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ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Pendleton, Oregon » Columbia Plateau Conservation Research Center » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #166719
Title: BIOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF SOIL AND CROP MANAGEMENT

Author
item HOPKINS, B. - UNIVERSITY OF IDAHO
item MILLER, J - UNIVERSITY OF IDAHO
item Albrecht, Stephan

Submitted to: Potato Grower
Publication Type: Trade Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/10/2004
Publication Date: 6/1/2004
Citation: Hopkins, B.G., Miller, J., Albrecht, S.L. 2004. Biological aspects of soil and crop management. Potato Grower. Vol. 33, No. 6. Harris Publishing, Idaho Falls, Idaho. p.24-29.

Interpretive Summary: Soil biology is important for quality crop production, but the soil ecosystem is complex and difficult to control. Soil biology includes live organisms that are not visible to the eye, such as bacteria, as well as the larger creatures, like earthworms and insects, that also exist in the soil. While some soil microbes can be pathogenic and others can be detrimental to plants many have little impact on plants. Some soil microbes are actually beneficial for crop plants. However, practices that favorably influence the growth of "good" organisms may also be favorable for "bad" organisms. Producers are encouraged to retain proven farming practices and evaluate "miracle solutions" with care. It is recommended that producers are stimulate microbial populations through good rotations, minimal tillage, addition of crop residues and composts, adequate nutrition, and judicious pesticide use. Evaluate biological products with caution.

Technical Abstract: There is increasing fervor regarding soil biology. Soil biology includes live organisms that are microscopic as well as the larger creatures that exist in the soil. Some soil microorganisms can be pathogenic and others can be detrimental to crops by causing nutrient deficiencies, particularly nitrogen. Although microbes have negative impacts, they can be beneficial in many respects. Microbes may have a positive impact on plants with regard to water and nutrients. For example, some can convert phosphorus into a soluble form and fix nitrogen. Because soil organisms are largely microscopic, it is difficult for most of us to comprehend, much less manage, the soil biology. There are many products that claim to positively benefit soil health by altering microbial populations. How should potato growers evaluate these products? Caution is the best advice. It is possible for products that stimulate the "good" microbes to also stimulate the "bad" ones. The soil/plant/microbe system is so complex that it is impossible to completely control the number or diversity of organisms present in the system. In general, the best thing we can do is encourage a diverse, substantial microbial population. Stick with proven crop, nutrient, water, and pest management practices.