Assessing the Role of Probiotics for the Enhancement of Soil Quality Under Cover Crops

The study assessed the impact of SCD Probiotics (Bio-Ag) on soil quality and plant growth under cover crops, conducted at the NRCS Soil Health Demonstration Farm in Missouri. It found that higher concentrations of probiotics (Trt3; 120L ha-1 yr-1) significantly increased soil microbial biomass, particularly saprophytic fungi, protozoa, and rhizobia, as well as enzymatic activities like dehydrogenase and fluorescein diacetate hydrolase. A secondary greenhouse study showed increased root hair growth and microbial colonization on hairy vetch roots with probiotic application, although no effect on auxin production was observed. The findings suggested that probiotics could enhance soil quality parameters and plant root development, but not auxin content in soils.