The outcomes of our trials stand as a guiding light, illuminating the path for fellow farmers seeking a regenerative paradigm. In the intricate dance of soil and crops, the Johnson Su (JS) extract emerges as a formidable player, showcasing its prowess in fostering a symbiotic relationship with the earth.
Phosphorus Replenishment: A Natural Symphony of Soil Alchemy
One of the remarkable revelations from our trials is the role of JS in replenishing phosphorus, and it’s crucial to dispel any misconceptions about the process. Instead of mining minerals from the soil, the JS extract operates as a conduit for a natural symphony of soil alchemy.
Contrary to the belief that we deplete the soil by extracting phosphorus, the regenerative approach with JS counters this narrative. The extract employs solubilizers to unlock phosphorus, not by depleting existing reserves, but by fostering a vibrant microbial community that contributes to the cultivation of a ‘biome bank.’ This bank, akin to the bustling life within healthy soil, stands as a testament to the regenerative process.
The Biome Bank: Nature’s Wealth in Every Square Meter
In a regenerative ecosystem, life teems within the soil, creating a biome bank that rivals the weight of livestock above ground. Consider this: 1 hectare of healthy soil cradles 15 tonnes of organisms, equivalent to the weight of 20 cows. It’s a dynamic interplay of organisms, from the microscopic to the visible, contributing approximately 1.5 kilograms of life per square meter of land.
This abundance isn’t a one-time occurrence but a regenerative process that unfolds year after year. The thriving microbial life within the soil is engaged in a perpetual cycle of nutrient recycling. Microbes decompose organic matter, releasing nutrients like phosphorus into the soil. These nutrients, in turn, become the building blocks for plants and higher trophic levels, creating a self-sustaining and regenerative ecosystem.
Regenerative Harmony vs. Conventional Depletion
The regenerative harmony we observe in these trials stands in stark contrast to conventional practices that disrupt this natural cycle. Fertilization and chemical sprays, while providing immediate boosts, disrupt the regenerative ability of the soil. Instead of cultivating life, these practices create a dependency on external inputs, gradually depleting the richness that healthy soil inherently possesses.
In essence, the JS extract becomes a catalyst for a regenerative symphony. It doesn’t deplete; it enhances. It doesn’t extract; it contributes. The soil, enriched by this regenerative approach, becomes a resilient and sustainable partner in the journey of agricultural abundance.
As we unravel the secrets hidden beneath the surface, the JS extract, with its solubilizers and microbial richness, becomes a beacon of hope. It invites farmers to partake in the regenerative dance, where the biome bank flourishes, and the soil, in its innate wisdom, becomes a source of perennial wealth for generations to come.
Elevating Agriculture: Unveiling the Results and Charting the Course Forward
The corn fertility plot at Campden Grains, spearheaded by Larry Dyck and supported by Michael Stangl of Stangl’s Enviro Lawn Care, has unfurled a tapestry of insights and possibilities in the realm of regenerative agriculture. As we delve into the results of this groundbreaking trial, we not only decipher the numbers but also unravel the implications for future practices, presenting a farmer’s perspective.
The Johnson Su Extract and Microbial Alchemy
The trial, centered around the Johnson Su (J/S) extract, accentuates the prowess of biological alchemy. Extracted from a static composting system, the J/S extract thrives on fostering fungal communities, distinguishing itself from conventional composting systems dominated by bacteria. Michael Stangl’s contribution of this biological extract sets the stage for a symbiotic dance between soil and crop.
Lactobacillus Solution (LAB): A Supporting Player
The addition of Lactobacillus Solution (LAB) into the mix adds another layer to the narrative. The LAB solution, derived from a unique process involving rice, corn, raw milk, and molasses, becomes an integral part of the regenerative symphony. LAB’s role in the trial is to complement the J/S extract, contributing to the breakdown of organic matter and enhancing soil structure.
Plot Design and Nutrient Applications
The trial encompasses various treatments, each unveiling a piece of the regenerative puzzle. From Alpine G24 to different nitrogen (N) rates and combinations of J/S and LAB, the plot design is a canvas of possibilities. The standard phosphorus-based starter program is challenged, with the objective of exploring the potential of the J/S extract to replace it.
Yield Results and Economic Considerations
The harvested yields paint a nuanced picture. The J/S extract, when applied as an in-furrow starter, performs on par with the Alpine G24, the standard in the region. However, reductions in nitrogen rates reveal a trade-off between reduced costs and potential yield loss. Economic considerations come into play, and the net effect on income becomes a crucial factor.
A Glimpse into the Future: Questions and Considerations
As we celebrate the successes of the trial, it’s imperative to cast our gaze into the future. Questions arise, beckoning further exploration:
- Impact of Missing Alpine G24: The absence of Alpine G24 in some treatments prompts an investigation into the potential savings in phosphorus and potassium.
- LAB Mixing Protocols: The specifics of LAB mixing with UAN, including timing and duration, need elucidation to refine application protocols.
- Beyond the Trial Area: Exploring the results beyond the trial area provides insights into the soil’s comparability, taking into account factors like slope, legacy effects, and environmental stressors.
- Tractor Passes and Input Reductions: Quantifying the impact on tractor passes, fuel usage, and input reductions unveils the broader sustainability aspects of the regenerative approach.
- Stressors and Crop Response: Understanding the stressors faced by the crop — be it moisture levels, drought, or pest pressures — helps tailor regenerative strategies for resilience.
- Documentation for Future Trials: Preparing for subsequent years involves considering PLFA/Haney tests, detailed documentation, and leveraging the trial’s blueprint for scaling success.
Conclusion: A Blueprint for Regenerative Success
The initial trial serves as a stepping stone into a regenerative future. Acknowledging that regenerative agriculture is a journey, not a destination, Larry Dyck and Michael Stangl pave the way for continuous learning and adaptation. As they delve into the second year of trials, these results become the cornerstone of a blueprint that could transform not just fields but entire agricultural landscapes. The journey has just begun, and the soil, enriched by microbial dance and farmer’s wisdom, holds the promise of abundance for generations to come.
