Micro Growing Sciences (MGS)

MGS Presentation Series: First Look-Step 1N

Step 1N-"The Humus Advantage"

THE HUMUS ADVANTAGE:

The advent of synthetic products and genetic technologies has progressed at the expense of losing the advantages of soils with a deep profile of humus (8"+). On the flip side, much like “what came first” in the egg and chicken controversy, the loss of humus in the soul profile has necessitated the need for synthetic products and genetic technologies. The humus controversy is much clearer. The desire for producers to produce higher yields combined with the desire to simplify crop production, in part, led to the pursuit of crop production without maintaining and/or accelerating humus levels in soils whether using inorganic (synthetic), organic (natural), and integrated (combining inorganic & organic) production practices.

HUMUS DECLINE:

It is very safe to assume that present day soil structure, microbial activity, and humus/carbon (carbon is actually part of the humus equation but is singled out due to MGS emphasizing the drastic shortage in many soils) levels in most fields used for some type of grain, vegetable, fruit, nut, or forage production are in a constant state of decline. Producers became distracted from the importance of organic compound cycling when it was discovered that soluble acidic base N-P-K "fertilizers" could stimulate plant growth. The continued use over many years of these acidic fertilizers in the absence of adequate humic substances in the soil to offset the decline of humus levels has increased production expenses to achieve acceptable yield levels. Therefore, a primary objective of the MGS Growing Systems is to manage the soil in order to maintain and/or increase humus levels which includes the aerobic zone of the soil profile (the area where most feeder roots extract nutrients for plant growth/reproduction regardless of the production practice). The soil management practices & techniques for increasing humus/carbon levels are directly related to the MGS Residue Decomposition & Soil Building Program and indirectly related to every other aspect of the MGS Growing Systems. For example: While increasing root mass without yield increases would seem a waste of time & money for short term profitability, the additional root mass from just a seedling treatment (up to 25% in some cases) is very significant for providing additional residue to eventually be recycled into humus.

HUMIC & CARBON BUILDING BLOCKS:

Humic substances such as organic matter, humus, humates, humic acid, and fulvic acid play a vital role in soil fertility and plant nutrition. They are the building blocks of fertile soils and healthy plants. The value of humic substances in soil fertility and plant nutrition relates to the many normal, natural, and necessary functions these complex organic compounds perform as a part of the life cycle on earth. The soil management practices & techniques for building humus must be integrated as a systems approach. The shortfall or the excess of the correct management practices & techniques can turn a cost-efficient program into an expensive waste of resources.

HUMUS BUILDING PRACTICES:

The value of building humus in the soil must include evaluating costs vs. benefits, the ability to manage the total growing system to achieve desired benefits, and assessing the status of the soil structure, microbial activity, & nutrients available for nutrients utilization (as distinguished from acid extracted nutrients or water soluble nutrients on typical soil tests). The producer must then determine the influence of past, present, and potential growing practices on the effectiveness of various products and methods for improving humus levels.
MGS suggests that the value and speed of soil building practices be evaluated by 7 business guidelines for making decisions: (a). Minimizes risk factors, (b). Maximizes labor efficiency, (c). Increases energy efficiency, (d). Reduces cash flow requirements, (e). Increases business assets, (f). Promotes higher levels of health for end products/end users, and (g). Reduces environmental & health concerns of products.

SUMMARY OF HUMUS BENEFITS:

From research and analysis published by various universities:
~~Provides a conducive environment for beneficial microbes
~~Enhances N, P, K, and other nutrient uptake
~~Aids in the decomposition of soil minerals by forming metal-clay-organic processes
~~Improves the soil’s water holding capacity
~~Loosens the soil structure
~~Aids in the degradation or inactivation of toxic substances
~~Buffers soil pH
~~Liberates CO2 needed for photosynthesis
~~Stabilizes soil temperatures
~~Reduces water evaporation
~~Reduces leaching of trace elements
~~Increases seed germination and seedling development
~~Accelerates root growth
~~Increases the uptake of the high-energy adenosine tri-phosphate (ATP) within the plant cell
~~Increases yield & quality directly and indirectly
~~Increases the permeability of nutrients back and forth through the cell wall
~~Speeds up the plant’s metabolism
~~Enhances the chlorophyll content of leaves

HUMUS BENEFITS AS PER MGS GROWING STAGES:

The benefits of humic substances for building soil humus are recognized by most soil scientists and agronomists as the most important components of a healthy soil. The following information, based on published scientific data, illustrates the functions and beneficial results of humic substances in the soil.
STAGE 1: MGS Residue Decomposition & Soil Building
~~~Humic substances are a good source of energy for beneficial organisms.
~~~Humic substances aid in the decomposition of soil minerals by forming metal-organic-clay complexes, as a process termed soil genesis.
~~~Humus functions to improve soil’s water holding capacity.
~~~Humic substances are key components of a friable (loose) soil structure. ~~~Degradation or inactivation of toxic substances is mediated by humic substances. ~~~Humic substances buffer (neutralize) the soil pH and liberate carbon dioxide.
~~~Soil temperatures and water evaporation rates are stabilized by humic substances.
~~~Electrostatic attraction of trace minerals reduces leaching into the subsoil.
~~~Soils severely damaged by excessive use of acidic fertilizers or pesticides generally respond slowly the first year. ~~~Stored energy and trace mineral content of humic substances help sustain soil organisms involved in transmutation. STAGE 2: Seed & Seedling Enhancement
~~~The absorption of humic substances into seeds has a positive influence on seed germination and seedling development.
~~~Humic substances have a very pronounced influence on the growth of plant roots.
~~~Side dress applications of commercial liquid humic acids and fulvic acids to soils during crop production result in direct root uptake.

 

STAGE 3: Early Plant Yield Development
~~~Humic substances increase production of high-energy adenosine triphosphate (ATP) within plant cells. ~~~Uptake of major plant nutrients is mediated by humic substances. ~~~Humic acids and fulvic acids are excellent foliar fertilizer carriers and activators.
~~~Side dress applications of commercial liquid humic acids and fulvic acids to soils during crop production result in direct root uptake.

 

STAGE 4: Late Plant Yield & Quality Production
~~~Humic substances increase production of high-energy adenosine triphosphate (ATP) within plant cells. ~~~Application of humate based dry or liquid fertilizers can increase production and improve product quality.
~~~Plant growth is influenced directly and indirectly by humic substances. ~~~Uptake of major plant nutrients is mediated by humic substances. ~~~Humic acids and fulvic acids are excellent foliar fertilizer carriers and activators.
~~~Humic acids and fulvic acids have direct effects on plant cell membranes. ~~~Side dress applications of commercial liquid humic acids and fulvic acids to soils during crop production result in direct root uptake.
~~~Energy metabolism is accelerated and chlorophyll content of plant leaves is enhanced by the presence of humic substances.

PRIMARY COMPONENTS NEEDED BY MICROBES TO PRODUCE HUMUS:

~~Residues (starches & sugars) ~~Moisture ~~Air (exchange of free oxygen & CO2) ~~Adequate temperatures ~~Enzymes

~~Calcium & trace elements ~~Sulfur ~~Phosphorus ~~Carbon ~~Nitrogen

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Step 1N: "The Humus Advantage"

Next Step: Proceed to Step1O: "The Humus Story"
Preceding Step: Step1M: "Soil Building"

CONTACT MGS:

Contact MGS for learning more regarding the MGS Growing Systems, the MGS Total Systems Approach, and/or how to participate in the MGS Growing Projects or MGS Grower Training Sessions.

 

chuck@microgrowingsciences.com
(Office) 816-858-5836      816-509-4511 (Cell)

 

 

 

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