.  It is recommended to use a minimum of 400x magnification if you want to be able to see bacteria and other organisms.  The work of people like Dr. Elaine Ingham has identified the true beauty and power of the Soil Food Web, and how it can transform how we grow food and plants.

worm castings

 

What is Compost Tea Good For?

  • Adds Beneficial Soil Microbes – Soil microorganisms are a key component of productive living soils.  These microbes serve many functions such as fixing Nitrogen, solubilizing Phosphorus and other Macro and Micronutrients.  Each beneficial microorganism serves specific functions that can be dependent on your growing conditions.  Our knowledge of how this works will become greater as scientific research continues.
  • Maximizes Nutrient Use Efficiency – Nutrient uptake and a healthy living soil go hand-in-hand.  The microorganisms in the soil are what process nutrients into plant available forms.  This is a big reason why practicing organic practices are so very important.  The soil ecosystem works with your plants to give them what they need.
  • Plant Pathogen Protection – Many microorganisms have been shown to suppress specific plant pathogens.  Much of this science is still not fully understood.  Obviously there is a benefit to having more beneficial microbes than pathogenic microbes.  Many of these beneficials form what are called ‘biofilms’ around plant roots.  This is one way of defending plants and the rhizosphere (root zone) from harmful pests.
  • Builds Living Soils – Humic Acids, Beneficial Bacteria and Fungi, and other soil dwelling life interact to help form a healthy soil.  The Humic Acids form soil aggregates, improve tilth, and feed the microbes.  The microbes break down organic matter, make nutrients available to plants, and build biomass.  Together this forms living soils that improve many functions of plant performance.
  • Improves Water Retention – Compost teas help build soil.  A major benefit of a healthy soil structure is water use and retention.  When water use efficiency improves, runoff and leaching of nutrients decreases.  Plants perform best when they have proper access to water and nutrients.

The 20th century gave us the rise of commercial food production on a massive scale.  The farming practices that they used generally took no regard to the ecosystem that our soils really are.  Pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides kill soil organisms and damages those ecosystems.

Now we know that in order to have more sustainable ways to grow food we need to change our ways.  That is why compost tea and biointensive practices are now becoming mainstream.  Building living soils that have the resiliency and abundance that nature provides.  More and more people are realizing the value of growing naturally.  No chemical fertilizers or synthetics.  Composting and using compost teas are examples of how we can grow plants more responsibly while maintaining production and nutrient density.

 

How to use Compost Tea

So you brewed your first batch of Aerated Compost Tea.  Or maybe you are going to use an alternative to the DIY approach.  Something like InoBoost Ultimate, for instance.  The Beauty of using Compost Tea is that there is not a lot to mess up.  These are not typical fertilizers.  There is no risk of burning or damaging your plants.  Whether you brew your own, purchase a pre-made tea, or use a Plant Biostimulant product, the application methods will be similar.

It is best to use a tank or hose sprayer, or watering can to apply a compost tea.  The ideal time to apply is in the morning.  This is because the plants stoma are open and can take in liquids more easily.  Stoma are pores located on plant leaves and stems that allow for gas exchange as well as to uptake water and nutrients.  Plant stoma open and close as environmental conditions change.  In the heat of midday, for example, you can expect the stoma to close in order to retain water.  You can also apply later in the day, but care must be taken to not invite fungal disease if the plants remain wet overnight.  

There are two main ways to use a compost tea.  

  1. Foliar – Spray directly onto plants leaves and stems.
  2. Root Drench – Soak the soil directly around the plants as far out as the drip line.  It is a best practice to water in after to ensure the tea makes it down to the root zone.

Again, the beauty in using compost teas and Plant Biostimulants is that it is quite hard to damage your plants from overuse.  One possible way that you could damage your plants is if you overwater.  Otherwise, the frequency that you apply is really up to you.  Generally, this depends on what works best for your plants, as well as cost.  

Do Compost Teas Work?

This may not be the best question to ask.  I think it comes down to preference.  There is little question that a properly made, properly aerated compost tea contains a multitude of beneficials.  The beneficial microbes, nutrients, and other substances create the conditions to grow better plants.  And build great soil. 

Some important things to consider are knowing what you are putting on your plants, and do you have the time, desire, and equipment to do it right.

Guarantee the Good Bugs – Not the Bad Ones
InoBoost Ultimate is the Easy, Instant Compost Tea Alternative.  Loaded with a blend of Beneficial Bacteria, Fungi, Sea Kelp and more.  We lower the learning curve, and empower you with a proven blend of elite Plant Biostimulants.  A specifically chosen cast of beneficials that boost plant and soil health and production.  

A product like InoBoost Easy Compost Tea removes the trial and error of brewing your own compost tea.  Simply mix and apply.  Know what you are putting on your plants and soil.  And know how you can make an easy compost tea without a pump or other equipment.

Like we stated at the beginning.  Brewing your own compost tea is great.  And many people have had success in doing it.  However, it is not for everyone.  From buying the equipment, finding or making a quality compost, and finally brewing your tea.  It may just be more than you are willing to take on.

There are no magic potions that will guarantee success.  Good growing habits, natural, organic inputs, and a focus on building a healthy soil food web should be the goals.  How you get there is really just a matter of practice and preference.

Plant Biostimulants are a game changer for growers.  These products give you the benefits of using a quality aerated compost tea, but take out the labor and guesswork.  Some microbe food for thought….

 

SHOP GREENEDEN

 

p.s.  As always if you found value in this post, please like, share, and subscribe to our email list.  Feel free to reach out at support@greeneden.co.  Thanks!

1
Sep, 2021

The Internet of Plants – A Mycorrhizal Network

What Is The Mycorrhizal Network?

Mycorrhizal Fungi form networks that are the backbone of a healthy soil ecosystem, and a significant factor in the health of the majority of plants in the world.  They facilitate the movement of nutrients, water, and bacteria between and amongst plants.  
As more information is being realized about this ‘Internet of Plants’, the true power of a healthy living soil ecosystem will be realized.

Mycorrhizal networks are formed by what are called ‘hyphae’.  Hyphae are microscopic strands of fungi which enable water, nutrients, and microorganisms to move from areas of abundance to areas of need.  These hyphal networks have been known to extend over vast distances, and interconnect multiple plant species<1>.

The rhizosphere, or the area in the soil immediately surrounding plant roots, is thought of as the most ecologically diverse ecosystem on the planet.  Billions of fungi, bacteria, and other microorganisms inhabit this zone.  

It is here that the true beauty of the mycorrhizal network is shown.  It is also where Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) dwell.  These bacteria hold many valuable functions influencing plant life and biogeochemical cycles.  

This includes: supply of nutrients, increase in nutrient use efficiency, induction of disease resistance, enhancement of abiotic stress tolerance, modulation of morphogenesis (development) by plant growth regulators<4>.

 

 

These beneficial bacteria use the network of mycorrhizal hyphae to transport and redistribute nutrients, which benefits plants and the bacteria alike.  It is with this living soil, improved soil structure, and diversity of organisms that facilitates a healthy soil ecosystem.  The roots of plants can only extend so far into the soil; thus making the importance of the mycorrhizal network essential to allow plants to have access to the water and nutrients they would not normally have.

This ‘internet of plants’ has benefits beyond just plant health.  Disturbed sites, polluted soils, heavily tilled, depleted soils, and restoration sites all can benefit from the colonization of mycorrhizal.

Mycorrhizae helps the natural establishment and protection of vegetation throughout this network.  This is extremely significant for agricultural and nursery production.  Communication within the Mycorrhizal network is still a relatively unsettled phenomena, but with the research of people like Suzanne Simard, more and more is becoming known about how these networks, and the communications that occur in them happen.

Research has shown that a type of communication, or trigger, does enable plants to send signals throughout the mycorrhizal network to warn of a disturbance or pathogen effecting an individual plant or plants.  Studies have shown numerous beneficial fungi and bacteria have the ability to signal, or communicate between plants to warn of soil borne or insect pests<1>.  Specifically, a study looked at how corn plants release a chemical that specifically targets pests and other plants.  This chemical also attracts a strain of the beneficial bacteria Pseudomonas (PGPR), that is able to outcompete the pathogenic bacteria<2>.  Another study used Streptomyces (PGPR) bacteria to show that compounds released by this beneficial bacteria triggered positive responses from plants infected by pathogens<3>.

All of these remarkable bacterial functions that benefit plant and soil health are made possible through the mycorrhizal network. The ‘Internet of Plants’ connects the living soil ecosystem to plant communities.  This enables them to work together to form a natural, healthy environment.

When a diverse community of beneficial bacteria, fungi, and organics are introduced, a healthy, living soil is formed.  Start with the roots, end with stronger plants, greater yields, and production.  

EndoBoost Pro Mycorrhizal Fungi

Boost Your Grow The Natural Way

 

references:

<1>  2015 Mar;205(4):1448-53. doi: 10.1111/nph.13115. Epub 2014 Nov 24.

<2> Benzoxazinoids in Root Exudates of Maize Attract Pseudomonas putida to the Rhizosphere.  April 25, 2012.  PLoSONE.  Neal et al.

<3> https://doi.org/10.1093/femsec/fiw119

<4>https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0304423815301850