LIVING BIOLOGICALS
Employing the benefits of nature
Living biologicals have traditionally been used in niche markets and specialized situations, but they are becoming more mainstream in agriculture, and we’re seeing many positive benefits. It’s important to consider that due to their nature, they need to be stored, handled and used appropriately to maximize effectiveness. When handled properly, living biologicals have an important impact on sustainable agricultural practices through enhancing the productivity of the plant and other inputs, promoting soil health, and enhancing overall farm resilience.
Living biologicals in agriculture refer to living organisms that actively participate in ecological processes, such as pest control, soil health mprovement, or nutrient cycling, and can be beneficial organisms like insects, microbes, and plants. Similarly to how insects like beetles, mites, or wasps can control pest populations naturally, these products use natural processes to aid in crop health.
On the other hand, non-living biologicals include organic materials or substances derived from living organisms, such as compost or manure, which contribute to soil fertility and pest management but are not actively living organisms themselves. Biologicals derived from natural sources fall under this category. While they originate from living organisms, they are applied in a processed or formulated form.
Choosing living biologicals offers several key benefits for farmers, from pest control and soil health to crop protection and pollination. To further break things down, let’s consider the following:
Pest control: certain predatory insect or parasitic nematodes can help control pest populations naturally, reducing the need for synthetic pesticides or aiding their effectiveness and ultimately resistance management.
Soil health: certain bacteria and fungi can mprove soil health through promoting nutrient cycling, enhancing soil structure, and suppressing soil-borne diseases, leading to better crop yields and overall soil fertility.
Crop protection: certain bacteria and fungi can protect crops from diseases by inhibiting the growth of pathogenic organisms, promoting sustainable disease management.
Pollination: living biologicals such as bees or other pollinators enhance pollination in crops which leads to higher, better quality yields.
Nutrient cycling: certain microbes play a key role in nutrient cycling within ecosystems, enhancing nutrient availability for crops.
Environmental sustainability: living biologicals contribute to sustainable agricultural practices by promoting ecosystem health.
With these many benefits of living biologicals come some detailed logistics involving transportation, storage and application that must be considered.
Storage and handling is a top factor. Living biological products often have specific requirements to maintain their viability and effectiveness and can be sensitive to environmental conditions. For example, beneficial insects may need to be stored at certain temperatures or humidity levels, while others may require protection from UV light and moisture.
Application, timing and compatibility are other crucial considerations when using living biologicals. Take timing for example, the products need to be applied at the right stage of crop growth or pest infestation to be effective. This requires careful planning in application schedules and methods in order to maximize results.
Optimal weather conditions at the time of application are another factor. Precipitation, windspeed, temperature, relative humidity and UV radiation should all be taken into account.
In considering compatibility, other agricultural inputs, such as pesticides, fertilizers, and soil amendments, must be kept in mind as not to interact negatively with certain chemicals or environmental conditions.
Living biologicals can be classified into four main groups: macrobial agents (insect or mite species), microbial agents (viruses, fungi, bacteria), semiochemicals (substances emitted by animals, plants, other organisms), and natural substances (botanicals, fermentation products).
Storage and application parameters are listed on most packages, but here are some initial insights into transport, storage, and application to give a basic idea of what could be expected:
Overall, successful use of living biological products in agriculture requires careful planning, attention to detail, and adherence to best practices to maximize their benefits while minimizing risks and logistical challenges.
Collaboration with knowledgeable suppliers, researchers, and agricultural experts can also facilitate the effective integration of these products into farming systems.