Many of the same factors that impact a crop’s growth also impact microbial activity. Soil type is one example that can influence microbial activity. Things like the pH levels, moisture levels and oxygenation of your soil are direct influences for crop growth and microbial activity.

With the proprietary LiveMicrobe technology from 3Bar Biologics, growers can increase microbe shelf life by up to two years, saving them money and delivering the freshest, most active microbes available on the market.

Researchers have developed a way to assess soil health by measuring the electric current produced by its tiniest microbes, a proof-of-concept study that could someday lead to a simple, real-time test for farmers to determine whether soil is productive, says Washington State University.

Research soil scientist Katie Lewis is on a long-term mission to clear the air and save the soil of West Texas through pushing for best management practices, including conservation tillage and cover crops, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension says.

University of Illinois researchers conducting a meta-analysis of 62 studies examining the effect of tillage on soil microbes found no-till systems had greater soil microbial biomass and enzymatic activity than tilled soils.