The Power of Probiotics and Mineral Water: A New Frontier in Sustainable AgricultureIf you are interested in products related to the research phase in this field, please contact for further inquiries.
Sustainable agriculture is a critical practice aimed at meeting society's food and textile needs in the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Central to this practice is the maintenance and enhancement of soil health, which is the cornerstone of a productive and resilient agricultural system. Soil health is defined by its physical, chemical, and biological properties, with the biological aspect being particularly crucial. Soil microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and actinomycetes, play a vital role in nutrient cycling, organic matter decomposition, and disease suppression. These microorganisms form complex communities, or microbiomes, that contribute to soil fertility and plant health.
Fig 1. Dependence of the total number of bacteria in the soil on the experimental day and treatment. (Pysarenko P., et al., 2023)
Soil microorganisms are the unsung heroes of agricultural productivity. They decompose organic matter, making nutrients available to plants, and fix atmospheric nitrogen, reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers. For instance, certain species of bacteria in the genus Bacillus are known for their ability to enhance soil fertility and suppress plant pathogens. These beneficial microorganisms not only improve soil structure and water retention but also contribute to the overall health of the agroecosystem. The activity of soil microorganisms is influenced by various factors, including soil pH, moisture content, and the presence of organic matter. Enhancing the activity of these microorganisms can lead to more efficient nutrient use, reduced soil erosion, and improved crop yields.
Probiotics, traditionally known for their benefits in human health, have emerged as a promising tool in sustainable agriculture. Probiotic preparations, such as Sviteco-Agrobiotic-01, contain beneficial microorganisms that can enhance soil microbial activity. These preparations can be applied to the soil to promote the growth of beneficial bacteria, improve soil structure, and increase nutrient availability. Studies have shown that the application of probiotics can lead to significant increases in the number and activity of soil microorganisms, resulting in improved soil health and crop productivity.
Concomitant formation water (CFW), a by-product of oil production, is a rich source of minerals and organic compounds. CFW contains a significant amount of micro and macroelements, including sulfates and chlorides, which can stimulate microbial activity and improve soil fertility. The use of CFW in agriculture has been explored as a potential alternative to chemical fertilizers, with studies indicating that it can enhance soil microbial communities and promote plant growth. The application of CFW in combination with probiotics has shown particularly promising results, with significant improvements in soil health and crop yields.
Recent research conducted at the Poltava State Agrarian University provides valuable insights into the effects of combining probiotics and CFW on soil health. The study evaluated the impact of different concentrations of CFW and probiotic preparations on soil microbial communities and biological processes. The results indicated that the most effective treatment was a combination of CFW at a concentration of 900 L/ha and probiotics diluted in a 1:10 ratio (100 L/ha). This mixture led to a substantial increase in the total number of bacteria in the soil, with an increase of 82–102% compared to the control. The study also found significant improvements in the ecological and trophic groups of soil bacteria, with notable increases in pedotrophic bacteria, ammonifying bacteria, and amylolytic bacteria.
The application of CFW and probiotics had a profound impact on soil-biological processes. The study measured microbiological coefficients such as mineralization-immobilization (IMI), pedotrophy (IP), and oligotrophy (IO) to assess the intensity and direction of soil-biological processes. The IMI coefficient, which indicates the balance between humus decomposition and synthesis, was found to be greater than 1 in the control samples, suggesting a predominance of organic matter destruction. However, the application of CFW and probiotics, particularly at a dose of 900 L/ha, significantly reduced the IMI index, indicating a slowdown in humus decomposition and the creation of favorable conditions for microbial development.
The IP coefficient, which reflects the intensity of soil organic matter decomposition, increased significantly with the application of CFW and probiotics. The highest IP values were recorded on day 30 after application, indicating an enhanced intensity of soil organic matter decomposition to meet the nutrient requirements of plants. The IO coefficient, which indicates the availability of nutrients to bacteria, was highest in the control variant but decreased significantly with the application of CFW and probiotics. This suggests that the treatment improved the availability of nutrients to soil microorganisms, creating more favorable conditions for their growth and activity.
The study concludes that the combination of CFW at a dose of 900 L/ha and probiotics in a 1:10 dilution (100 L/ha) can serve as an effective and environmentally friendly fertilizer. This mixture not only enhances the viability of soil microbial communities but also improves soil fertility and promotes sustainable agricultural practices. The findings of this research open up new avenues for the development of eco-friendly fertilizers and plant protection agents. Future studies could explore the long-term effects of CFW and probiotics on soil health and crop productivity. Additionally, further research could investigate the potential of other natural substances and microbial preparations to enhance soil fertility and promote sustainable agriculture.
In conclusion, the integration of probiotics and CFW represents a promising step towards sustainable agriculture. By harnessing the power of natural microorganisms and mineral-rich water, we can create a more resilient and environmentally friendly agricultural system, ensuring food security for future generations.
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This article is for research use only and cannot be used for any clinical purposes.
