The Holganix Blog

It is no secret to readers of this blog that the benefits of building soil health are far reaching. From gaining the ability to reduce fertilizer and pesticide inputs, reducing erosion and minimizing weather and disease risk, soil health benefits touch both the economic and environmental needs of growers.

According to a recent report Seeding Soil’s Potential by Wrangler in collaboration with the Soil Health Institute, three core practices - cover crops, crop rotation and conservation tillage - have the ability to add three times more organic matter to the soil, ultimately providing healthier soil that can provide economic and environmental benefits. Let’s explore each of these practices in depth.

Above graphic by Wrangler.

Cover Crops

According to data released by the USDA’s Agricultural Resource Management Survey, “only 1% of all cropland acreage uses cover crops [in the U.S.].” Yet, cover crops produce biomass and reduce erosion and nutrient loss.

Examples of cover crops include cereal grains, legumes and brassicas - each type of cover crops provides a unique benefit for the grower.

Above graphic by Wrangler.

Crop Rotation

Crop rotation is an approach for managing pests and diseases. Furthermore, planting diverse crops above the ground leads to a diverse microbial community below the ground.  This ultimately provides a more resilient soil for crops to grow. According to the USDA, “82 to 94% of most crops are grown in some sort of rotation in the U.S.”.

Conservation Tillage

According to an article published by the Washington Post, “plowing and tillage are major sources of soil erosion around the world - they were key factors behind the Dust Bowl in the 1930s.” Furthermore, tilling leads to nutrient loss and releases CO2 into the atmosphere. Conservation tillage includes two methods - no-till and strip till - the later method is a practice where the farmer only tills a narrow stirp of land for planting purposes.

In a 2009 report by USDA, about 35.5% of the country’s cropland had at least some no-tillage operations and 10% practiced full-time no tillage operations.

How else can you build soil health? Incorporating Holganix Bio 800⁺

Holganix Bio 800⁺ Agriculture is a plant probiotic that builds soil health by replenishing the soil with microbes. In fact, a jug of Holganix Bio 800⁺ Agriculture contains over 800 species of soil microbes, among other ingredients, to foster soil health, develop root architecture, increase plant resilience and improve crop yield.

Interested in giving Holganix Bio 800⁺ Agriculture a try on your farm? Take advantage of our limited time offer Holganix Trial Program! This trial is satisfaction guaranteed and if you aren’t satisfied with your ROI, we will credit your invoice! Click the button below to learn more about the details and rules for taking advantage of our Holganix Trial Program for farmers.

Holganix products have many different functions for different types of users, but when it comes to the lawn and landscape contractor, there are two key ways to use Holganix products: (1) through plant start applications or (2) through soil smart programs. Let’s explore each.

Plant Start Applications - Creating a Thriving Landscape Installation

Contractors that install plants - whether flowers, trees, shrubs or turf - have a challenge on their hands. In essence, they take a perfectly healthy plant from a greenhouse or nursery and install it in dead soil that is common in new subdivisions. The plant suffers from transplant shock and will either struggle to take root and adapt to its new home, or eventually it may die.

However, there is a solution. Contractors can utilize any of the Holganix Bio 800⁺ products as plant start applications after installing a new plant. Contractors simply water in the plant with Holganix Bio 800⁺(That’s the refrigerated product!) and the plant will grow strong roots, that allow the plant to not only survive, but thrive in its new home.

Watch the below below for a demonstration on how to use Holganix Bio 800⁺ products during plant start applications. If you are reading this blog via email, click here to watch the video. 

Soil Smart Program - Turn-key, Sustainable Fertilization Programs

For maintenance contractors, offering fertilizer services can be confusing and at times, unpredictable. Traditional fertilizer programs create artificially green turf that is often fragile and susceptible to damage from stresses like weather and traffic among others. Holganix Soil Smart Programs are turn-key and consist of all the products needed for a fertilization program including fertilizer, herbicides and of course, your Holganix plant probiotics. However, unlike a traditional fertilizer program, the Holganix Soil Smart Program requires fewer fertilizers and pesticides to create a green, weed-free lawn. Further, the Soil Smart Program focuses on building strong, resilient turf that is better able to deal with stress.

Why Use A Soil Smart Program?

The Soil Smart Programs are:

• Turn-key and includes any input needed to create a green, weed free lawn – this means herbicides, fertilizers and your Holganix plant probiotics are all included.
• Designed regionally to fit your soil and turf types.
• Reviewed by Holganix PhD agronomists.
• Provides both a quick plant response and long-term plant resilience.
• Reduces the need for chemicals so contractors are using a sustainable program.

What does your region’s Soil Smart Program look like? Click the button below to access your Soil Smart Program and start building stronger turf that require fewer fertilizers and pesticides.

Not only are healthy soils important to nurture healthier, more resilient plants but also healthy soils allow farmers to reach crucial environmental goals. Here are just two reasons why soils matter to farmers.

Soil is a living, breathing entity that is teeming with life. In fact, in a single tablespoon of soil there are more microbes present than there are people on Earth. When soil is rich and healthy, it fosters healthier, more resilient plants with deeper, more web-like root systems. That means plants are more sustainable - in other words they can sustain themselves regardless of the environmental conditions including; drought, cold, too much rain. Rich soil also acts as a reservoir to store nutrients and water so the plant can access them when needed.

Check out our infographic below to learn more about how soil nurtures plant health.

Not only does having healthy soils help farmers improve crop health, but it can also help farmers reach environmental goals by reducing erosion risk and by reducing nutrient runoff into our waterways. Soil erosion caused by wind, water and tillage removes organic matter and nutrients from the soils, making soil less productive for growing plants. When nutrients runoff into our waterways, marine dead zones can form causing detrimental problems for marine life. Healthy soils act as reservoirs, holding key nutrients in the soil for the plant to access and minimizing runoff.

How can Holganix help?

Holganix Bio 800⁺ is a plant probiotic that builds soil health by replenishing the soil with microbes. In fact, a jug of Holganix Bio 800⁺ contains over 800 species of beneficial soil microbes, microbe food and nutrient enhancers to foster soil health, develop plant root growth, increase plant resilience and improve crop yield.

Digging deeper into soil

Want to learn more about soil? Download our soil science ebook to explore:

1. How the soil food web supports healthy plants
2. The power behind soil microbes
3. Soil types and how to improve the health of your soil

In plant health, roots are often neglected. As the saying goes, out of sight, out of mind! Yet, roots are fundamentally key to plant health.

Root systems, which consist of one fourth to one third of a plant’s dry weight, are in charge of important functions for the plant. If a plant’s root systems are unhealthy, it can pose serious consequences for the plant.

In fact, according to Colorado State University, “Eighty percent of all plant disorders are soil/root problems.” That means we need to pause and give these plant segments the attention they deserve.

Why are root systems important?

Root systems are known to significantly affect the size and health of plants, their ability to adapt to different soils and their ability to respond to cultural practices (i.e. fertilization). According to Colorado State University, they are in charge of but not limited to carrying out the following functions:

1. Anchoring and supporting the plant

The plant becomes stable because of the roots, which safely hook the plant into the soil. Another thing to note is that the threat of soil erosion is lessened because of healthy root systems.

2. Absorbing and conducting water and nutrients through the plant

Nutrients and water enter the plant through the roots. In turf, this means a vast root system is key to tap into available nutrients and water within the soil. The better the roots can reach sources of nutrients and water, the less service providers need to apply additional resources.

3. Stress tolerance

When Mother Nature comes calling, plants with healthier root systems have the advantage over plants with weak root systems. This applies not only to weather conditions like a hot, dry summer, but also to pests and disease. In fact, healthy roots react faster to pesticides and fungicides than unhealthy root systems.

Looking to increase the health of your plants’ root system?

Some recommended practices include aeration and seeding and increasing the soil’s microbial activity with plant probiotics like Holganix Bio 800⁺. In fact, Holganix Bio 800⁺ contains several ingredients that influence root growth including: plant growth promoting bacteria (PGPB), trichoderma fungi and more. 

To dive into best practices and additional information around the science of roots, download our free ebook: Turf Roots using the link below.

Works Cited:

http://www.cmg.colostate.edu/gardennotes/132.html

http://www.virginiagardening.com/documents/RootsTurf.pdf

With 82% of U.S. households buying organic products, according to the Organic Trade Association, organic fertilizers are going to be an important tool for fertilizer users to consider when building programs. Here are 8 advantages and disadvantages to consider when using organic fertilizers in your program.

What is an organic fertilizer?

Organic fertilizer is usually made from plant or animal waste – think manure or compost. They can also be highly processed products with a compost or manure base.

What are the advantages of using organic fertilizer?

1. Soil Structure

Because of the organic matter present in organic fertilizer, soil structure is improved and as a result the soil’s ability to hold onto water and nutrients increases.

>>For additional information on organic matter, read our blog: What is Humus?

2. Microbes Thrive

Synthetic fertilizer consists of chemical molecules without carbon. These molecules can sometimes be disruptive and are not accessible to microbes. On the other hand, organic fertilizer is rich in organic matter, which helps microbes thrive. Organic fertilizer contains carbon as part of its chemical makeup; and it is the carbon, along with nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium that feeds microbes and enables them to make nutrients available for plants in a naturally occurring biological process.

>>If you are interested in learning more about soil microbes, visit this blog: 5 Types of Soil Microbes to Nurture Plant and Soil Health

3. Sustainable and Environmentally Friendly

Synthetic fertilizers runoff into our waterways harming marine life and water quality. Organic fertilizers do not run off as easily (if at all) and are associated with soil structure. According to the Organic Trade Association, organic fertilizer also increases species biodiversity by 30% compared with synthetic fertilizer.

>>To learn more about fertilizer run off, check out this article: What Are Marine Dead Zones?

4. Reduce Fertilizers and Pesticides

Although organic fertilizer can be more costly than synthetic, it can reduce the need for pesticides and the overall nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium requirements. Because of the reductions, organic fertilizer can be cost neutral and sometimes a cost savings.

>>For information on reducing fertilizer and pesticides through the use of organic products, visit Holganix’s university studies here: Holganix University Studies Preview

5. Plant Damage Threat Avoided

Some synthetic fertilizers can cause plant damage to leaves and roots. This is less likely with organic fertilizers.

What are the disadvantages of using organic fertilizers?

1. Not All Products Are Created Equally

Not all products are created equally and many organic products produce inconsistent results. Make sure you are selecting a product that is industry vetted by reviewing any university studies or case studies.

2. Nutrient Levels Are Low

The level of nutrients present in organic fertilizer is often low. In addition, the nutrients are usually complexed in organic chemical structure; this means using organic fertilizer may not produce the pop of color seen with a chemical fertilizer. Using an organic fertilizer is a process, not an event.

3. DIY Compost is a Complicated Procedure

While you can produce your own compost, it’s a messy and complicated process that often leads to an inconsistent product and end-result.

Interested in going organic without the hassle?

Holganix Bio 800⁺ products are 100% organic and allow contractors to reduce the need for fertilizer and pesticides by 50 - 75% while still providing results at par or better than traditional chemical fertilizers and pesticides alone. Bio 800⁺ products are plant probiotics filled with over 800 species of beneficial soil microbes that are microscopic fertilizer factories - converting nutrients that are unavailable, increasing the soil’s ability to hold onto nutrients longer and protecting the plant from stress caused by weather, disease and traffic. 

By utilizing a Holganix Bio 800⁺ product with reduced fertilizer and pesticides, you balance the need for a quick result seen with a chemical fertilizer and a safe, environmentally friendly result seen with an organic.

Further, Holganix spends over six figures on university trials to vet out product claims and has over 70 case studies recorded with Holganix products.

>>You can view a sampling of our university studies here and access our case studies here

Are you suffering from a lack of plant resilience, loss of plants, a need for a 'perfect' landscape and/or a need to go organic?

If so, then check out the below webinar recording featuring Holganix sales representative, Rob McCoy and Healthy Grow representative, Jeff Leuzinger. Together they walk their listeners through the benefits and science behind our organic fertilizer, Healthy Grow Infused with Holganix. If reading this blog via email, click here to access the recording.

Why use Healthy Grow Infused with Holganix?

Jeff states that “the aerobically composted chick manure is the base of Healthy Grow, then we add other materials and nutrients to create a well-rounded product. Holganix Bio 800⁺ is then added just before bagging and this (Holganix Bio 800⁺) is what we refer to as the icing on the cake!”

When you combine Healthy Grow and Holganix Bio 800⁺ you are able to create a little piece of “magic” that will increase tolerance of stress from weather, disease and insects, create more vigorous root growth, improve water retention, use up to 75% less fertilizers and pesticides, and add a pop of color!

For additional information on the manufacturing process, visit our blog: How is Healthy Grow Infused with Holganix Manufactured?

What is the Difference Between Healthy Grow Infused with Holganix and a Synthetic/ Chemical Fertilizer?

With organic products like Healthy Grow Infused with Holganix, you are dealing with something that is living and is a sustainable source of nutrition. On the other hand, with synthetic fertilizers you are putting the nutrients on the surface and hoping that they get to the roots in an amount and form that the plant can actually use. Additionally, with synthetics many of the nutrients can be lost due to temperature or time of the year. However, when using Healthy Grow Infused with Holganix the nutrients are staying in the soil and releasing when Mother Nature is allowing them to, based on the moisture and the temperature.

What Types of Products Does Healthy Grow Infused with Holganix Offer?

There are several different analyses that have been tweaked to provide different results for different needs! Available analyses include:

2-4-3 + Holganix: Perfect for All Purpose

5-2-3 + Holganix: Great for Higher Nitrogen & is 100% Organic

7-9-5 + Holganix: High Performance Starter Fertilizer

10-3-2 + Holganix: The Right Ingredients for the Right Price

Visit our webpage to pour deper into the subject: /probiotic-fertilizer

Where Can You Use Healthy Grow Infused with Holganix?

You can use Healthy Grow Infused with Holganix anywhere! Here are a few areas where these products flourish and which specific type of analysis you should use:

Turf – Use 10-3-2

Aerification – Use 7-9-5 or 2-4-3

Landscape beds – Use 10-3-2 or 2-4-3

Sod, seedbeds, sprigging Use 7-9-5 or 2-4-3

Divot mix – Use 2-4-3 & 80:20 sand mix

Potting mix – ALL are GREAT

So put an end to your lawn care and landscape problems, and get the vigorous roots and increased tolerance you want and need with Healthy Grow Infused with Holganix!

Article by Leah O'Neill

Why do roots matter? When it comes to nurturing healthy plants, very few green industry professionals pay attention to what occurs below the surface. Yet, maintaining a healthy root system is crucial to building a healthy plant.

Dr. Bob Neidermyer, Holganix’s Director of Soil and Plant Science, conducted an experiment on two pea plants. One plant was the control, while the other used Holganix Bio 800⁺. On the surface the plants looked the same, however if you look at the roots, one plant had significantly stronger roots. What is it that made one pea plant produce healthier roots than the other?

Dr. Bob Neidermyer says the answer to this question lies within the seven tactics to increase root health. Watch our video below or read the article for information on the seven tactics to increase root health. If you are reading this blog via email, click here to view the video.

What are the Seven Tactics to Increase Root Health?

Tactic 1: Soil structure

The soil structure of a plant is similar to the foundation of a building. Sales Representative Rob McCoy states, “with a poor foundation, a building will have structural issues, causing the builder or owner to pay for repairs.” This is similar to plants. Soil acts as the structure for the plant, so to promote healthy plants you need to first promote healthy soil.

Tactic 2: Soil Fertility

The key nutrients a plant needs to grow include nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. A soil test can tell you which nutrients or components your soil may be lacking.

Tactic 3: Plant Hormones

Like with humans, hormones help plants grow! Plant hormones such as; auxins, cytokinins, gibberellins, ethylene and absicic acid are essential to plant health. You can add these specific hormones or apply any Holganix Bio 800⁺ or Holganix PB1 product to foster plant health.

Tactic 4: Bacteria

Bacteria are another component that improves plant growth either by (1) converting nutrients locked in the soil or atmosphere, (2) secreting plant growth hormones or (3) “Bacteria around the roots can actually discourage plant pathogens”.

So, how can you incorporate bacteria? One solution is to use compost or compost tea. You can also apply any Holganix Bio 800⁺ or Holganix PB1 product. “We add various types of bacteria to our products to get the best results!” says Dr. Bob.

Tactic 5: Fungi

Trichoderma and mychorrhizae are the two basic types of fungi found near the roots of plants. Trichoderma can make roots more sustainable through a process called Systemic Acquired Resistance. Dr. Bob explains that SARs is when fungi secrete a chemical in response to a pest in their environment. The plant receives the chemical signal and mounts a defense against the pest. “It’s like getting a vaccination for plants,” explains Dr. Bob.

Mycorrhizae also aid in root and plant health. These fungi enhance the plant’s ability to uptake water and minerals.

How can you incorporate fungi into your soil? Dr. Bob suggests green industry professionals reduce tillage, apply mycorrhizae, or incorporate Holganix Bio 800⁺ products or Holganix PB1 Golf.

Tactic 6: Prebiotics

What is it a prebiotic? Just like all living things, bacteria and fungi need food. Prebiotics are the sugars or food that bacteria and fungi need to survive.

One way to ensure that your plants have the prebiotics they need is by applying Holganix products. “We have in our Bio 800⁺ sugars and other food that will sustain the life of bacteria and fungi that are in a can,” explains Dr. Bob. Prebiotics are also contained in Holganix PB1 products, Holganix Blue Sky, Holganix PreBiotic 2-10-20, Healthy Grow Infused with Holganix and our 4-Part Garden Line.

Tactic 7: Nutrient Enhancers

The role and function of nutrient enhancers are to make nutrients available to plants. They act “almost like a magnet for the root system that pulls nutrients in,” says Rob McCoy. Each Holganix product carries a form of nutrient enhancer.

So, lets go back to the pea plants for a moment. Both pea plants may have looked the same from the surface, but beneath the soil there was a distinct difference. One plant had roots that were longer, stronger, and more sustainable. This plant was also treated with Holganix Bio 800⁺. Holganix Bio 800⁺’s ability to utilize these seven tactics allowed the pea plant to produce roots that were much healthier and long lasting.

Article by Leah O'Neill

Soil Scientist, Charles E. Kellogg once stated, "There can be no life without soil and no soil without life; they have evolved together." What an incredible reminder of the important role soil plays in our lives. In honor of soil, we've created the SlideShare, 10 Dirty Secrets About Soil. 

For example, did you know that there are roughly 70,000 different types of soil in the United States? Or, that one tablespoon of soil has more organisms in it than there are people on Earth? Check out our SlideShare below to learn more.

If you are viewing this blog via email, click this link to access the SlideShare.

One year ago, we published a blog that discussed the “Top 5 COOLEST Soil Microbes Ever.” Not only was it well-received by the Holganix community – but also it was a blast to highlight some of the soil microbes found in Holganix Bio 800⁺ products. Our readers asked us to provide more information on the important biology in Holganix 800⁺.

Check out our blog below to learn about some of the powerful microbes found in the product.

When you discuss microbes – diversity is a key theme

It’s hard to pick just a few soil microbes from an ingredient list that contains over 800 species of diverse soil microorganisms. However, while the microbe count in Bio 800⁺ is important, diversity is even more crucial. Because Bio 800⁺ is filled with a diversity of life, by using the product you prepare the soil and plant for whatever hurdle it needs to face.

Think of it as your equivalent to a multi-vitamin. Instead of a magic bullet, Holganix Bio 800⁺ products parachute in an army of specialists, each of which is capable of filling in gaps to balance the biological requirements of the soil and plants.

Soil Microbe 1: Yeast

Species of yeast representing two genus are present in Holganix Bio 800⁺: Debarayomyces and Saccharomyces. Species of both these genera are known to be plant growth promoting organisms. The plant growth promoting effect of yeast in these genera include phosphate solubilizing, barriers to pathogenic bacteria and fungi, production of plant growth hormones and other effects.

Microbe 2: Trichoderma

Trichoderma provides proteins to the plant that produce an induced systemic resistance effect in the plant (ISR). This ISR effect triggers the plant to mount disease resistance properties and also to stimulate photosynthesis in the leaves. In addition, Trichoderma species produce and release plant growth hormones to the soil.

Microbe 3: Penicillium

Penicillium fungi have a plant growth effect caused by the production and secretion of gibberellins which stimulate root growth. Additionally, Pennicillium species have an induced systematic resistance (ISR) effect on plants by secreting enzymes that trigger a plant immune response.

Soil Microbe 4: Nematodes

It is often joked among scientists that nematodes can be found everywhere. About 90% of the ocean floor, and 80% of Earth carries populations of nematodes. They are even rumored to be one of the first organisms to develop from a single-celled organism to a multi-celled organism.

Within the nematode family, there are both beneficial and pathogenic microorganisms. On the one hand, beneficial nematodes are important in mineralizing nutrients (converting nutrients into plant-useable forms), but on the other hand, pathogenic nematodes can destroy root systems, cause disease and negatively impact mycorrhizal fungi.  Other species of nematodes are “grazers” in the environment they live in. These grazers eat bacteria, fungi and/or other nematodes (dependent on the nematode species doing the grazing). This battle is playing out in the soil under our feet every day. Holganix Bio 800⁺ contains nematodes just waiting to join this battle as reinforcement upon application to the soil..

Holganix Bio 800⁺ contains beneficial nematodes. Check out this blog post featuring a case study showing how Holganix Bio 800⁺ helped Broken Sound Golf Club fight pathogenic nematodes.

Soil Microbe 5: Lactobacillus

Yes – we did highlight Lactobacillus in our previous blog post, but we can’t help but shine the spotlight on this lesser-known yet very important genus in Holganix Bio 800⁺ again. Lactobacillus is a genus of bacteria commonly found in soil and the guts of animals. In the soil, these organisms promote the decomposition of organic matter. In addition to organic matter decay, they suppress disease and perform growth-regulatory effects on fungi, yeast and other bacteria.

There are over 200 species of Lactobacillus known to science, with many more waiting to be identified as knowledge of this genus expands.

Want to learn more about the bugs in our jug? 

Want to dig in deeper? Download our ingredient list to learn about some of the exciting ingredients found in Bio 800⁺.

Lately, human probiotics seem to be all the rage. It’s seen as a hip, new science found in the form of yogurt and pills that restore your body’s health. Human probiotics is the idea of introducing beneficial or benign microorganisms to our gut to naturally boost gut health.

Just as with human probiotics, plants need probiotics too! Soil microbes help the plant carry out daily functions and can lead to optimized plant resilience, increased yields and a stronger more web-like root system.

Perhaps one of the most common methods of incorporating plant probiotics into a plant health program is by applying compost tea.

Plant’s “Tea of Choice”: Compost Tea

Named for its murky brown tea-colored resemblance, this brewed, water extract of compost works to increase the amount of nutrients and soil microbes available to the plant as well as extending numerous other benefits that come from traditional compost. There are both pros and cons for incorporating compost teas; see below for some of our highlights.

Advantages of Compost Teas

Inexpensive – By applying compost tea to your plants, you reduce the need for fertilizers and pesticides, ultimately driving down the cost to keep plants healthy.

Aids in Producing a Healthier Plant – When applied, compost tea suppresses foliar diseases and speeds up the breakdown of toxins. Compost tea increases the amount of nutrients available to the plant through microorganism processes, resulting in an overall healthier plant.

Organic – Because it’s made up of natural components, crops nurtured with compost tea are organic, giving you a competitive edge in the plant health/organic world.

Easy to Make – With the right tools and components, compost tea can be made by just about anyone who has good organizational skills.

Disadvantages of Compost Teas

Inconsistent Products – There are many variables in producing compost tea including: compost, water, food materials, time of processing, good record keeping and sourcing materials. In order to ensure consistent results, brewers need to be exact in their recipe-building and production process. Even when brewers are organized in their production and recipe, each batch differs slightly from the last.

Inconsistent Results – Though they might be the same kind of plant, not every plant is exactly the same. As a result, the benefits from applying compost tea can differ slightly per plant.

Lack of Scientific Proof – Compost tea recipes are mostly made up of “he said, she said” gardener testimonials rather than actual scientific proof; therefore, following these recipes can generate unreliable results.

Time Consuming – Because of the “brewing” process, producing compost tea can often be time consuming, and once produced, compost teas must be applied shortly after for best results.

Holganix Can Help!

Brewing your own compost tea is tricky, but Holganix can help! Holganix’s flagship product Bio 800⁺ is a plant probiotic derived from a compost tea base that contains over 800 species of beneficial soil microbes. Because of our manufacturing process, we ensure product consistency and DNA fingerprint each batch to understand which species of soil microbes are present.

To learn more about Holganix Bio 800+ visit:  http://www.holganix.com/blog/what-is-bio-800