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Trial Focus

Our work looking at germination and cold vigour was focused on the ability of diverse community microbes to form symbiotic relationships with plants, providing direct support to plant growth and development. Some specific species within the community grow their populations by providing different forms of growth promoting substances to the plants in exchange for exudates from plant roots. DNA testing and taxonomy shows EcoTea™ provides a wide range of species within this functional group filling varies niches. The hypothesis of this work revolved around crop emergence and the impact broad spectrum biology can have at this critical stage. The relationship these species have with the plant roots, improving growth and reducing abiotic stress, should directly impact germination rates and more successful cold vigour. Our trials have been conducted in association with multiple seed labs across Canada. A variety of crops were tested including peas, oats, soybeans, wheat, canola, and hemp. The results confirmed the ability of a biodiverse community of microbes to make a difference during the early stages of growth. Over all tests, there was a measurable increase in germination rates, and the ability to withstand unexpected cold conditions versus the untreated checks. One month post planting for in ground plots, replicated data has shown increased plant counts. Proven benefit: The broad-spectrum biology in EcoTea™ can improve germination and cold vigour results in a critical window where every day counts.

Germination & Cold Vigour

A faster start with biology covering roots as they begin to grow supporting stress resistance during untimely early season weather.

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Our work looking at post-harvest residue digestion was focused on the ability of communities of microbes to accelerate decomposition. Some specific species within the microbial community grow their populations by recycling spent plant material and other residues to improved nutrient cycling in soil benefiting the following crop. DNA testing and taxonomy shows EcoTea™ provides a wide range of species, and specifically saprophytic fungi, within this functional group filling varies niches. The hypothesis of this work is simple. The use of EcoTea™ residue digestor post-harvest should increase available nutrients, organic matter, and active carbon within the soil structure versus untreated areas. Small plot trials measured key indicators around soil carbon and nutrient availability with soil samples taken at scheduled intervals to observe residue break down and the associated impacts on surrounding soil. The results align with the premise of the hypothesis. EcoTea™ residue digestor frequently showed an increase in available nutrients, organic matter, and active carbon in the soil. Beyond these benefits the applications also showed an accelerated break down on residual post-harvest above ground material. This is potentially due to the more fungi dominant ratio versus bacteria populations found in tested soil from application plots. Proven benefit: Although some variables are hard to measure it’s clear EcoTea™ Residue application accelerated decomposition and improved soil quality in post-harvest application.

Nutrient Cycling

Residue digestion – replenishing soil with crop residues to the benefit of soil quality and the health of the next crop cycle.

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Our work looking at nutrient use efficiency was focused on the ability of diverse communities of microbes to form symbiotic relationships with plants around nutrient availability. Some specific microbial species within the community grow their populations by providing nutrients to the plants in exchange for exudates from plant roots. DNA testing and taxonomy shows EcoTea™ provides a wide range of species within this functional group filling varies niches. The hypothesis guiding the 3rd party trial work in this area was clear. The relationship these microbial species form with crop roots should allow for a reduction in applied inputs without changing growth rates or yield when compared to grower’s standard. Various fertility levels have been assessed over the 5 years of research work to evaluate the balance between standard yields and levels of applied inputs. Over multiple sites and replicates, the work has shown the underlying hypothesis to be true. Proven benefit: Adding the broad-spectrum biology in EcoTea™ can allow for a measurable reduction in crop inputs. Grower’s standard yields have been maintained while reducing inputs across various crops including wheat, corn, oats, peas, soybeans, hemp and canola. The work was conducted in numerous regions across the prairies from southern Manitoba to the peace country in northern Alberta.

Nutrient Use Efficiency

Getting the most from your nutrients by releasing additional minerals found in the soil and air while reducing volatility of added inputs.

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EcoTea™ Soil Health Discovery Project

Soil health is a hard topic and Prairie farmers are avidly looking for the products and processes that can boost it while maintaining profitability. In 2022, an ambitious 3 year project was initiated at Discovery Farm Langham, Saskatchewan to delve into how diverse microbial crop applications are affected by various fertilizer and fungicide applications, and subsequent effects on soil health and farm profitability. In 2023 crop year is second year of the project with two years data now in the books, it is evident that the more attention paid towards microbial community associated with planting crop residues, the more ones so health improves and benefits the farmer bottom line.

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