Converte's John Ridley believes the next innovation step in agriculture will be based on management of biology associated with the soil and the plant microbiome.
The protection mechanisms afforded by soil biology are complex with the biological interactions not fully understood.
However, through affordable DNA sequencing it is now possible to shine a torch into the soil and see key linkages in soil biological function, health and resilience.
With the support of the NSW government's Building Partnerships Program, Converte together with the University of Western Sydney investigated changes in soil biology after treatment with Converte's Plantfood - a product designed to feed the biological soil system.
More than 200 soil core samples were taken across broadacre and pastures, over five different NSW farms.
Assessing the diversity of soil microbial community provides a quantitative assessment of species number and variability within a soil.
It is generally considered that soils with a high level of diversity are more stable and resilient to stresses.
Because different groups of soil microbes perform different roles in soil, understanding how different treatments alter the microbial community is important.
Fungal gene copy numbers were significantly enhanced by treatment with Converte Plantfood such that numbers were 10 to 20 fold greater in treated soils.
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