The changes of Bacillus subtilis in agriculture

      In recent years, more and more growers have heard of a name - Bacillus subtilis. To be honest, this name sounds long and difficult to pronounce, and many veterans ask when they hear it for the first time, "What high-tech thing is this

      In fact, it is not a fresh invention, but a beneficial bacterium that has long existed in nature. However, scientists have studied it thoroughly over the years, and farmers have also used their experience to discover that this little thing does indeed have two brushes.

What exactly can it do?
      Let's start with the most troublesome problems in the field.

      The first one is soil borne diseases. After several years of continuous cultivation, there are more and more pathogens in the field, such as sudden death, root rot, and bacterial wilt, which cannot be suppressed by spraying medicine. Bacillus subtilis is best at dealing with these bacteria - it will occupy positions and nutrients around the root system, while secreting some antibiotic substances, directly "starving, squeezing, and poisoning" harmful bacteria. This is not an exaggeration, it is a real biological control.

      Those who have used it know that washing once during the seedling stage significantly reduces the incidence of bacterial wilt.

      The second benefit is to nourish roots and promote growth. This bacterium produces various plant growth hormones during its reproduction process, such as gibberellin and indole-3-acetic acid. Simply put, it means helping crops root deeper and have more white roots. Once the root system is well established, its ability to absorb water and fertilizer naturally increases, resulting in strong seedlings, green leaves, and heavy fruits. This is a chain reaction.

      A big brother who grows tomatoes once told me, "In the past, the seedlings were always thin and tall. After using two batches of Bacillus subtilis, the stems became noticeably thicker and the leaves were also thick

      The third benefit is the decomposition of fixed nutrients in the soil. Many soils actually do not lack phosphorus and potassium, they are just fixed and cannot be absorbed by crops. Bacillus subtilis can release these fixed phosphorus and potassium, which is equivalent to taking out stored money and spending it. In this way, the amount of fertilizer used can be appropriately reduced, the cost can be lowered, and the land can be well cultivated.

How is the effect? See what people who have used it have to say
      A greenhouse in Shouguang, Shandong where cucumbers are grown continuously for seven or eight years has been experiencing increasingly severe root knot nematodes and wilt disease. Later, Bacillus subtilis was used in combination with organic fertilizer for soil treatment. In the first year, it did not feel obvious, but in the second year, the disease was significantly reduced, and by the third year, there were basically no more seedlings pulled due to wilt disease.

      Citrus growers in Guangxi also found that after using it, yellowing disease decreased, root systems became significantly more developed, and tree vigor recovered faster.

      Of course, this thing is not a miracle drug. You have to use it correctly and in the right amount, expecting to sprinkle once and manage one season, that's not realistic.

How to use it effectively?
There are several key points to remember:

      Firstly, do not use it together with fungicides. This is a living bacterium. If you mix it with copper and carbendazim in water, it's like throwing troops and bombing your own people at the same time. Usually with an interval of 5 to 7 days or more.

      Secondly, avoid strong light. Ultraviolet radiation has a great killing effect on Bacillus subtilis, so it is best to use it on cloudy days or in the evening. After sprinkling it on the ground, cover it with soil or water it in a timely manner.

      Thirdly, pairing with organic fertilizers can double the effect. Bacillus subtilis reproduces faster in soil rich in organic matter. Before use, supplement with organic fertilizer to double the effect.

      Fourth, early use and continuous use. It is best to start using it at the time of planting, and replenish it every 20 to 30 days during the growth period to allow the bacterial community to form a stable advantage in the rhizosphere.

It is different from traditional pesticides
      Chemical pesticides take effect quickly, but they are prone to developing resistance and damaging the soil. Bacillus subtilis takes a little longer to take effect, but it will reproduce and continue to exert force on its own. Once used properly, it is a one-time solution. More importantly, it does not harm bees, does not pollute water sources, and does not pose a risk of excessive pesticide residues. The products grown from it have more confidence in selling organic and green products.

Finally, let me say a few honest words
      Bacillus subtilis is not omnipotent, but it is indeed a very practical tool in the current green development of agriculture. For friends who suffer from severe soil diseases and want to reduce fertilizers and pesticides, it is worth giving it a serious try.

      The products on the market nowadays are mixed, so when choosing, look for the registration number and the number of valid live bacteria. Don't be tempted to buy low-quality products with too many bacteria at a low price.

      Nurturing land relies on patience, it's not something that takes a day or two. On the path of microorganisms, if the direction is right, persist and the earth will repay you.