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

This 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, the research involved different probiotic treatments and measured their effects on soil microbial biomass, community structures, and enzymatic activities. The highest concentration of probiotics (Trt3) resulted in increased total fungi biomass, saprophytic fungi, protozoa, and rhizobia biomarkers compared to control and lower concentrations. Enzymatic activities such as dehydrogenase and fluorescein diacetate hydrolase were also significantly higher in Trt3. A secondary greenhouse study showed increased root hair growth and microbial colonization on hairy vetch roots with probiotics, although no effect on auxin production was observed. Overall, the study suggested that probiotics could enhance soil quality parameters and promote plant growth.