b'Moving Beyond the Bug in a Jar Approach will Revolutionize Soil HealthTHE WORLD OFsoil is a realm of mysteries, just like the vast- Customization is key, as each farm has its unique context, ness of space. As a scientist, I find it fascinating to delve into thegoals, even within the same principles of regenerative agricul-enigmas that lie beneath our feet and explore the intricate work- ture. By tailoring soil health programs to individual farms and ings of the soil ecosystem. integrating various practices and products, we can maximize the Among the many captivating frontiers in soil science, thepositive benefits while minimizing potential trade-offs or con-impact of biostimulants on soil microbes and their subsequentflicts with other management objectives.effects on crop growth holds particular interest for me.The potential to understand how biostimulant products influ- The Futureence soil microbes, and how these microbes, in turn, enhanceWhile biostimulans have powerful applications today, we stand crop health, offers both scientific advancements and practicalat the precipice of a transformative shift in this field. No longer applications in farming. content with the current bug in a jar approach, where specific While we have discovered that Acadian Plant Healths sea- microbes are applied to the soil, we are increasingly recogniz-weed extract products can boost the diversity and activity ofing the need to cultivate a customized microbiome that thrives soil microbes, we still have much to learn about the intricacies ofwithin each unique soil environment.these interactions across different soil types. Many of the microbes commonly introduced with current Realizing the full potential of soil health requires a holisticbistimulants may struggle to establish themselves and provide last-and integrated approach. By combining the use of our seaweeding benefits without the appropriate conditions. Our utilization of extracts with practices such as cover cropping, reduced till- seaweed extracts aims to amplify the diversity and abundance of age, crop rotation, and nutrient management strategies, we cannatural microbial populations in the soil.unlock synergies that enhance soil health and overall systemThis strategic focus on enhancing overall microbial diversity resilience. and fostering a resilient microbial community tailored to each specific soil holds the key to developing enduring and sustain-able agricultural systems.As we continue to unravel the complexities of soil microbes and their interactions, we are ushering in a new era that empha-sizes the creation of customized and resilient microbiomes. This paradigm shift not only propels scientific knowledge forward but also empowers growers to optimize soil health and achieve long-term sustainability in agriculture.HOLLY LITTLEDIRECTOR, RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT, ACADIAN PLANT HEALTHacadianplanthealth.comhlittle@acadian.ca30/ SEEDWORLD.COMLATAM'