the relationship of plants & microorganisms the ... · our neighbors down under: ... “the...

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Our Neighbors Down Under:Our Neighbors Down Under:Microbes in the SoilMicrobes in the Soil

Joe Magazzi, Joe Magazzi, MSMSPresident: Green Earth Agriculture

Technical Advisor: Applied & Experimental Microbiology

Scientific Advisory Committee Member: Ecological Laboratories Inc

OutlineOutline

I. The Relationship of Plants & Turf w/ MicroorganismsII. The Benefits of Microorganisms:

a. Providing and Cycling Carbon / Detoxificationb. Nutrient Retention, Delivery and Cyclingc. Pesticide Reduction & Disease Preventionc. Pesticide Reduction & Disease Preventiond. Transplant Survivale. Hormones, Germination & Root Growth f. Water Production, Retention & Delivery

III. Strategies for Integrating BiologicalsIV. ResultsV. Summary

The Relationship of Plants, The Relationship of Plants, T f d T ithT f d T ithTurf and Trees with Turf and Trees with

MicroorganismsMicroorganisms

Water Minerals & Nutrients

Organic Matter & Microbes

The Relationship of Plants & MicroorganismsThe Relationship of Plants & Microorganisms

What is soil and how do we treat it?

Gas

?Traditional growing practices largely ignore supplementing biology in the

soil. Many chemicals that are used are actually detrimental to microbes.

The Relationship of Plants The Relationship of Plants & Microorganisms& Microorganisms

Plants also have a digestive system too – soil.The microbes in the soil are as vital or more so for

plant nutritional needs as for human digestion!


Beneficial bacteria and fungi form the basis of the entire soil food web!

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Bacteria FungiSize:

Cell Type:

2-10 μM0.5-5 μMProkaryotic

(Simpler, less structured)Eukaryotic

(More complex, organelles & chromosomes)TrophicLevel:

1st Level (energy producers) &2nd Level (energy consumers)

2nd Level (energy consumers) only

Function:Energy, decomposition, nutrients,

protection, nitrogen fixation, plant growth factors.

Decomposition, nutrients, protection, plant growth factors.

• 1 gram of soil contains:-1 million (1x106) fungi.-1 billion (1x109) bacteria.

• In that gram, there are between


Facts about microorganisms:

4,000 to 10,000 species of bacteria.• Estimates are that there are between 1 million and 100 million species of bacteria; only 0.5% to 0.005% are likely described in detail.

• 90%-95% of the cells on or in the human body are bacteria cells.


Pathogens Beneficialsvs.• Parasitic Relationship – One

member (parasite) benefits from the relationship while the host is harmed or killed.

*All are technically symbiotic relationships.

• Mutualistic Relationship –Both members benefit from the relationship.

• Commensal Relationship – One member benefits from the relationship while the other is neither harmed or benefits.

The Benefits of Using The Benefits of Using Microorganisms (Biologicals):Microorganisms (Biologicals):

Providing and Cycling Carbon,Providing and Cycling Carbon,and Detoxificationand Detoxification

Benefits Benefits of Microorganisms: of Microorganisms: Cycling CarbonCycling Carbon

Beneficial organisms break down and cycle organic and inorganic matter to provide carbon and nutrients for plants.

Benefits Benefits of Microorganisms: of Microorganisms: Providing CarbonProviding Carbon

Photosynthetic bacteria contribute to soil fertility and plant growth.

Photosynthetic bacteria use the energy of the sun and carbon dioxide to provide

energy and carbon to the soil.

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Beneficial microorganisms break down toxic compounds in soil.

Benefits Benefits of Microorganisms: of Microorganisms: DetoxificationDetoxification

The Benefits of The Benefits of Using Using Microorganisms Microorganisms (Biologicals):(Biologicals):

Nutrient Retention, Nutrient Retention, Delivery and CyclingDelivery and Cycling

for Fertilizer Reductionfor Fertilizer Reduction

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Benefits of Microorganisms: Nutrient DeliveryBenefits of Microorganisms: Nutrient Delivery

At least 9 states now have some type of fertilizer ban in place (including Westchester County, NY), with at least 6 more states with laws pending.

RetentionBeneficial

microorganisms fix nutrients into their cell

bodies and produce “sticky” biofilms. This

helps retain vital

Beneficial Microorganisms help to retain, deliver and cycle nutrients.

Benefits Benefits of Microorganisms: of Microorganisms: Nutrient DeliveryNutrient Delivery

helps retain vital elements and water in the soil and especially

the rhizosphere. Delivery

Microorganisms travel through the xylem

and phloem and release nutrients as part of their normal life-cycle turn over.

Beneficial Microorganisms provide & process nitrogen

through both “nitrogen fixation” from the air and by

cycling higher (not useable) ammonium

nitrogen to nitrates (useable)

Benefits Benefits of Microorganisms: of Microorganisms: Nitrogen FixationNitrogen Fixation

Organic Decomposition (Bacteria & Fungi)

NH4+

nitrogen to nitrates (useable).

Nitrification(Bacteria)

NH4+ + 1.5 O2 NO2

- + 2H2O + 2H+

NO2- + 0.5 O2 NO3

- Plant Assimilation

Nitrogen Fixation (Bacteria)

Beneficial Microorganisms solubilize phosphates.

Benefits Benefits of Microorganisms: of Microorganisms: Phosphate DeliveryPhosphate Delivery

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Results-50% reduction in germination time (6 days w/ biological, normally up to 12 days).

Benefits of Microorganisms: Fertilizer ReductionBenefits of Microorganisms: Fertilizer ReductionCorn Trial Corn Trial -- PennsylvaniaPennsylvania

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Best PracticeNo Biological

3 gallons 10-10-10

Biological1 gallon Biological2 gallon 10-10-10

Biological2 gallon Biological1 gallon 10-10-10

y )-Almost twice the growth and girth compared to higher fertilizer rate.

-Significant increase in root mass compared to control.

Benefits Benefits of Microorganisms: of Microorganisms: Fertilizer ReductionFertilizer ReductionGreenhouse FlowersGreenhouse Flowers

BiologicalsBiologicalsFertilizerFertilizer

Petunias treated with only biological outperformed petunias grown with normal fertilizer rates.

Benefits Benefits of Microorganisms: of Microorganisms: Fertilizer ReductionFertilizer Reduction

• Synthetic fertilizer mining and use harms the environment.• Nitrogen consumes more than 1% of all man-made power and its

production is a significant component of the world energy budget.

• Excess fertilizer and chemical use is actuallyharmful to plants and turf and can lead to turfburning, unhealthy growth etc…

• Artificially fast growth impairs the absorptionof nutrients

The use of pesticides and excess fertilizer is actually counter-productive to healthy plant and turf growth.


of nutrients.• High phosphorous fertilizers are toxic to

beneficial microbes.• Excess nitrogen can stimulate the growth of

pathogenic microbes and increase diseases inplants and turf.

• Plants and turf grown without chemicals andexcess fertilizer are less prone to damagefrom pathogens and harmful insects.


Approximately 2% of added fertilizer reaches a plant.The remaining fertilizer feeds pests, pathogens and pollutes water.

The Benefits The Benefits of Microorganismsof Microorganisms

Plant and Turf Health Plant and Turf Health & Disease Prevention& Disease Prevention

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Pesticides are harmful to people.

Benefits of Microorganisms: Pesticide ReductionBenefits of Microorganisms: Pesticide Reduction

Pesticides are harmful to animals and insects and the entire soil food web.

Pesticide use is now banned on school grounds

and day care

Benefits of Microorganisms: Pesticide ReductionBenefits of Microorganisms: Pesticide Reduction

and day care centers in the

states of Connecticut

(K-8) and New York.

Benefits of MicroorganismsBenefits of Microorganisms

Disease & Pest Control Using BiologicalsDisease & Pest Control Using Biologicals

“The Enemy of My“The Enemy of My“The Enemy of My “The Enemy of My Enemy is My Friend”Enemy is My Friend”

Benefits of Microorganisms: Disease PreventionBenefits of Microorganisms: Disease PreventionMechanism #1 Mechanism #1 –– Microbes Produce Compounds That Target PathogensMicrobes Produce Compounds That Target Pathogens

Beneficial microorganisms produce compounds that can directly target pathogens.

“two species competing for the same resources cannot stably coexist if other ecological factors are constant. One of the two competitors will always overcome the other, leading to either the extinction of this competitor or an evolutionary or behavioral shift towards a different ecological niche. The principle has been paraphrased into the maxim

Competitive Exclusion Principle (Gause's Law)

Benefits of Microorganisms: Disease Prevention Benefits of Microorganisms: Disease Prevention Mechanism #2 Mechanism #2 –– Numbers Game, beneficials outNumbers Game, beneficials out--compete pathogenscompete pathogens

g p p p p"complete competitors cannot coexist".”

• Beneficials and pathogens compete for the same resources. A plant, tree or turf is a beneficial organism’s home and it will protect it.

• Plants, trees or turfs will attract beneficial bacteria or fungi when under attack.

• Bacteria divide much faster than fungi and can out-compete pathogens for limited resources.

Benefits of Microorganisms: Disease Prevention Benefits of Microorganisms: Disease Prevention Mechanism #3 Mechanism #3 –– Healthier Plants Naturally Resist Pests & PathogensHealthier Plants Naturally Resist Pests & Pathogens

Pathogens evolved eating dead or weakened plant material

with simple amino acids and sugars. Healthy plants contain proteins and complex sugars that can not be digested by pests. Plants treated with

pesticides and excess fertilizer look like biochemically “dead”

plants to pests.

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Benefits of Microorganisms: Disease ControlBenefits of Microorganisms: Disease Control

• Plants “Farm” or “Signal” disease-suppressing beneficial microorganisms when under attack by pathogens.

• It’s important to maintain a diverse consortium of microbes.


• Upper right plant pre-treated with beneficial bacteria (Bacillus subtilis).

• Upper left plant was not pre-treated.

• Both plants challenged with a pathogen.

• The pre-treated plant was protected from disease progression.


Late Blight (Phytophthora infestans) RecoveryDurham, CT

BiologicalsBiologicalsBest PracticeBest PracticeNote the difference in foliage and

green colors. Multiple new blooms.Late Blight infection

overtaking the tomato plant.


A university study done at the University of Florida demonstrating that beneficial bacteria treatment lowered the incidence of xanthomonason tomato plants as well as the best chemical controls in single use.

Benefits of Microorganisms: Disease PreventionBenefits of Microorganisms: Disease Prevention

Effects of Grain Treatment with Beneficial BacteriaDr. Ron Heiniger, Cropping Systems Specialist

North Carolina State University

A healthy soil food web provides food for beneficial nematodes.This also helps to control the pathogenic nematode populations.

Control BeneficialBacteria


ControlBeneficialBacteria

Lesion Cyst Stubby Root


Lance


Using beneficial bacteria, pathogenic nematode

numbers were decreased and yields were increased.

Beneficial Bacteria for Grub Control

Benefits of Microorganisms: Pest ControlBenefits of Microorganisms: Pest Control

• Milky Spore Disease is caused by the bacterium Paenibacillus popilliae (formerly Bacillus popilliae).

• Effective against the larval (grub) form of the Japanese beetle (Popillia japonica) only.

• Weather in the Northern United States greatly diminishes the effectiveness of this method for long-term beetle control?

• Lacks broad-spectrum grub control, but a good natural solution for Japanese beetle control especially in warmer climates.

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Beneficial Nematodes for Grub Control


• Most nematodes feed on fungi and bacteria, are harmless to plants and form an essential part of a healthy soil food web.

• Biological Control Agents: Enter insect larvae and release bacteria (Xenorhabdus sp. bacteria) that kills the pest within 24-48 hours.

• It is essential to understand the life cycles of pest insects to apply beneficial nematodes at the correct stage of life (larval or grub for beetles).

Beneficial Insects for Pest Insect Control


• Beneficial insects can either directly eat pests or parasitize pests by laying their eggs inside the hosts body or eggs.

• Exploiting natural enemies of the pest Examples:• Ladybugs – Eat aphids, mites and other insects.• Parasitic wasps – infect a large array of pathogenic insect eggs.


Transplant & UpTransplant & Up--PlantPlantSurvival IncreasesSurvival Increases

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Microorganisms increase transplant survival in multiple ways• Beneficial bacteria and fungi form biofilms around the roots and protect plants from pathogens.

• Beneficial organisms and their biofilms help retain vital nutrients in the rhizosphere and make them more available to a plant’s root

Benefits Benefits of Microorganisms: of Microorganisms: Transplant SurvivalTransplant Survival

make them more available to a plant s root system.

• Polysaccharides produced by soil organisms absorb many times their weight in water, protecting plants from water stress during transplantation or periods of drought.

• Beneficial organisms produce growth-promoting hormones and other compounds that initiate healthy growth.

• Root dips are a great and easy way to apply!


• Many pines did not survive the outplanting.

• Seedlings are much smaller.

• Note the vastly increased survival rate.• Seedlings are way ahead of the controls

in growth and are generally healthier.

BiologicalsBiologicalsBest PracticeBest Practice

University of Florida Transplant Study


“Initial observation of treated areas indicated a reduction in the need for re-setting cabbage transplants. Approximately 30% of untreated field area required re-planting;

less than 10% of the (microorganisms) treated field area required re-planting.”-Dr. Amanda J. Gevens, University of Florida Plant Pathology

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Hormone Production:Hormone Production:Germination IncreasesGermination Increases

& Root Growth& Root Growth4343

Benefits Benefits of Microorganisms: of Microorganisms: Hormones & GrowthHormones & Growth

Bacteria and fungi produce plant hormones that stimulate roots, top growth and immune function.


Significant promotion of germination and seedling development with inoculation of beneficial organisms.


BiologicalsBiologicals Best PracticeBest Practice

Beneficials stimulate better and quicker root growth, which gives plants a greater growth advantage.

BiologicalsBiologicalsBest PracticeBest Practice BiologicalsBiologicalsBest PracticeBest Practice


Water Production, Water Production, Retention & DeliveryRetention & Delivery

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Beneficial microorganisms help with water retention and drought

resistance by:• Producing water as a by-product of

their normal cellular metabolism.• Forming biofilms that can bind and

retain water at the root zone.I ti t t f th i

Benefits Benefits of Microorganisms: of Microorganisms: Water ReductionWater Reduction

• Incorporating water as part of their cells (60-80%) and releasing this water back to the plants during

drought conditions.

NH4+ + 2O2 NO3

- + H2O + 2H+

Nitrification

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Before watering or Biological treatment 6 days after treatment & last watering


BiologicalsBiologicalsControlControl BiologicalsBiologicalsControlControl

• The vinca treated with Biologicals (right) is still healthy and turgid.• The pot from vinca treated with Biologicals is heavier with more retained water.

• The untreated vinca (left) is in a decline caused by drought.

Experiment#1


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BiologicalsBiologicalsNormal rateNormal rate

BiologicalsBiologicalsLow rateLow rate

UntreatedUntreated

• “Accidental” experiment - lights left on plants for 3 days straight without any watering.• The lettuce treated with biologicals does not show the effects of drought.

Experiment#2

Strategies for Integrating Strategies for Integrating Biologicals into Your Lawn Care Biologicals into Your Lawn Care

or Growing Practiceor Growing Practice

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Strategies for Integrating BiologicalsStrategies for Integrating Biologicals

How to stimulate or supplement microbes in your landscape or lawn care practice:

1) Bio-stimulation (inducing microbes):a) Induce the growth of endogenous

i b ( i f tili )microbes (organic fertilizers).b) Don’t destroy the natural flora that is

already there!2) Bio-supplementation (adding microbes).

a) Compost & compost teas.b) Controlled biological inoculants.


Practices and products that stimulate microbes in your lawn care or growing practice:

• Organic fertilizers: Includes humates, fish fertilizers, manures and kelp.

• Can be used alone or in combination with biological stimulants.

• Although excellent fertilizers, the odor from fish and manures may turn off customers (better suited for agriculture or horticulture).

• Molasses and sugars induce the growth of soil microbes. However, pathogengrowth can be induced as well.


Practices and commonly used inputs that adversely affect soil microbiology:

• Tilling: Destroys the complex organization of the rhizosphere and the crucial top layer of soil.

• Roundup® (Glyphosate): Roundup can reduce beneficial organism populations (Pseudomonas fluorescens) and causeorganism populations (Pseudomonas fluorescens) and cause increases in pathogen growth (Fusarium).

• Fungicides & Antibacterials: Kill fungi and bacterial populations in a non-specific manner.

• Insecticides: Can cause secondary effects on beneficial insect populations (colony collapse disorder).

• Excess Fertilization: Phosphate is toxic to beneficial organisms at high concentrations. Excess nutrients will stimulate pathogen growth.

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Compost andCompost TeasCompost andCompost Teas

Pros• Very effective and proven.• More sustainable than other methods.• Wide array of nutrients and natural

fertilizer value (depends on inputs).• Has some value in terms of increasing

soil biology.• Cheap to produce.

Cons• Input dependent – inconsistent results.• Difficult and labor-intensive to apply.• “Backyard microbiology” – potential to

grow pathogens or unwanted organisms without proper testing.

• Investment in equipment is needed.• Time consuming to brew teas.• Lack of stability – needs to be used

within 1 to 2 weeks.


Controlled Biological Inoculants

Controlled Biological Inoculants

Pros• No preparation - buy and apply.• Consistent since they are not input

dependent and counts can be verified.• More concentrated – highest counts of

microorganisms available.• Tested for safety and pathogens, not

“Backyard microbiology”.• Stability for years (product dependent).

Cons• Less sustainable than compost.• Watch out for “colored water” – ask

for the microscope test.• Diversity is dependent on the

strains used and stabilized.• Higher product costs (although

lower labor and application costs).

Organic Fertilizers and Humates

Compost andCompost Teas

Controlled Biologicals

Biology:

Nutrients:


Ease of Use:

Consistency:

Costs:

Sustainability:

Strategies for Integrating Biologicals:Strategies for Integrating Biologicals:Examples of Proven Beneficial MicroorganismsExamples of Proven Beneficial Microorganisms

Bacteria:• Bacillus species (subtilis, pumilus, megaterium etc…): Organic breakdown,

pathogen suppression, hormone production, detoxification.• Nitrogen fixing bacteria (Rhizobia, Rhodopseudomonas palustris etc…).• Nitrifying bacteria (Nitrobacter winogradskyi): Cycling nitrogen.• Pseudomonas fluorescens: Good all purpose species for pathogen

suppression, phosphate solubilization, detoxification.

Nematodes:• Steinernema carpocapsae: Fleas, cutworm, sod webworm, termites.• Steinernema feltiae: Fungus gnats, ticks, thrips, leafminers.• Heterorhabditis bacteriophora: Japanese beetles, grubs, root weevils, queen ants.

Fungi:• Trichoderma species (viride, hamatum, harzianum etc…): Pathogen suppression,

nutrient exchange, organic breakdown.• Mycorrhizal fungi (many species): Form mutualistic relationships with roots for

nutrient exchange and many plant health-promoting functions.


• Visually: Fungal growth is visible on roots as web-like structures. Worms can easily be seen. Plants and turf will visibly increase in growth, health and quality.

• Direct Measurements: Extract microbes from soil in a liquid, stain and count under a microscope. Does not give much information on diversity of species.

• Plate Counts: Plate microbes on growth media, and count colonies that form.• By-product Analysis: Measure by-products of microbes such as gas production

How is soil microbiology measured?

By product Analysis: Measure by products of microbes such as gas production (CO2 kits), sugars secreted, enzymes produced etc…

• Genetic Analysis: Extract DNA from microbes for sequencing.

Where can you have soil microbiology measured?Soil Food Web (http://oregonfoodweb.com/testing.html)-Active and total bacteria, active and total fungi, nematodes. Emory University – Dr Tim Read, 454 Pyrosequencing ([email protected] )-Full genetic analysis, identification and relative number of soil organisms.Solvita – CO2 respiration kits. What does it all mean?

ResultsResults

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Improved Turf Health/Yield Improved Turf Health/Yield Turf GrassTurf Grass

Before TreatmentBefore Treatment 4 Weeks After Biological Use4 Weeks After Biological Use




After BiologicalsAfter BiologicalsBefore TreatmentBefore Treatment

Improved Tree Health/Yield Improved Tree Health/Yield Trees (Conifers)Trees (Conifers)

Pine roots from a commercial pine tree plantation (International Forest).


Improved Plant Health/Yield Improved Plant Health/Yield Trees (Conifers)Trees (Conifers)

Slash Pine candles from a commercial pine tree plantation (International Forest).


Improved Plant Health/Yield Improved Plant Health/Yield Woody Ornamentals (Blueberries)Woody Ornamentals (Blueberries)

Test Results on the Use of MicroorganismsProducts on year-old Rabbiteye(Austin) Blueberry Plants. Photo taken three weeks after first application.


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Improved Plant Health/Yield Improved Plant Health/Yield Horticulture (Lantana)Horticulture (Lantana)

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Biologicals Biologicals Best PracticeBest Practice BiologicalsBiologicalsBest PracticeBest Practice

3 Weeks3 Weeks 6 Weeks6 Weeks

(Experiments done by the Ace Hardware chain)

Odom’s Orchids Trail Results

Improved Plant Health/Yield Improved Plant Health/Yield Horticulture (Orchids)Horticulture (Orchids)

“Our loss percentage seems to be down since we started using biologicals. We were losing 5-10%, especially on the smaller plants, but it has gone down to less than 5% since we started the treatments. Most of even the smallest plants are now surviving. “

Rob Schneider, Greenhouse Manager, Odom's Orchids


Improved Plant Health/YieldImproved Plant Health/YieldAgriculture (Lettuce)Agriculture (Lettuce)

BiologicalsBiologicalsBest PracticeBest Practice(Lettuce grown for the Subway food chain)

Improved Plant Health/Yield Improved Plant Health/Yield Agriculture (Squash)Agriculture (Squash)

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BiologicalsBiologicalsBest PracticeBest PracticeAvg. pounds per acre: 8,800 Avg. pounds per acre: 11,424

30% Increase in Yield!

Before watering or Biological treatment 6 days after treatment & last watering


BiologicalsBiologicalsControlControl BiologicalsBiologicalsControlControl

• The vinca treated with Biologicals (right) is still healthy and turgid.• The pot from vinca treated with Biologicals is heavier with more retained water.

• The untreated vinca (left) is in a decline caused by drought.

SummarySummary

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Summary Summary –– Market AssessmentMarket AssessmentGrowing Consumer DemandGrowing Consumer Demand

• A 2008 survey indicated that about 12 million households were using only natural products on lawns and gardens, up from 5 million in 2004. That’s a 240% Increase!

Natural or organic lawn care is the fastest growing sector of the landscaping service market.

That s a 240% Increase!• 20% of consumers have bought an

environmentally friendly lawn-and-garden product (2005).

• An estimated yearly10% annual growth for the organic fertilizer market. That is twice the projected growth for all lawn and garden goods.

• Scott’s organic line of products have doubled sales each year since their inception.

SummarySummary–– Biological Use on TurfBiological Use on TurfCost Comparison Study Conventional vs. NaturalCost Comparison Study Conventional vs. Natural

Recent studies have validated that natural or organic treatment programs cost significantly

less over time than chemical programs with the same results and no toxicity.

SummarySummary–– Biological Use on TurfBiological Use on TurfCNLA Turf StudyCNLA Turf Study

Study performed for the Connecticut Nursery and

Landscape Association (CNLA)Per Steve Bousquet, President:

• A very noticeable difference in growth by Day 10.

• 50% better turf• 50% better turf development in areas treated w/ biologicals.

• The turf treated with biologicals was 2 to 3 weeks ahead of the untreated lawns.

• Better recovery from herbicides with the use of biologicals.

SummarySummary

Summary: Why integrate biologicals into your lawn care or growing practice?

• Better results, happier customers.• More sustainable and better for the environment.• Compliance with chemical and fertilizer restrictions. These are

only getting tougher.y g g g• An alternative to the chemicals that are being removed from

the market (i.e. Nemacur) without viable alternatives.• Long-term cost savings through input reductions.• Customer demand for greener treatments is rapidly increasing.• This is the future…be ahead of the curve!

Presentation available at:www.greenearthag.com

Click on the ELA logo

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