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Bacteria have long been known to be important in the growth and development of plants. Disease microorganisms serve to reduce plant production, whereas rhizobia spp have an important role in the development and subsequent production of legume crops. Rhizobia spp have been extensively studied and commercially available in Australia since the 1950’s. It is only more recently that the actions of other naturally occurring organisms have been studied and their commercial viability investigated.

Build & Protect is the result of worldwide studies of the actions of various bacteria which are native to the Australian landscape, and the best ways to deliver these types of organisms to depleted soils.

Build & Protect provides four naturally soil occurring bacteria in a form that is stable, with the organic peat base providing the food source for the applied bacillus and native bacillus, pseudomonas and fungi. The four Bacillus spp. contained in  Build & Protect are all known for their ability to survive high temperatures, dessication (drying) and salt tolerance.

The applied Bacillus act in a number of ways to protect plants and build soil fertility.

Build & Protect may improve plant nutrient availability due to increased organic matter cycling as well as the action of several enzymes making previously unavailable nutrients readily available for plant uptake.

Build & Protect may improve plant disease resistance through the natural production of antibiotic and antifungal compounds as well as compounds to impede the growth of disease microorganisms.

Build & Protect may improve soil structure by the production of polymers which bind soil particles and plant roots into stable soil colloids.

Characteristics of the individual bacillus contained in Build & Protect include;

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Bacillus subtillus

Bacillus subtilis is bacteria found in soil and the gastrointestinal tract of ruminants and humans.

Bacillus subtilis strains isolated from cowdung have shown a number of beneficial attributes which include

• biocontrol of fungi such as Fusarium and Botryodiplodia

• plant growth promotion through increased root elongation

• sulphur oxidation

• phosphorus solubilisation to increase plant availability

• production of the important enzymes amylase and cellulase.

 

Bacillus licheniformis

Bacillus licheniformis is known for its ability to survive and proliferate in extreme environments, including high temperature and waterlogged conditions.

Bacillus licheniformis has been shown to have a number of beneficial attributes which include

• The production of antibiotics such as bacillomycin, bacitracin, licheniformin and proticin,

• The production of antifungal compounds having specific activity against Fusarium

• Increasing the rate of decomposition of organic matter when present in sufficient quantities.

 

Bacillus pumilis

 Similarly to others of the Bacillus spp., B. pumilus spores generally show high resistance to environmental stresses, including UV light exposure, desiccation, and the presence of oxidizers such as hydrogen peroxide and high salt levels.

Naturally occurring and widely distributed in both plants and animals. Growth of the bacterium on plant roots prevents Rhizoctonia and Fusarium spores from germinating and as such is an important active ingredient in agricultural fungicides.

 

Bacillus polymyxa

Bacillus polymyxa has been shown to promote plant growth through a number of mechanisms.

• Through the production of hormones like cytokinins, auxins, ethylene and gibberellins which increase root expansion and plant growth.

• Through the production of antibiotics and antifungal compounds and forming biofilms on plant roots – for example, the biofilm formed on tomato roots protects the plant from bacterial wilt

• The bacterium’s nitrogen fixing ability (ammonia NH3) that is usable by plants from atmospheric N2helps to promote growth of the plant

• The production of an exopolysaccaride, which adheres to soil particles and plant roots helps to stabilise and improve soil structure

What is in Build & Protect?

Nitrogen 4.2 % w/w

Bacillus subtillus – Bacillus licheniformis – Bacillus pumilis – Bacillus polymyxa

Plus Trace quantities of Phosphorus, Potassium, Sulphur, Calcium, Magnesium, Iron, Manganese, Copper and Zinc

Usage Rates:

Pasture & Broadacre Cropping: For a general rule apply 25kgs to 100 kgs per hectare. Depending upon requirements higher rates can be used for high value crops. For special application contact your TNN Consultant.

For Home Garden & Lawns: Spread 30-70 grams per 1 sq metre of soil at planting time in the first year. Spread 150 grams per 3 sq metres for established lawns amd water in (for the first year).

Outdoor Shrubs & Trees: 10-30 grams per kg of soil or potting mix. Place a layer of Build & Protect, then 15mm layer of potting mix then add tree or shrub.

Vegetables & Outdoor Flowers: 50-300 grams per sq metre of soil at planting time (for the first year) rate will vary depending on the health and vitality of the individual garden bed, the basic soil type eg. sand, sandy loam, clay, etc.