Frequently asked questions

Microorganisms in the root zone can support biological processes around nutrient availability, nutrient uptake and root development. In doing so they contribute to an active root environment and a vital crop. Which function is relevant depends on the organism, the strain, the crop and the growing system.

Because each product has its own function and point of application. BIOMICROBES 02 supports rhizosphere activity and nutrient availability. BIOMICROBES 08 combines eight bacterial species for root growth and nutrient uptake. ROOT-N supports the natural nitrogen cycle. HYDROPONICS is developed for hydroponic and recirculating growing systems. View the root zone products.

Compare the intended use, the listed microorganisms, the concentration at the time of use, the dose rate and the shelf life. A higher CFU count or a longer list of species does not in itself prove a better crop result. The formulation and the way the product is applied also belong in the comparison.

See also: Does a high CFU count mean the product is immediately active around the root?

Compare a treated and an untreated group under conditions that are as similar as possible, and repeat both treatments in several locations. Spread the treatments across the trial area so that a favorable greenhouse position or soil strip does not determine the result. Decide in advance what you will measure, for example rooting, marketable yield or uniformity. Also record dose rates, irrigation and other applications. One good-looking plant or one photo is not enough to establish an effect.

See also: Can I run a trial with two growing sections that share the same return water?

That depends on what you choose to measure. Root development can be followed during the crop; yield and produce quality are assessed at the harvest moments suited to them. Agree on measurement points in advance and always compare with an untreated reference. A fixed timeframe such as “visible results within seven days” cannot be applied to every product and growing system.

Do not automatically double the dose. A missed application changes the timing of the product; a larger amount does not restore that timing. Use the product schedule as your starting point and decide on a suitable restart based on the crop stage and the time of the last application.

A general count or an overview of bacterial species often cannot distinguish the applied strain from related organisms that were already present. That requires a targeted, validated measurement method. DNA detection does not in itself prove current activity either. Have it determined in advance which question the analysis should answer: presence, viability, establishment or an effect on the crop.

A CFU guarantee concerns a minimum detectable concentration over a stated period and under specified storage conditions. A shelf-life statement describes the period of use according to the label. Follow the exact wording for the product concerned: a period that runs from production does not restart at purchase or opening. Nor does the end of a guarantee prove that all microorganisms are dead on that day.

See also: Does a high CFU count mean the product is immediately active around the root?

Store BIOMICROBES products according to the label at 5–20 °C, protected from frost and direct sunlight. After a deviation, note the estimated temperature, duration and batch number, and have the batch assessed before relying on its original quality. Simply cooling or thawing it again does not confirm that the original microbial concentration has been preserved.

The period of use after opening must be established for the product concerned. Use clean dosing equipment, close the container after use and prevent diluted product or other material from getting back into the container. Keep following the prescribed storage conditions. The shelf life of an unopened container must not automatically be treated as the same period of use after opening; for extended use, ask for product-specific guidance.

Those characteristics do not give a reliable count of viable microorganisms. A CFU determination requires a suitable laboratory method. Shake according to the label, but do not regard shaking as proof that a batch that looks different is fine again. Report an unexpected change with the batch number and storage history; include a photo with an assessment request where possible.

CFU indicates how many colony-forming units are detected with a particular culture method. It is not a direct measurement of activity in your soil, substrate or nutrient solution. For that, the microorganisms must survive the application route and encounter suitable conditions. A CFU count is therefore a quality characteristic that should be read together with identity, dose rate and application details.

OMRI assesses whether a product fits within the organic standards for which it is listed. That listing is not proof of efficacy or yield improvement. Check the exact product name, manufacturer, applicable standard and any use restrictions in the current listing. A US listing must not be treated as equivalent to a Canadian or European approval without checking.

State the crop, crop stage, substrate or soil and the purpose of the application. Add the products used, dose rates, water analysis and injection point. For recirculating systems, the reservoir volume, water replacement and any disinfection are also relevant. With this information, advice can be matched to what the product actually encounters along the way and around the root.

Request the current documents for your product and market through the Labels & SDS page or directly from our team. These include product labels, available safety data sheets and certifications where applicable. We are happy to help you find the documents and application instructions for your situation.