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.

Microbial ecologists say there is likely a naturally occurring microbe to combat the environmental stresses a crop could encounter in the field, including fungal disease, insects, nutritional deficiencies and stress from draught. The key is identifying the right microbe and then introducing any missing microbes through seed treatments.