Soil degradation significantly impacts agricultural productivity. Poor soil health leads to reduced crop yields, increased vulnerability to pests and diseases, and greater dependency on chemical inputs, which exacerbate the problem. Moreover, unhealthy soils contribute to environmental issues including soil erosion, water pollution, loss of biodiversity, and increased greenhouse gas emissions.
The Importance of Soil Health Management
The Soil Health Institute and Cargill conducted a project to provide farmers with the economic information they need when deciding whether to adopt soil health practices and systems. 100 interviewed farmers grew crops on an average of 1,940 acres, using no-till on 85% and cover crops on 53%. Farmers using no-till had been doing so for an average of 19 years, and those who grew cover crops had been doing so for an average of nine years. 67% of interviewed farmers reported increased yield from using a soil health management system. Furthermore, based on information provided by these farmers, growing corn costs an average of $24.00/acre less and growing soybeans costs approximately $16.57/acre less. Across all 100 farms, soil health management systems increased net income for 85% of farmers growing corn and 88% growing soybeans. Based on standardized prices, this system increased net income for these farmers by an average of $51.60/acre for corn and $44.89/acre for soybeans. Farmers also reported additional benefits of their soil health management system, such as increased crop resilience to extreme weather and field access.
Key Indicators of Soil Health
The Soil Health Institute identified three measurements as crucial indicators: soil aggregation, increased soil organic matter, and active soil microbes. The abundance and diversity of soil microbes can influence plants’ growth and productivity; hence, they play an important role in plant health. Microbes in the rhizosphere called arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) colonize more than 80% of land plants, including crops. AMF forms symbiotic relationships with plants; the AMF needs a host plant to create carbohydrates and carbon. Carbon derived from roots during growth and as root residues are critical for increasing soil carbon. In return, AMF extends the reach of the plant’s root system, providing the host plant with better nutrient access, water access and retention, and stress tolerance. AMF also benefits soil with better aggregation and structure, which aids in storing water, nutrients, and soil carbon.
A New Tool for Improving Soil and Plant Health
Biostimulants have gained considerable attention for their potential to enhance soil and plant health. Among these, Acadian Plant Health™ (APH) Ascophyllum nodosum biostimulants stand out for their unique and multifaceted benefits. This innovative technology stimulates root and AMF growth and beneficial bacteria, improving soil health.
Studies show APH’s biostimulants contain multiple bioactive compounds that work synergistically to enhance soil and plant vitality. For instance, alginic acid in APH’s biostimulants has a dual role in improving soil and plant health. It acts as a chelating agent, binding with nutrients and making them more accessible to plant roots. This improves nutrient uptake and ensures plants receive the essential minerals for growth. Alginic acid serves as a food source for beneficial soil microbes, promoting a healthy soil microbiome that supports plant health and growth.
Another significant benefit of APH biostimulants is the promotion of increased root biomass, which improves soil aggregate stability. Stable soil aggregates enhance soil structure, increasing resistance to wind and water erosion. Larger, healthier root systems exude organic compounds that bind soil particles together, creating more stable aggregates. As a result, the soil is better able to resist erosive forces and maintain its integrity. The improved root biomass and soil structure foster a more conducive environment for microbial activity and nutrient cycling, supporting healthier plant growth and greater agricultural productivity.
Acadian Plant Health biostimulants offer a comprehensive solution for enhancing soil and plant health. Through the synergistic effects of organic acids, oligosaccharides, betaines, mannitol, alginic acid, and fucose-containing polysaccharides, these biostimulants not only improve soil health but also fortify plants against various environmental stresses for improved plant growth and productivity. By integrating APH biostimulants into agricultural practices, farmers can achieve sustainable, resilient, and productive farming systems.
Find out how at acadianplanthealth-na.com/soil-health/
