Redesigning the Role of Microorganisms in Agriculture
The Misconception of Microbial Products and Their True Potential
Alfredo Suárez - 2 minute read
In the vast world of agriculture, innovation and evolution are keywords that have shaped how we cultivate our food and care for our land. Amid this constant quest for better practices and more sustainable solutions, microbial products have emerged as a transformative force. However, on their path to widespread adoption, a fundamental mistake has been made: the mistaken belief that microbial products are simple substitutes for conventional agriculture.
Comparing microbial products to agrochemicals is ultimately an oversimplification that fails to capture their true essence. Agrochemicals are chemical molecules designed specifically for a purpose, such as killing pests or fertilizing plants on a specific occasion. In contrast, microbial products are a diverse team of experts working together, rather than a single molecule.
Agrochemicals may provide specific solutions at precise moments, but microbiology should not be held to the same expectations. Microbiology should serve as the foundation of our crops, bringing a range of benefits and allowing us to optimize the use of conventionals. Microorganisms are essential for life on Earth and are equally vital for agriculture. Soil, plants, and microorganisms have formed a living system since the dawn of time. Today, with the depletion of our soils, we cannot consider modern agriculture without the constant incorporation of specialized microbial systems that strengthen the soil's foundations on which our crops thrive. This approach allows us to optimize the use of agrochemicals and improve field productivity.
At AliBio, we have developed a system, a support network with microbial strains that form the basis of productivity and sustainability in modern agriculture, achieving more resilient and sustainable ways of producing. The microorganisms in our microbial systems specialize in various tasks: they help make nutrients available, improve conditions to promote plant growth, and mitigate the presence of pathogens. Furthermore, our microbial systems consist of more than 60 strains, and this functional diversity is what makes them an integral tool for modern agriculture.
The time has come to recognize once again the fundamental importance of the soil and plant microbiome in modern agriculture. This multifaceted interaction results in a range of diverse benefits that are essential for success in addressing the challenges that agriculture faces today.
