1998 Annual Report for FS98-072
Microbial Input for Organic Production of Vegetables
Summary
The system of organic farming depends on recycling of leguminous and non-leguminous organic matter in crop rotations to supply nutrients and increase soil organic matter. This practice also minimizes weed, insect and disease infestations on a farm while reducing soil degradation and erosion.
Inoculation of seeds, or seedlings in nurseries, with particular species or strains of beneficial microorganisms (e.g., strains of rhizobia, azatobactor, micorrhizae, etc.) to build up their populations and enhance their beneficial effects is a well-known practice. This producer is interested in finding out if inoculating the soil with selected microorganisms that are physiologically compatible with one another may prove helpful.
The producer will test two treatments of soil inoculant that contain different mixtures of microorganisms. He will incorporate them into his usual organic practices and will also have a treatment consisting of his usual practices without any inoculant additions. He will determine whether the inoculants increase his crop yield and will also compare the costs to see if they are economically sustainable.