Episode 185. Microbial Inoculants: Fact and Fiction

In this episode of Voices from the Field, Mike Morris, NCAT’s Southwest Regional Director, talks with Dr. Barbara Bellows about her new ATTRA publication, Microbial Inoculants. Also known as biofertilizers or biostimulants, microbial inoculants contain beneficial microorganisms and are intended to stimulate plant growth, reduce pest and disease problems, and protect plants from various stress conditions.

Dr. Bellows is a soil scientist with the Texas Institute for Applied Environmental Research at Tarleton State University. She has been researching production methods for microbial inoculants and the various factors that can make them effective or ineffective. In this podcast, she explains how microbial inoculants work, offers practical advice for getting the most out of these products, and discusses which ones — if any — to use.

Related ATTRA Resources:

Microbial Inoculants

Soil Health Indicators and Tests

Alternative Soil Amendments

Notes on Compost Teas

Other Resources:

Texas Institute for Applied Environmental Research

For more information on this topic, you can contact Mike Morris directly via email at mikem@ncat.org.

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