Boosting Soil Microbes through Natural Farming

Dr. Parveen Kumar*

Today marks the anniversary of a historic letter sent by Dutch scientist Antonie van Leeuwenhoek to the Royal Society of London containing the first formal description of single-celled organisms in 1683. This single cell microorganism was living bacteria present on the dental plaque. His discovery marked the beginning of microbiology and laying a strong foundation for the study of microbiology. It is here worthwhile to mention that the Dutch scientist A. V. Leeuwenhoek lacked a formal university education and also resources, but designed and perfected hundreds of his own microscopes. He achieved unprecedented magnification levels far beyond what was possible at the time through meticulous refinement of the lenses in his optical system. . His powerful single lens microscopes magnified objects up to 270 times. On 17 September 1683 Leeuwenhoek sent a letter to the Royal Society of London describing his detailed observation of the first single-cell organism: living bacteria present on the dental plaque. During 1670s to 1680s, he discovered bacteria and protozoa from pond water, rain water and human mouth and used the term animalcules for them. For his crucial discoveries he is also called the ‘Father of Microbiology’.

Since then, advances in microbiology have revolutionized medicine, agriculture, and environmental science. From the development of antibiotics to the understanding of ecosystems and climate regulation, microorganisms have been at the core of life-changing discoveries. Microorganisms are also nature’s invisible heroes when it comes to maintaining ecological balance. They are responsible for breaking down dead organic matter, recycling nutrients, and regulating processes such as nitrogen fixation, which is vital for plant growth. Marine microorganisms contribute to over half of the world’s oxygen production through photosynthesis, making them central to life on earth. Microorganisms also play a dual role in human health while some cause diseases, others are essential for our well-being. Our bodies are home to trillions of microbes, many of which make up the human micro biome, a complex ecosystem of bacteria and other microbes that aid digestion, regulate the immune system, and even influence mood and behavior. The use of probiotics for gut health and antibiotics to fight infections underscores the critical role microbes play in healthcare.

Recognizing the importance of these microorganisms in maintaining a stable and healthy environment, the Portuguese Society of Microbiology started to celebrate Sep. 17 as International Day of Microorganisms in 2017. The world wide initiative is now led by the Federation of European Microbiological Societies (FEMS) alongside international partners. The day aims to increase public awareness about microbiology and highlight how microorganisms shape our planet.

MICROBES & AGRICULTURE:

Microorganisms are of immense importance in agriculture. Microorganisms like bacteria, fungi, actinomycetes, and cyanobacteria that enhance soil fertility, promote plant growth, and protect crops from pests and diseases. As Bio-fertilizers, they convert unavailable soil nutrients into forms that plants can easily absorb. As Bio-pesticides they help in controlling harmful insect pests. They help in promoting sustainability by lowering the need for harmful chemical fertilizers and protect long-term soil health. Bacteria like Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) like Rhizobium and Azatobacter help to fix nitrogen, while others like Phosphate Solublizing Bacteria (PSB) help convert trapped insoluble phosphorous into forms that plant roots can easily absorb. Potassium Solublizing bacteria also known as potassium mobilizing bacteria KMB convert insoluble bond potassium in the soil into s soluble form that plants can easily absorb.  Cyanobacteria Species like Anabaena add natural nitrogen to flooded soils like rice paddies. Fungi like Beauveria act as natural controls against harmful insects. Mycorrhizal fungi form associations with roots to improve water and nutrient up take. Another group of microorganisms the Actinomycetes break down complex organic matter and produce natural antibiotics that fight plant pathogens.

Similarly Effective microorganisms are mixed cultures of beneficial naturally occurring microbes containing lactic acid bacteria, photosynthetic bacteria, yeasts and actinomycetes which are used to improve soil health, augment crop yields and help in decomposition and recycling of organic waste into high quality organic manure. These microbes present in soil improve soil structure, increase soil organic carbon, increase accessibility of minerals to plant roots. Microbes also encourage root development, increase photosynthetic efficiency and reduce the need of harmful chemical fertilizers. These outcompete harmful microbes thereby reducing plant vulnerability to soil borne diseases. 

CHEMICAL INTENSIVE AGRICULTURE AND SOIL MICROBES:

Soil health is very important for agricultural productivity and also for ensuring a healthy environment. The indiscriminate use of chemical fertilizers over the last seven decades has raised concerns over their long-term sustainability and environmental impact. Research studies reveal that  long-term application of chemical fertilizers disturb the balance of soil microbial communities, increase the proportion of harmful microorganisms, weaken the natural immunity of plants, and lead to the occurrence of plant diseases, thus forming a vicious cycle in which farmers rely on more pesticides to control diseases. Chemical fertilizers reduce the variety and amount of life in the soil, has a deleterious effect on N fixing microorganisms and P & K solublizing bacteria. Soil physical properties also get altered. Long-term use of synthetic fertilizers lowers soil organic matter, which makes the soil heavier and denser. Bulk density can jump from normal levels up to compacted levels. Soil loses its crumbly structure, forming a hard surface crust that makes tilling and seeding difficult. Compacted soil becomes very hard, raising penetration resistance which stops plant roots from growing deep.  As soil packs together, total pore space drops. Water cannot soak into hard, over-fertilized soil easily, cutting down permeability by more than 80%. Losing organic carbon and soil structure cuts down the soil’s available water holding capacity by roughly 34%. Certain fertilizers (like potassium chloride or ammonium sulphate) leave behind soluble salts that raise the salt index of the soil. High sodium or salt levels break down soil aggregates, causing fine clay particles to scatter, seal the surface and block air and water flow. 

BOOSTING SOIL MICROBES THROUGH NATURAL FARMING:

Natural Farming is a chemical-free traditional agricultural system that integrates crops, trees, and livestock while relying completely on on-farm, local inputs. It is a chemical-free agricultural system that works in harmony with local biodiversity rather than trying to conquer or override nature Natural farming boosts microbial count of soil. Unlike chemical fertilizers the use of microbial formulations like Jevamrit and Beejamrit help increase the no. of beneficial microorganisms in the soil. The fermented mixture of cow dung, cow urine, jaggery, chemical free soil, pulses floor and water in the form of Jeevamrit when applied to soil increase the microbes present in the soil. Similarly the use of Beejamrit prepared by a fermented mixture of cow dung, cow urine, jaggery, pulse flour, living soil and lime and water introduce billions of beneficial bacteria and fungi directly into the soil. The control and management of various diseases and insect pests in Natural farming through application of microbial formulations like Neemastra, Brahamastra, Agniaastra, Dashparni extract have also been found to give a fresh lease of life to soil microbes thereby increasing the microbial population of the soil. Research studies have revealed that soils treated with Jeevamrit showed an increase in nitrogen content by 25-30%, phosphorus by 20-25%, and potassium by 15-20%. Jeevamrit introduces a diverse array of microorganisms into the soil, including nitrogen-fixing bacteria, phosphate-solublizing bacteria and actinomycetes. Studies have shown that the application of Jeevamrit significantly increases the microbial population in the soil, which plays a crucial role in nutrient cycling and organic matter decomposition. The application of Jeevamrit has also been shown to be linked to enhanced soil enzyme activities, such as Dehydrogenase, Phosphatase, and Urease. These enzymes are vital for organic matter decomposition and nutrient mineralization, thus improving soil fertility and plant nutrient uptake. Besides, the organic acids produced during the fermentation process also help in chelating soil nutrients, making them more available to plants.

The way forward in agriculture to make it sustainable and profitable thus lies in Natural Farming. It is high time all of us leave the chemical farming and adopt Natural Farming for the safety and security of life on this planet.

*The author writes on agriculture and social issues; can be reached at pkumar6674@gmail.com