Trial details
This trial was carried out by Agpath Pty Ltd, Garfield, Victoria. The trial assessed how ABF products (B5 and C1) affects soil microbiological properties compared with other organic amendments commonly used by farmers (raw and composted chicken manure) and NPK fertiliser. Microbial parameters such as total and active fungi and bacteria, and protozoa were determined quantitatively and expressed as ug/g of dry soil.
Summary results/ discussion
Improving and sustaining the size of soil microbial biomass through carbon input is important component of soil health and nutrient cycling. Preliminary results show the ABF treatments (C1 and B5) were able to increase the size of soil microbial biomass (bacteria, fungi and protozoa). Though this increase in bacteria and fungi biomasses was lower compared to that in the manure and compost (these materials inherently have large amounts of microbes) amended soils, the ABF products have the potential to build soil microbial biomass over time. The mass of total protozoa (flagellates, amoeba and ciliates) was higher in the ABF treatments. The activity and predation by protozoa on bacteria and fungi plays an important role in nutrient recycling and uptake by plant.
