2024 ONTARIO AGRI-BUSINESS DIRECTORY Ag & Country 2024 82 Ontario’s Rural Business Directory Biologicals have taken the agricultural world by storm, offering farmers innovative tools to enhance crop productivity and promote sustainable farming practices. These living microorganisms have become a key player in modern farming strategies, but what exactly are biologicals, and how can they be effectively integrated into farm management? Biologicals, a relatively recent addition to the farmer’s toolkit, are living microorganisms introduced into the soil to achieve specific goals. The two primary objectives of using biologicals on a farm are as follows: 1. Residue Breakdown: Biologicals are employed to accelerate the decomposition of crop residues, a crucial step in maintaining a clean and fertile farming environment. 2. Soil Health Improvement and Nutrient Cycling: These microorganisms play a pivotal role in enhancing soil health and facilitating nutrient cycling, ensuring essential nutrients are readily available to nourish the growing crops. Biologicals come in various forms, including mixes, seed treatments, and standalone products. Their versatility allows farmers to choose the most suitable approach for their specific farming needs. The bewildering world of biologicals can be simplified into two main categories: 1. Microbial Category: This category comprises living organisms, such as microbes, which are harnessed to promote soil and plant health. 2. Enzymes and Other Categories: This group encompasses products either produced by microbes or belonging to newly developed categories, like enzymes. The application of biologicals holds immense promise for modern farming, as they enhance soil health, increase nutrient availability, and promote crop growth. Despite their potential, the diversity of biological products and the claims made by various companies can leave farmers facing uncertainty. Despite their immense potential, biologicals also present some challenges: • Product Selection: The wide range of biological products can be overwhelming for farmers, making product selection challenging. • Varied Efficacy: The effectiveness of biologicals can vary depending on soil conditions, crop type, and application methods. • Long-Term Effects: Research on the long-term effects of biologicals on soil health and crop yields is still ongoing. Biologicals offer a promising avenue for sustainable and productive agriculture. As research and knowledge in this field advance, farmers will be better equipped to harness the full potential of biologicals, transforming modern farming practices and ensuring a more sustainable future for agriculture. SEED, CHEM, FERT & OTHER De Dell Seeds • 7095 Century Drive • Melbourne, ON • N0L 1T0 P: 519-264-CORN (2676) • F: 519-264-2672 • 1-833-436-CORN (2676) info@dedellseeds.com • www.dedellseeds.com We are excited to see our graduate inbreds move into our commercial hybrid lineup. De Dell Seeds The Leaders in Non-GMO Corn The hard work we are doing breeding corn is paying off. Keep an eye out for this years report cards and which hybrids made the Honour Roll. UNLEASHING THE POWER OF BIOLOGICALS IN MODERN FARMING Harnessing the Potential of Soil Microorganisms
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