b'Soil Health: Moving Beyond CRAIG DAVIDSONthe Bug in a Jar Approach PRESIDENT & FOUNDING PARTNER, TAURUS AGTHE WORLD OFsoil is a realm of mysteries, just like the vast- craig@taurus.ag ness of space. As a scientist, I find it fascinating to delve intotaurus.agthe enigmas that lie beneath our feet and explore the intricate workings of the soil ecosystem.The potential to understand how biostimulant products influence soil microbes, and how these microbes, in turn, enhance crop health, offers both scientific advancements andCount Your Plantspractical applications in farming.While we have discovered that Acadian Plant HealthLucky Starsseaweed extract products can boost the diversity and activity of soil microbes, we still have much to learn about the intrica- HOW MANY OFus truly take the time to count our plants? Many cies of these interactions across different soil types and withinof us overlook this critical process. This routine is essential to diverse microbial populations. maximizing genetic potential and optimizing plant expression.Realizing the full potential of soil health requires a holisticFor instance, would the figure of 1,306,800 wheat plants and integrated approach. By combining the use of our seaweedper acre pique your interest? Is it correct or even relevant? The extracts with practices such as cover cropping, reduced till- sheer number can be overwhelming. Still, a multitude of factors age, crop rotation, and nutrient management strategies, we canguides us towards ideal plant populations, making every plant unlock synergies that enhance soil health and overall systemsomething to cherish. resilience. Customization is key, as each farm has its uniqueUnfortunately, the industry has somewhat accepted goals, even within the same principles of regenerative agriculture. seedling mortality as standard practice. We invest in top-tier genetics, yet somewhat plan for a proportion of it to die upon The Future sowing. This mindset seems counterintuitive in a business with No longer content with the current bug in a jar approach,tight margins, but weve seen that early-life stress in plants can where specific microbes are applied to the soil, we are increas- pose a significant yield risk. ingly recognizing the need to cultivate a customized microbi- We must reevaluate and modify our fertilizer practices to ome that thrives within each unique soil environment. reach ideal plant populations. More sophisticated genetics, Many of the microbes commonly introduced with currentimproved water management, and increased fertilizer rates bistimulants may struggle to establish themselves and pro- unfortunately often lead to elevated seedling mortality and vide lasting benefits without the appropriate conditions. Ourstress. We must remember, that plants, especially seedlings, utilization of seaweed extracts aims to amplify the diversity andthrive on fertility but wilt with excess fertilizer.abundance of natural microbial populations in the soil. Now, theres a silver lining: we have alternatives to pro-This strategic focus on enhancing overall microbial diversitymote the growth of strong, healthy seedlings. At Taurus, our and fostering a resilient microbial community tailored to eachfocus lies in identifying the best nutritional solutions that specific soil holds the key to developing enduring and sustain- ensure early uptake and sustained nourishment. Polysulphate able agricultural systems. Premium from ICL along with Crystal Green or Crystal Green We are ushering in a new era that emphasizes the creation ofSynchro allow us to provide essential nutrients like P, K, S, customized and resilient microbiomes. This paradigm shift notCa, Mg, and trace elements like Cl, B, Zn, right at the seed only propels scientific knowledge forward but also empowersrow. This not only alleviates early plant stress but also ensures growers to optimize soil health andefficient, sustainable feeding throughout the season. achieve long-term sustainability inWeve coined this strategy as TAPP: Taurus Ag Poly agriculture. Phosphate. Although nitrogen is still required for most crops, other largely immobile nutrients can now be placed with the seed or nearby. Our mission is to shepherd every seedling towards becoming a strong, vibrant contributor to our crop. By accurately calculating plant populations and ensuring easy DR. HOLLY LITTLE nutrition access for young plants, we aim to create robust RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENTplants capable of driving root exploration and increasing water MANAGER, ACADIAN PLANT HEALTH absorption. This also paves the way for efficient single-pass hlittle@acadian.ca seeding. linkedin.com/company/ So, lets count our plants and celebrate our Lucky Stars, acadianplanthealth knowing that with TAPP, every seedling has a promising acadianplanthealth.com future.SEPTEMBER 2023GERMINATION.CA 19'