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MODE OF ACTION
Conventional farming methods such as ploughing, mono-cropping and undue chemical fertilisation can cause damage to the microbial population which is the most important component of a fertile soil. Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria colonise the plant root area improving soil health and rectifying the microbial imbalances. The bacteria produce bioactive molecules and vital enzymes which mineralise soil elements and solubilise phosphates to plant available format, as well as ATP (adenosine triphosphate) which moves those nutrients into the plant root cells.
The presence of a robust beneficial microbial colony in the soil leads to improved tolerance to abiotic stress conditions such as heat/cold, drought/flood and wind/hail damage. Similarly, the beneficial bacteria activate the plants immune system protecting the crop from disease and insect attack.
This is true for all crops ranging from row crops to perennial crops or vegetables. The same applies to all soil types from sand to clay. The PGPR Bacillus spp. within Ferti-Link are endospores (extremely resistant, dormant cell structures) which are activated by the plant exudates in the rhizosphere and multiply rapidly when the conditions are favourable. The rhizosphere (area around the roots) is rich in exudates such as sugar, amino acids, fatty acids, etc. which are utilised by the rhizobacteria as a source of carbon and energy to promote and protect plant growth. This results in increased vigour, faster germination, greater root system development and consequently, increased yield.
The PGPR Bacillus spp. produce a wide variety of extra-cellular enzymes such as amylase, cellulase, protease, urease, xylanase, etc. which mineralise inorganic nutrients and convert carbon substrate into plant available forms. They also produce a wide range of phytohormones which coordinate cellular activities, such as auxins (Indole acetic acids - IAA), cytokinins, gibberellins and jasmonic and abscisic acid.
APPLICATION
Factors such as the type of crop, organic matter % and farming practices will influence the rate and the number of applications.
Experience to date has shown that application rates of as little as 50 ml per hectare in soil deliver positive results. Because of the extremely high concentration of Ferti-Link in that case, the total amount of bacteria applied is 2 x 10 10 CFU per ha. Obviously, suspension of the concentrate in a larger volume of water is necessary. The label rates suggested are a guide based on experience but in practice, it is not possible to overdose. The growth of the bacteria is limited by the available food and root exudates.
More especially in soils with a high SOC (soil organic carbon) content, microbes will multiply and remain active for many years unless exposed by ploughing or other physical action. Nevertheless Ferti-Link should ideally be applied two to four times every season to fields with annual crops. Application of an additional food source such as humic acid to soils with low SOC will assist a more rapid multiplication of the microbial population.
Ferti-Link comprises spore forming bacteria which can be mixed and applied with most common liquid planting fertilisers and plant protection products without problem. However, do not mix with copper fungicides or leave the mixture standing in the tank for longer than four to five days. If planting with solid fertiliser, it is best to apply Ferti-Link in the furrow via a liquid inoculation tank on the planter. Alternatively, application can be made by making a suspension in a separate tank and applying it though all known methods of irrigation. The product has been shown to have good effects when applied as both soil and foliar applications.
SAFETY
The microbes in Ferti-Link are classified as Bio Safety Level One and cause no threat to the environment, wildlife or humans. The product MSDS is available on request.
However, the following precautions constitute good handling and safe farming practice.
Use protective clothing, gloves, and boots during mixing and application
Avoid contact with skin and eyes.
Do not inhale spray mix
Store away from food, drink or animal feed
Keep out of reach of children, uninformed persons and animals.
The empty bottle can be recycled with normal plastic waste.