Of the five types of microorganisms found in soil, bacteria plays a crucial role. The final stage in breaking down nutrients in the root zone of the soil, bacteria both hold and release nutrients that help plants thrive.
Food and Agriculture Organization once said “Bacteria may well be the most valuable of life forms in the soil.”
Actinomycetes are a form of bacteria with long filaments that intertwine with roots. Compounds released from these filaments have an effect similar to antibiotics for plants. Like antibiotics, Actinomycetes compounds kill other bacteria that may be harmful to plant health.
Other soil microorganisms, such as fungi, live among the roots and help them absorb nutrients and water, while also creating sugars, amino acids and other nutrients.
In healthy soil, there is a balance of beneficial verses pathogenic microorganisms. Nematodes, a form of microscopic worms, can function to control other pathogenic nematodes, preventing the pathogenic variety from entering plant roots and causing harm. Protozoa, also help maintain this balance by eating bacteria, and releasing the nutrients within.
Diestel Family Turkey Ranch helps beneficial bacteria by using fresh well water and probiotics to clean barns and pipes, fostering a healthy microbial environment. They also compost organic waste from the turkeys, and introduce the compost back into the soil, preserving the organic matter density, and nutrient content of the soil.
These simple, but important steps help create a thriving rich soil, growing nutrient rich plants for the turkeys to enjoy.
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