EcoRic microbial fertilizers are biobased organic fertilizers that are derived from the synthesis of microbial cells and have the potential to improve the bioavailability of nutrient uptake by plants. Live microbes help to improve soil fertility by fixing atmospheric nitrogen, dissolving phosphorus or acting as amino acids, or by accelerating plant growth, producing growth hormones with their biological activity. Microbial fertilizers are usually used in liquid or dry form
The main benefits of EcoRic microbial fertilizers include:
1. Low cost. The price for treating 1 hectare with EcoRic bioorganic fertilizer or biofungicide for one treatment does not exceed $8. At the same time, the basic cost of chemical fungicide for 1 hectare will not be less than $50. Tests conducted with EcoRic on potatoes gave savings on fungicide protection of more than 700%.
2. Increased availability of nutrients. All elements in the production of EcoRic preparations are in available form and act immediately, getting into the leaf through microscopic pores on the leaf surface - stomata, responsible for gas exchange and water balance of the plant.
3. Increased soil fertility. Soil organic matter includes both living and non-living organics. The living part consists of microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, actinomycetes, small animals including insects, worms and other soil inhabitants. These organisms are actively involved in the processes of decomposition and mineralization of organic matter. The non-living part of soil organic matter consists of fresh organic residues: recent remains of plants and animals such as leaves, roots, stems, and dead insects or other organisms; decomposed matter: organic compounds that have already begun to undergo decomposition through the activity of microorganisms; and humus: the stable and stable part of organic matter consisting of dark-colored compounds that result from the complete decomposition of organic matter. Humus is an important source of nutrients and improves soil structure.
4. Plant defense against soil pathogens. Biological control of plant diseases occurs by killing pathogens with the help of beneficial microbes such as Bacillus spp., Pseudomonas spp., Streptomyces spp. and some fungal species. Such a biocontrol group is harmless. Bacteria not only colonize the internal tissues of the plant but also protect the host plant throughout its life cycle.
5. Sustainable agricultural production. Possibility to use EcoRic biopreparations based on live microorganism cultures as a basis for reducing and controlling production costs.
6. Increased resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses.
7. Reduced environmental pollution. EcoRic biopreparation consists of natural components that decompose naturally without polluting the environment. Increases the activity of soil microorganisms that contribute to the natural nutrient cycle. Allows the utilization of organic agricultural waste, reducing methane emissions. Reduces the need for synthetic nitrogen, which releases nitrogen oxides as it decomposes. Helps sequester carbon in the soil, reducing atmospheric CO₂ concentrations.
8. Ability to fight specific viral diseases currently difficult to treat. The production of plant hormones is an important feature of beneficial microbes that produce indole-3-acetic acid, gibberellins, cytokinin, and others. Auxin promotes differentiation and division of plant cells. Cytokinin prevents premature wilting of plant leaves. Gibberellins are involved in seed germination, shoot elongation, flowering and fruiting. These hormones are usually secreted by Bacillus sp. microorganisms that improve plant growth.
The control of plant diseases in intensive agriculture is not possible without the use of plant protection products. Treatments over a long period of time carry a significant risk for the environment. The use of pesticides leads to habituation of pathogens to the active groups of chemicals. Thus, effective and environmentally friendly phytopathogen control strategies are required, such as biofertilizers and EcoRic biofungicides based on beneficial microbes such as Bacillus spp. and Pseudomonas spp.