Twenty-four journalists from 15 countries recently ventured to the south of Spain with the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists (IFAJ) to explore the agricultural operations that make that region unique. The crown jewel of the press trip was a visit to the Olivarera de Los Pedroches Cooperative, or Olipe, where organic olive oil producers are collaborating with Alltech Crop Science to make their farms more environmentally and economically sustainable.

Outstanding olive oil in the spotlight

Pozoblanco, Cordoba — where the Olipe cooperative is headquartered — was uncharacteristically gloomy during the IFAJ trip, but the journalists remained eager to learn about the olives grown in this mountainous region. Spain produces approximately 50% of the world’s olive oil, and this region is particularly well-known for its long tradition of olive oil production thanks to its climate and topography, which are perfect for olive cultivation.  

Representatives of the Olipe co-op were also proud to explain to the journalists that the olive oil produced in southern Spain features the highest level of polyphenols of any olive oil in the world. Since polyphenols have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, this outstanding characteristic has brought olive oil cooperatives like Olipe to the attention of major brands — including L’Oreal, which sources olive oil from the cooperative to be used in its cosmetic products.

Making positive change through a Planet of Plenty partnership

Francisco Gálvez, project manager for olive and almond farming for Alltech Crop Science (ACS) in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, discusses the olives grown at the Olipe co-op, which is partnering with ACS to improve the economic and environmental sustainability of ag production.

While Olipe has already achieved great success, the region’s olive farmers want to improve their operations even more while remaining environmentally sustainable — and Alltech Crop Science intends to help them do just that.

Alltech Crop Science has established a Planet of Plenty partnership with Olipe to develop an ambitious five-year plan that includes soil analysis and research studying the process of growing olives in the Los Pedroches region. The results of those studies will allow Ideagro and Alltech Crop Science to formulate custom solutions for Olipe that will help enhance sustainable olive production in Spain.

The IFAJ cohort heard from Francisco Gálvez, project manager for olive and almond farming for Alltech Crop Science in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and Liana Dobler, Alltech’s Spanish and Portuguese communications manager, who shared details about several of the other initiatives that will be explored through this partnership, including:

• the production of organic compost from mill waste
• utilizing olive pits in the manufacture of plastic-substitute products
• the validation of olive oil with a high oleocanthal content and a high polyphenol index

Notably, Alltech Crop Science has committed to covering all costs related to the monitoring and experimentation processes underway at Olipe through this partnership. Alltech Crop Science will also help distribute the olive oil produced through the co-op internationally. Olipe, on the other hand, will invest the profits that result from this project in training and educational activities that will help attract and keep olive farmers in the Los Pedroches region.  

Sharing the recipe for success

Throughout the IFAJ’s press trip to Olipe, the co-op’s olive farmers were excited to discuss how they’re working to make agricultural production more sustainable and more profitable — and the journalists in attendance are eager to help tell that story to the world.

“For the Olivarera Los Pedroches Cooperative, this type of visit serves as a platform to let everyone know about the incredible projects they are carrying out,” said Gálvez of Alltech Crop Science.  

“We all enjoyed the visit to cooperative,” said Lena Johansson, president of the IFAJ. “It’s always more interesting and useful for journalists to see things on-site than on PowerPoint slides.”

The journalists will continue sharing what they learned first-hand about olive oil production in southern Spain with readers across the globe — including those with no connection to agriculture, who will likely be fascinated to learn how olive farmers are contributing to economic, environmental and social sustainability. 

About the author:

Liana Dobler is Alltech’s Spanish and Portuguese Communications Manager globally. She is responsible for communications strategy, including content management and social media, for all Spanish and Portuguese stakeholders.
 
Liana has been with Alltech for 17 years, beginning as a sales assistant in Alltech Brazil. Her journey later led her to Alltech Argentina where she served in a regional capacity as Latin America Communications Manager. Liana relocated to Spain in 2022.

Under the surface of every thriving farm, a subtle yet dynamic relationship unfolds between soil and carbon, coordinated by the complex web of life beneath our feet. The beneficial effects of a balanced soil microbiome — the harmonious coexistence of microorganisms like bacteria, fungi, protozoa and nematodes — are at the core of this performance. These tiny but mighty inhabitants form a vibrant underground ecosystem, enhancing soil health and resilience.

Not only does this boost agricultural production, but around the world, more farmers, producers and researchers are recognizing the power of healthy soils to capture and sequester carbon, making them a vital part of the fight against climate change.

Soil is Earth’s second-greatest carbon sink, holding three times the amount of carbon currently in the atmosphere.

The connection of soil and carbon

Carbon, a crucial building block for organic molecules, is key to life on Earth, forming the basis of all living organisms. Particularly in the form of carbon dioxide (CO₂), it also acts as a greenhouse gas, retaining heat in the atmosphere. In the past, this has helped to maintain a habitable temperature range for our planet. However, excessive carbon emissions, primarily from human activities, are now overloading the atmosphere with carbon, contributing to the harmful effects of climate change. Capturing this excessive carbon and storing it away, a process known as carbon sequestration, is essential to combating climate change — and healthy soils are the key.

Soil health depends on a range of factors, including plant diversity, deep-rooted crops, soil microbial activity, and soil organic matter (SOM). These attributes enable soil to efficiently capture and retain carbon, a process primarily moderated by plants through photosynthesis. The soil can then store this soil organic carbon (SOC) in the overall soil carbon pool.

Healthy soils have the remarkable capacity to capture and store approximately 10% of carbon emissions over the next 25 years, making them a vital player in the fight against climate change.

 

Unveiling the mechanisms: How does it work?

Soil organic matter (SOM) is a key component of soil, affecting its physical, chemical and biological properties. It consists of decomposed organic materials, from either plant or animal sources. As this organic matter is introduced to the soil through compost application or cover cropping, it sequesters carbon. Therefore, the more that soils are enriched with organic matter, the higher their carbon sequestration potential is.

Moreover, with its carbon content, SOM improves soil structure by forming stable aggregates, clumps of soil particles held together by organic matter and microorganisms. These aggregates help to create channels and pockets where carbon can be sequestered more effectively, further powering the overall carbon sequestration process. Well-formed aggregates also mitigate soil erosion and enhance water retention, creating a strong soil structure conducive to long-term carbon storage. Additionally, SOM is a critical food source for beneficial soil microorganisms.

This intricate interplay not only maximizes carbon sequestration but reinforces the fertility of the soils, making it a cornerstone of sustainable agriculture and climate change mitigation.

From cover crops to crop rotation: Implementing soil health principles

Soil can hold the equivalent of three times the atmosphere’s carbon — and nearly four times that of all living things combined. Over the past 10,000 years, however, soil carbon has declined by 840 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide (GtCO₂) worldwide, due to unbalanced agricultural practices and land conversion, and many farmed soils have lost 50–70% of their original organic carbon. This has created an exceptional opportunity for carbon sequestration. According to a recent assessment out of American University, soils could sequester 2–5 GtCO₂ per year by 2050, with a cumulative capacity of 104–130 GtCO₂ by the end of the century.

For this to happen, farmers must engage in practices that enrich the soil with organic matter, creating an environment where microorganisms thrive, enhance soil properties and aggregates, and mitigate soil erosion.

• Regenerative agriculture: This approach involves maintaining living roots in the soil throughout the year, continuously supplying organic matter and encouraging microbial activity, thus promoting carbon sequestration.
• Cover crops: Deep-rooted cover crops ensure a constant presence of living roots in the soil, protecting it from erosion, enriching it with organic matter, and enhancing its sequestration ability.
• Crop rotation: Diversifying the types of crops grown in a field aids in naturally managing pests and diseases and reduces the risk of depleting necessary nutrients.
• Soil cover: Practices like no-till farming and mulching help maintain a protective cover on the soil, minimizing carbon loss.
• Microbial fermentation and biotechnological solutions: These innovative approaches harness the power of soil microorganisms to enhance organic matter decomposition.

Reaping the benefits of carbon sequestration for crop production

It is important to remember that discontinuing such practices results in the quick release of carbon from the soil and back into the atmosphere. Therefore, it is crucial that any such changes in farm management be permanent.

Luckily, many of these approaches offer significant benefits in agricultural productivity as well as climate change mitigation.

Soil health controls the production capacity of our land. Healthy and stable soils enable farmers to better face market fluctuations and the effects of climate change. By nurturing soils and focusing on sustainable crop practices that promote biodiversity, farmers can create a healthier environment for crops and reduce reliance on chemical inputs. Improved soil quality translates to increased nutrient availability for crops, fostering robust crop growth and development and resulting in higher yields. Also, enhanced soil structures resist erosion and amplify water retention, which is especially valuable in regions subject to drought or highly irregular rainfall.

Carbon sequestration even aligns with sustainable agricultural practices at times when conventional farming methods are used, because the carbon stored in the soil acts as a buffer, reducing the carbon footprint associated with these methods.

Microbial fermentation and biotechnological solutions

In the pursuit of enhancing soil health and maximizing carbon sequestration, microbial fermentation plays a pivotal role. A natural process driven by soil microorganisms, it breaks down organic matter into stable soil organic carbon, enriching the soil and contributing significantly to carbon sequestration.

While this process is a natural one, it does not always happen at the levels needed for maximum soil health. Biotechnological solutions introduce specialized microbial communities to optimize organic matter processing and soil organic carbon formation. These innovations reduce the need for chemical inputs and foster not only carbon sequestration but overall sustainability.

The approach of boosting microbial fermentation with leading-edge biotechnological solutions offers a fresh perspective on building soil health sustainably.

In conclusion, the role of healthy soils in carbon sequestration cannot be overstated. By adopting agricultural practices that promote soil health and long-term productivity, including taking advantage of the latest developments in biotechnology, we can contribute to carbon sequestration while building a more resilient and sustainable food system for Earth’s growing population into the future.

For further insights, check out our blogs on how suppressive soils yield healthier crops and how agriculture could be carbon negative by 2050.

About the author:

Helena Estiveira is the Global Marketing and Communications Manager at Alltech Crop Science (ACS). She works closely with the ACS executive team to plan and execute the strategic marketing and communication goals of ACS.

Helena is based in Portugal, where she initially joined Alltech as European Marketing Manager for Crop Science. Prior to joining Alltech, she worked for 16 years in the advertising industry in agencies in Portugal and Brazil as an account manager and account supervisor, gaining vast experience in the pharmaceutical and bank services industries.

Helena received a bachelor’s degree in advertising from the Institution of Visual Arts in Lisbon, Portugal, and also completed a post-graduate course in marketing and communication at Instituto Superior de Novas Profissões/Lusófona in Lisbon and executive training in CRM and finances at Escola Superior de Propaganda e Marketing in São Paulo, Brazil.

I want to learn more about soil health.

[DUNBOYNE, Ireland] – Variable weather has once again dominated crop quality and mycotoxin contamination patterns in Europe, with a distinct split between northern and southern regions. The Alltech 2023 European Harvest Analysis has collected and assessed over 1,100 grain and forage samples from more than 20 different countries, and the results show an overall higher-risk mycotoxin year in Europe in 2023. While Europe enjoyed a reprieve this growing season from the extreme drought conditions of the past 2–3 years, rains that fell close to harvest in northern and western Europe caused delays in harvesting that created ideal conditions for mould and mycotoxin development.

Mycotoxins are produced by certain species of moulds and are a concern for livestock producers as they can influence feed quality and subsequent animal health and performance. The Alltech European Harvest Analysis, a decade-long initiative, is a comprehensive step in understanding the complexities of new-crop quality, mycotoxin prevalence and the threat that mycotoxins pose to animals and producers. To determine the most accurate representation of mycotoxin risk across Europe, Alltech has again collaborated with SGS, a global leader in mycotoxin testing and certification. Their expert testing, along with testing by the independently accredited Alltech 37+® laboratory in Ireland, which can detect up to 54 individual mycotoxins, has captured a highly accurate and robust set of new-crop mycotoxin data across 20 countries in Europe.  

‘’In contrast to recent years, it is excessive rain rather than drought that has been the primary driver of mycotoxin risk in Europe,” said Dr. Radka Borutova, European technical support manager with the Alltech Mycotoxin Management team. “The delayed harvest in northern and western regions has created particular problems in small grains and forages across this region, while further south, corn crops have fared much better than last year, although, as we always try to highlight, low risk does not mean no risk.’’

Key insights from the Alltech 2023 European Harvest Analysis include:

• Persistent rains close to harvesting have led to significant Fusarium-related challenges in wheat and barley crops across northern and western Europe.

• Barley shows the highest risk of the small grains, with an average of six mycotoxins per sample.

• In general, the mycotoxin challenge in corn is lower in 2023 than in recent years. However, there are still pockets of higher risk in central and southern Europe.

• The Penicillium risk continues to dominate in forages. In particular, grass silage in the UK and Ireland is heavily contaminated and presents an ongoing management challenge for dairy producers there.

Corn

Aflatoxin challenges arising from drought-stricken corn have dominated the mycotoxin picture in Europe in recent years, so growers were thankful not to suffer the same fate in 2023. However, it was still not a perfect growing season.

More than 700 new-crop corn samples were analysed this year, and results showed aflatoxins were detected in almost 70% of samples from central and southern Europe, with average levels of 6 ppb. However, most of the risk in corn is coming from Fusarium mycotoxins such as zearalenone, deoxynivalenol (DON) and T2-HT2 toxins. Ochratoxin was more prevalent this year than in 2022, with average levels detected of 28 ppb. The overall corn risk is deemed low to moderate when Alltech’s REQ metric is applied.

Wheat and barley

New-crop samples of wheat and barley typically originated in countries across northern and western Europe. Conditions in this region deteriorated badly around mid-June, and from then onwards, unsettled weather caused havoc with harvest dates, resulting in crops standing much longer in the field than they usually would. The combination of wet and humid conditions with a delayed harvest resulted in the ideal conditions for Fusarium moulds to thrive.

This has directly manifested in elevated levels of mycotoxins in these small grains, with barley posing particular problems. Although specific reasons are unidentified, barley is much higher risk than wheat, and contains almost double the number of mycotoxins per sample.

Penicillium mycotoxins are not something we would typically associate with small grains at harvest time, but they have been more commonly detected this year, possibly due to the extremely challenging field conditions. Emerging mycotoxins are the most common groups detected across both ingredients, but the most risk is coming from type B trichothecenes. In barley, average levels of this group were at 922 ppb, with an extraordinary maximum of almost 29,000 ppb detected in one Finnish sample.

Forages

Although the Penicillium challenge has been the dominant talking point with forages over the past few years, it is worth comparing the mycotoxin profiles and primary risk drivers in corn silage and grass silage.

As with most ingredients, emerging mycotoxins are most prominent. However, in corn silage, type B trichothecenes are present in over 95% of samples, with average levels of 1,561 ppb, amplifying the risk. In comparison, grass silage is facing the greatest risk from Penicillium mycotoxins, with average levels of 338 ppb and an occurrence above 62%. Dr. Borutova has noted that when both of these ingredients are included in a total mixed ration (TMR) diet, this can create an even greater risk for dairy or beef animals.

The late harvest in northern and western Europe amplified the challenge in straw that was lying on the ground for a prolonged length of time. The 60 straw samples submitted to the lab this year were, as in recent years, heavily contaminated with emerging mycotoxins and type B trichothecenes. Average levels of type B trichothecenes were almost 1,500 ppb. This is something for livestock producers to be aware of wherever straw is being used either as bedding or as a feed material.

The Alltech 2023 European Harvest Analysis demonstrates that mycotoxins are an ongoing, dynamic issue that livestock producers need to manage. Although testing directly post harvest provides an overview of regional contamination patterns, what happens before the animal receives the feed — including storage conditions post harvest and feeding practices on-farm — can influence what the animal will actually be ingesting in terms of mycotoxins. To best manage this ongoing challenge, producers should consider a routine testing program that can uncover the specific risks. With this information, informed choices can be made on what mitigation strategies are necessary to support the health and performance of the animals. 

To access the complete report, as well as a series of videos that provide further species-specific insights, visit Alltech 2023 European Harvest Analysis. For more information about Alltech Mycotoxin Management solutions, visit knowmycotoxins.com.

The time has come for biotechnology to address the challenges of 21st-century agriculture. After decades of research, the scientific community around the world can now confirm the enormous potential that could be realized by fostering soil health and promoting beneficial relationships between microorganisms and plants to achieve higher and better yields. Alltech Crop Science (ACS) takes this idea a step further with precision fermentation.

Soil biotechnology harnesses beneficial microorganisms to produce healthier and more sustainable food. As such, it has the potential to be one of the most beneficial tools for a new model of agriculture, allowing us to balance food security with environmental respect.

"There is one thing stronger than all the armies in the world,” the famed author Victor Hugo once said, “and that is an idea whose time has come." Agustín Murillo, sales manager for Alltech Crop Science (ACS) in Iberia, drew on this quote and the idea behind it in his presentation at the annual Congreso Microbioma, or the Microbiome Congress, an international event that brought together more than 1,000 attendees from 32 countries in 2023 — including researchers, scientists, engineers, producers and biotechnology industry representatives — to discuss the present and future use of microorganisms in agriculture.

For scientists from around the world and pioneering companies like Alltech, this “idea whose time has come” is the result of decades of research on the concept of fostering soil health and promoting beneficial symbiotic relationships between microorganisms and plants to achieve higher and better yields. That research has established a comprehensive understanding of the soil microbiome — and, more specifically, the important roles that soil microorganisms play in nutrient cycling, disease suppression, symbiotic relationships, soil structure and bioremediation. These many functions highlight the major significance of soil microorganisms for sustainable agriculture and the optimization of crop productivity.

Over its 40-plus-year history, Alltech has conducted numerous studies and gained practical experience that now bolster its fermentation expertise, making it one of the most innovative and expert authorities on soil health and microbial diversity in the world. As a result, Alltech strives to develop products that foster more drought- or saline soil-resistant crops — as well as microorganism-based products that contribute to nitrogen fixation in the soil or phosphorus and potassium solubilization. These microorganisms are strong crop allies, optimizing nutrient absorption and utilization and promoting stronger and healthier plant growth.

Taking it a step further

Alltech’s pioneering research is now progressing with a new concept: precision fermentation.

The concept of precision fermentation refers to the cultivation and use of microorganisms (such as bacteria or fungi) through advanced biotechnological techniques to produce specific agricultural products. It involves designing and engineering beneficial microorganisms under a controlled fermentation process.

Precision fermentation offers several advantages over traditional agricultural methods. For example, it allows for the more efficient and sustainable production of high-value organic compounds, such as proteins, enzymes and other biochemicals.

“It's not just about multiplying beneficial microorganisms,” Murillo said in his presentation at Microbioma, “but also about promoting the generation of hormones, enzymes or secondary metabolisms that we know will benefit and improve crops when used in the field.”

A targeted fermentation process also allows producers to control different variables, such as temperature, time and heat source, enabling the microorganism to produce enzymes, for example, which are well-known to be essential in all plant nutrition cycles.

“We can, through precise fermentation, provide farmers around the globe with beneficial live microorganisms or microbial compounds that deliver both immediate and longer-lasting effects,” Murillo added.

Precision fermentation has the potential to revolutionize agriculture and the food industry by providing more sustainable and efficient methods for producing a wide range of agricultural products, thereby reducing the environmental impact of traditional farming while also addressing food security challenges and contributing to the development of a resource-efficient and sustainable food system. It could also transform the microorganism production process, enabling the development of biotechnological solutions that enhance crop nutrition, disease control, plant growth promotion, soil health and overall sustainability. All of these benefits would allow the agriculture industry to become more efficient, environmentally friendly and resilient to changing environmental conditions.

How the microbiome responds to microorganisms

The microbiome’s response to microorganisms is highly dynamic and can vary depending on numerous factors, including the characteristics of the introduced microorganisms, the specific environment and the existing microbial composition. Understanding these responses is crucial for comprehending the dynamics of microbiomes and their implications in numerous fields, including human health, agriculture and environmental sustainability.

When a new microorganism is inoculated into the soil, one of the most important next steps is to examine the enzymatic activity as a response of the overall soil microbiome to that inoculation. Monitoring and managing enzymatic activities is an objective indicator of microbiological activity.

Soil enzymatic activity can support more optimal soil fertility, improved nutrient cycling, enhanced disease suppression and the promotion of sustainable agricultural practices. With this in mind, gaining a better understanding of this concept is crucial for being able to adequately assess soil health, nutrient availability and overall crop productivity.

Selecting the right microbes: A headhunting process

As illustrated above, the rigorous and precise multiplication of beneficial microorganisms is crucial when it comes to taking care of the health of our soils.

However, the selection of these microorganisms is just as important. This crucial preliminary work could be compared to headhunting, argued Pedro Palazón, CEO of Ideagro, the Research&Development arm of Alltech Crop Science, in his presentation at Microbioma.

“You first define what you need and what you are looking for through a selection process where you search for the candidate, interview them to assess their qualities and how they can contribute to your team, and finally incorporate and develop them,” he explained.

The microorganism selection process emphasizes the importance of conducting targeted selection to obtain a new microorganism with specific capabilities and understanding its mode of action and potential effects. The entire process is conducted through lab- and fieldwork, all of which aims to obtain objective, quantifiable and replicable results — along with indicators of the microorganism’s mode of action. The selection process must be precise and requires time and investment "to obtain a stable, effective and guaranteed product for use,” Palazón said.

The interpretation of the results of this work is essential, and Ideagro achieves this through its own algorithm, which analyzes more than 12,000 samples from different crops, soil types and climatic seasons.

“We observe microorganisms for their effects as biofertilizers, biostimulants, bioprotectors, bioremediators, or how they enhance the nutraceutical properties of food,” Palazón explained.

Having already been engaged in the study of this topic for years, Alltech Crop Science and its family of companies, including Ideagro, is leveraging its fermentation expertise to meticulously select and multiply microorganisms. Undertaking this work has equipped the company with a comprehensive knowledge of the wide range of microorganisms that exist, laying the foundation for collaboration with producers to foster a more sustainable and productive future for agriculture.

Obtaining profitable, productive and sustainable crops depends on soil health. A balanced soil assists plants in being more resistant to soil and crop diseases, growing more vigorously and using nutrients better. Worldwide, farmers are waking up to the benefits of disease-suppressive soils – soils in which a wealth of beneficial microorganisms and an adequate balance of organic matter and minerals improve plant growth and inhibit pathogens’ action. But how can we achieve them? And what is their contribution to sustainable agriculture?

This article will assess how plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) work in suppressive soils to stimulate crop growth and development while acting as biocontrol agents inhibiting pathogenic microorganisms' activity.

Many farmers have seen their soils become poorer and lose fertility because of using only mineral fertilizers and chemical disease control strategies. In such situations, the soils’ organic dimension and microbiology have been overlooked, generating conductive soils in which soil and crop diseases are able to spread more easily.

What benefits do suppressive soils offer?

On the other hand, soils presenting a rich and dynamic microbiome favor plant-beneficial interactions with a balance between the mineral, organic and microbiological components, and they are notable for their ability to hinder or suppress pathogenic progression and activity. These soils, called disease-suppressive soils, were initially defined by Cook and Baker in 1983 as “soils in which the pathogen is not able to establish or persist, the pathogen establishes but causes no damage, or the pathogen causes some damage, but the disease becomes progressively less severe, even though the pathogen persists in soil.”

That is, the pathogen either does not establish itself or, once established, it does not cause damage, due to the antagonistic action of other beneficial microorganisms. Such soil presents unfavorable conditions for the pathogen, which sees its growth and development capacity reduced and its harmful activity neutralized.

How do we get to soils with these conditions? Although the quest for balanced soil will entail different cultural practices, the starting point should always be to conduct an analysis to assess soil health, including data on soil stability, pathogen incidence and nutrient availability.

Ultimately, the goal is to establish healthy microbiota that promote the optimal space for developing more sustainable and environmentally friendly crops, where the biological control of diseases such as Fusarium sp., Pythium sp., Rhizoctonia sp. and Phytophthora sp. is achieved.

Microorganisms that balance the rhizosphere

The rhizosphere, the region of soil surrounding living roots influenced by plant root exudates, is an ecosystem in which various relationships of interest are established, particularly those of a symbiotic nature between microorganisms and plant roots and between the microorganisms themselves.

The plant-microbe interaction is responsible for nutrient recycling and energy flow, resulting in the availability of previously inaccessible and insoluble forms of rhizospheric nutrients, which are critical for key plant functions. Beneficial microorganisms integrate the rhizosphere microbiome and play an important role in plant health and growth, facilitating nutrient acquisition, assisting plants in coping with abiotic stresses, and participating in various processes critical to crop development, such as the carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur cycles.

As we attain a state of disease suppressiveness in the soil, we find a high concentration of fungi (Trichoderma, Penicillium, Gliocladium) and bacteria (Pseudomonas, Burkholderia, Bacillus, Serratia, and Actinomyces) that promote growth and provide protective components against fungi, bacteriosis, viruses or harmful insects.

Allies for a suppressive soil

One of the most interesting options for achieving healthy and productive crops involves the use of PGPR in rhizosphere colonization. In addition to acting to stimulate and improve plant growth, PGPR act as biocontrol agents for fungal and bacterial diseases by displacing pathogenic microorganisms.

Essential functions of PGPR

• Stimulating the production of phytohormones (auxins, gibberellinghs and cytokinins) through chemical signals that facilitate cell communication and stimulate plant growth.

• Increasing nutrient availability through nitrogen fixation, phosphorus solubilization and iron chelation.

• Protecting the plant against phytopathogens that may compete for space and nutrients; the rhizobacteria produce metabolites, antibiotics and siderophores and increase the plant’s systemic response capacity against an aggressor.

Among the most common PGPR for controlling plant diseases are Pseudomonas (putida, aeruginosa and fluorescens) and Burkholderia, which stand out for their ability to solubilize inorganic phosphates present in the soil. The genera Azospirillum, Azotobacter and Rhizobium are of particular interest for their ability to facilitate the conversion of atmospheric nitrogen into a form assimilable for plants.

In comparison to any other genus, Pseudomonas is the most favored bioinoculant due to its significant properties in both plant growth and phytopathogen control during its synergistic association with the host plant.

Pseudomonas putida is an extraordinarily versatile bacteria capable of thriving in hostile environments and resisting physicochemical stress; it is a great ally in improving crop production and quality.

Among its multiple applications in agriculture, it stands out for its effectiveness in promoting plant growth (through auxin production or phosphate solubilization) and improving plant health. It can also act as an antagonist against pathogens and play a role as a bioremediation agent in contaminated environments.

Recovering soil biological activity

The use of chemical control techniques, especially the application of broad-spectrum fungicides, has been the principal strategy used for many decades for controlling phytopathogens. In addition to having negative impacts on the health of humans and the environment, this approach was responsible for a rise in the number of treatment-resistant strains.

Microbiota in the soil were affected by these applications and by the excessive use of mineral fertilizers, which threw off the natural balance of disease-suppressive soils and made way for more illness-susceptible soils.

The time has come to revive healthy biological life in the soil by inoculating the plant roots with microorganisms beneficial to the plants' well-being, therefore reestablishing its biological activity. In doing so, we support the development of the root system, enhancing nutrient absorption. Plants will be able to better withstand environmental challenges, strengthen their defenses and experience increased growth and productivity.

Are you looking to recover your soil’s natural microbial balance and improve its disease-suppressing capability, optimizing crop productivity? Contact our technical team to further discuss how beneficial microorganisms and healthy plant-microbe interactions can favor profitable and sustainable crop production.

I want to learn more about soil health.

Strengthening its commitment to Working Together for a Planet of Plenty™, Alltech Crop Science has acquired Ideagro, based in Murcia, Spain. This partnership joins two leading platforms to accelerate soil and crop research, and to enhance biological and other microorganism-based offerings to Alltech Crop Science customers throughout the world.

“We are excited to announce that Ideagro has joined the Alltech Crop Science global team, providing us with a partner who shares our vision and significantly scaling our research capabilities,” said Andy Thomas, CEO of Alltech Crop Science. "This is the strengthening of a longstanding partnership. We have worked closely with the Ideagro team since their founding 11 years ago.”

Ideagro is a leader in agri-food research and development with a team of more than 20 scientists. It is committed to improving the productivity and profitability of agricultural systems. Its expertise in developing beneficial organisms for soil aids the growth of crops, reduces the impact of chemical inputs and helps plants to resist biotic and abiotic stress. Ideagro’s analytical capabilities, with special emphasis on in-vitro research, phytopathology, soil dynamics and microorganisms, further enable growers to identify microorganisms and quantify enzymatic activity in the soil.

“We are facing a great growth opportunity for Ideagro because we are going to have better means and more technological capacity to develop our research, which will now have a global projection,” said Pedro Palazón, CEO of Ideagro. “We will no longer only study the soils of the Iberian Peninsula, but we will work with soils from all over the world to achieve more sustainable and environmentally friendly agriculture.”

Ideagro has state-of-the-art laboratories and experimental research stations and fields for carrying out trials in Spain. To date, the company has researched more than 90 different crops and performed more than 10,000 physicochemical and biological analyses. This has led to the development of new agricultural strategies based on microorganisms.

Ideagro’s three laboratories are fully equipped with the latest technologies to focus on nutraceuticals, phytopathology, research and development and molecular biology. Its services include:

• Precise diagnoses, identification and semi-quantification of more than 290 microorganisms at the species level in different crops. Through the development of multispecific detection kits, it can simultaneously detect up to 40 pathogenic microorganisms in a single sample, with results in 24-48 hours.
• Molecular identification of microorganisms as well as genetic characterization of specific strains and determination of pathotypes of a pathogen.
• Analysis of nematodes.
• Design of specific probes for specific microorganisms. As a result, Ideagro is able to detect specific microorganisms in soil, water, plant material and biostimulants.
• Mycotoxin analyses. With more than 15,000 analyses carried out to date, Ideagro can identify and quantify the risks of aflatoxin B1, fumonisins, zearalenone and deoxynivalenol trichothecenes and T2 toxin. It provides monthly data on mycotoxin contamination in animal feed and in the main crops of the Spanish and European markets.

Ideagro is accredited by MAPAMA (EOR 82/13) and has ISO 9001:2015 certification. In June 2021, it was named a Reference Regional Laboratory by GLOSOLAN, the Global Soil Laboratory division of the FAO.

“The combination of the Ideagro expertise with the reach and scale of Alltech will allow us to extend world-leading understanding of the interface between soil, crop, animal and human health to the global market,” said Andy Thomas, CEO of Alltech Crop Science. “The potential implications of these insights cannot be understated as we endeavor to improve the vitality of our global food system, from the ground up.”

For more information about Alltech Crop Science, visit alltech.com/crop-science.

Alltech, a global leader in animal health and nutrition, has appointed Tara McCarthy as its global vice president of environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG). McCarthy will support the advancement of Alltech’s vision of Working Together for a Planet of Plenty™, which underscores the ability of the agri-food sector to provide enough nutritious food for all while revitalizing local communities and replenishing the Earth’s natural resources.

“Agriculture is the sector most integral to planetary health, from its role in the nourishment and well-being of humans and animals, to the capabilities it has to not only safeguard but benefit our Earth’s environment,” said Dr. Mark Lyons, president and CEO of Alltech. “We have well-founded optimism about the future of agri-food and our planet, yet it is a moment for bold action and collective courage. Tara’s strategic approach, relationship focus and vast experience within the agri-food sector will add firepower to the advancement of our Planet of Plenty vision. In addition to furthering the alignment of our vision throughout our business, Tara will be working closely with our customers and partners on the environmental and social issues that we believe businesses within agriculture and food can positively impact.”

Prior to joining Alltech in June, McCarthy had served as the chief executive officer of Bord Bia, the Irish Food Board, since 2017. Her 25 years’ experience in the food industry also includes serving as chief executive officer for Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM), Ireland's seafood development agency.

McCarthy is passionate about the opportunities that can be found within sustainably produced food and has worked across the supply chain to develop insights and industry partnerships. She has led numerous capability initiatives and developmental support programs for students, early career executives and entrepreneurs within the food industry for more than a decade, forming successful partnerships both nationally and internationally. In 2019, McCarthy co-founded Agdif, an industry initiative championing diversity in the Irish food industry. She has also represented Ireland’s food industry globally, speaking on Origin Green, Ireland’s unique national sustainability program. In 2021, McCarthy led the establishment of the Origin Green Global Council.

“Our world is changing, and the role that agriculture can play in the future is, in many ways and places, being reset,” said McCarthy. “I am delighted to have the opportunity to join Alltech in this new role at this pivotal time. It has never been more important to build networks across the supply chain, to start new conversations and to understand different perspectives. Supported by the ambition of Alltech’s Planet of Plenty vision and their global reach, I look forward to supporting and working alongside Alltech colleagues and customers.”

McCarthy received a bachelor’s degree in commerce from National University of Ireland, Galway (UCG) and a master’s degree in business studies with an emphasis on marketing from the University College Dublin (UCD) Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School. She is an affiliate of the IMD Business School in Switzerland. McCarthy has been recognized with several awards, including UCG Alumna of the Year for Business and Commerce in 2017; a Fellow of the Marketing Institute of Ireland, as well as Ireland’s Top 25 Most Powerful Women Public Sector Leaders Award in 2018; and UCD Smurfit School Alumna of the Year in 2019.

The newly established role of global vice president of environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) represents another exciting milestone in Alltech’s longstanding mission to develop sustainable solutions for agriculture. In the early 1980s, Dr. Pearse Lyons, the late founder of Alltech, established the ACE Principle, which guided the company’s efforts toward providing nutritional solutions that promote the health and well-being of animals, consumers and the environment. In 2019, Dr. Mark Lyons, Pearse’s son, carried that principle forward with the announcement of his vision for Working Together for a Planet of Plenty^TM.

In fewer than 100 days, the Alltech ONE Conference (ONE) will return to Lexington, Kentucky, for a collaborative exploration of the challenges and opportunities in the agri-food industry and beyond. Alltech, a global leader in animal health and nutrition, announced that their 38th annual flagship event will be held May 22-24 both in person and virtually on a first-class platform, with live-streaming and on-demand presentations available to ensure accessibility to everyone, everywhere.

Reflecting the most relevant topics impacting the agri-food industry, the key themes of the discussions held at ONE will include science, sustainability and storytelling.  

“The opportunities are abundant for the global agri-food sector to shape the future of our planet,” said Dr. Mark Lyons, president and CEO of Alltech. “We can deliver nutrition for all, while fuelling economic vitality and replenishing our Earth’s resources. The potential for impact is profound, but it requires a higher level of commitment and collaboration from every one of us. ONE is much more than a gathering; it is an invitation to step forward and share in a vision of promise for our ONE planet.”

ONE attendees will derive inspiration from keynote speakers who have unleashed the power of innovation and courageous leadership for positive impact.

Mick Ebeling, founder and CEO of Not Impossible Labs and author of “Not Impossible: The Art and Joy of Doing What Couldn’t Be Done,” will take the ONE mainstage in person, and his presentation will also be live-streamed for those joining virtually.

Ebeling was recently named by Fortune Magazine as one of the Top 50 World’s Greatest Leaders. He is a recipient of the Muhammad Ali Humanitarian of the Year Award and is listed as one of the world’s most influential creative people by The Creativity 50s. Ebeling has sparked a movement of pragmatic, inspirational innovation, and as a career producer and filmmaker, he harvests the power of technology and storytelling to change the world.

Presenting virtually is Paul Polman, who has been described by the Financial Times as “a standout CEO of the past decade”. As CEO of Unilever (2009-2019), he stopped reporting quarterly earnings to focus on a long-term strategy that would successfully double revenues while reducing the company’s environmental impact by half.   

Prior to joining Unilever, Polman served as CFO and vice president for the Americas at Nestlé and as president for Western Europe at Procter & Gamble. He was a member of the UN Secretary General’s High-Level Panel, which developed the Sustainable Development Goals and which he continues to champion, working with global organizations to push the 2030 development agenda.  

Paul’s new book, “Net Positive,” is a call to arms to courageous business leaders, outlining how to build net-positive companies that profit by fixing the world’s problems rather than creating them. He serves as the chair of IMAGINE — a social venture dedicated to systems change — and of the Saïd Business School. He is vice-chair of the UN Global Compact and is a B Team leader and honorary chair of the International Chamber of Commerce, which he led for two years.  

While the world-class keynote speakers at ONE will offer universally valuable insights, the subject- and species-specific tracks will explore emerging opportunities in aquaculture, beef, crop science, dairy, pig, poultry, equine, health and wellness, business, and brewing and distilling. Confirmed speakers are currently listed on the ONE website, with more to be added.   

Virtual attendees of ONE will have access to live-streamed keynotes and pre-recorded track presentations that can be viewed on-demand. For in-person attendees, the ONE experience will extend into beautiful downtown Lexington, Kentucky, with special events, dinners and tours.   

To learn more about the Alltech ONE Conference, including how to register, visit one.alltech.com. Join the conversation across social media with #AlltechONE.

Since 1985, Alltech’s annual conference has drawn leaders, innovators and changemakers within agri-food to Lexington, Kentucky. In 2020, Alltech reimagined the event in a virtual format to ensure that its ideas and inspiration could reach everyone, everywhere. Last year, the virtual event drew more than 10,000 people, including over 400 media, from 101 countries.

Following an extensive search, Alltech Crop Science has filled its newly created CEO position. Andrew Thomas has been appointed to lead the global team and further cultivate the strategic growth of Alltech Crop Science.

“We believe there is tremendous potential within global crop production to cultivate a more promising future,” said Dr. Mark Lyons, president and CEO of Alltech. “We felt it was essential to appoint a CEO to lead the charge, and we specifically sought someone with international experience, proven commercial success and a shared commitment to Working Together for a Planet of Plenty™. Andrew’s experience and passion reflect these qualities, and we are excited to welcome him to the team.”

Thomas brings to Alltech more than 30 years of global management experience in the agri-food and seed industries. Throughout his career, he has led innovation initiatives and launched various new products and businesses. Most recently, Thomas served as CEO of WISErg Corporation, a circular economy business based in Seattle, Washington, USA, that diverts waste streams to sustainable agricultural inputs.

Previously, Thomas served in executive management roles for the plant breeding and seed company Nuseed as the business successfully expanded both its geographic footprint — from its Australian base throughout the Americas, Oceania and Europe — and its pipeline of technologies and products across multiple crops.

“Alltech has a long history of providing sustainable solutions to the agriculture industry through scientific excellence and visionary innovation,” said Thomas. “I am thrilled to join the Alltech Crop Science team as we continue our commitment to helping producers optimize crop health and performance while protecting the environment.”

Supporting Thomas will be Steve Borst, vice president of Alltech Crop Science. Borst played a central role in the launch of a new partnership between Alltech Crop Science and HELM Agro in the U.S. and will continue collaborating with the HELM team to activate the commercial potential of the partnership. Borst and Thomas will work closely together with the Alltech Crop Science global team to advance a new era of sustainable growth.

Thomas currently resides in Chicago, Illinois, USA, but will transition to Alltech’s corporate headquarters in Nicholasville, Kentucky.

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While your average person is still snuggled underneath their blankets in the early morning, Corne VanDenAkker can be found in his barn, tending to the task of milking his herd of cows. There, he reflects on his relationship with farming, which is rooted in a tradition going back almost forty years, beginning when his family made the move from their homeland in Holland to their current homestead in Canada. Upon making the choice to continue this farming tradition, VanDenAkker began farming full-time on his own land and tending his herd after earning a degree from the University of Guelph. Since then, he has grown his herd to over 100 head, added milking robots to modernize his operation, and is continuously seeking how to become a better, more efficient and sustainable farmer.

Through his years of experience, VanDenAkker knows the importance of being cognizant of what goes into his dairy cows in terms of what they eat and the balance of nutrients required to maintain his herd health and optimal milk production. However, he was unsure if he would be able to support his herd with the yields from his own fields. 

Everything we grow goes into our cows

“Everything we grow goes into our cows,” VanDenAkker noted when discussing the 250 acres of corn that is farmed and destined for his own silage. “I didn’t know if I could feed them enough to support the milk.”

VanDenAkker has long used Alltech products such as Yea-Sacc and Optigen in his livestock feed, and five years ago, he was introduced to Grain-Set, an Alltech Crop Science product geared toward grain crops. He began applying it on 40 of his silage corn acres, and over the years since, he has seen consistent results at every harvest. 

“Year after year, we are seeing improved cob fill and an increase in the number of bushels we are getting from those fields when compared to the untreated area,” VanDerAkken said, adding that his average increase is more than 10 bushels per acre.

This crop yield increase is formidable, but the data that really impressed VanDenAkker came after he began feeding his Grain-Set-treated corn silage to his cows. 

“They increased their milk production when we switched,” he said. “I saw a trend in the increase but couldn’t be sure (that it was totally related to Grain-Set).” 

Backed by Science

VanDenAkker’s curiosity about the results prompted him to dig deeper into what he was seeing, and he decided to send samples of both his treated and untreated corn silage for analytical testing. The results spoke for themselves: The Alltech Crop Science-treated corn silage showed a 5.8% increase in neutral detergent fiber (NDF) digestibility. This meant that the dairy cows were getting more energy and taking in more nutrients from the feed, allowing them to not only increase their milk production but to also have more balanced rumen health. These improvements help increase farmers’ profitability and make their systems more efficient.       

What is the science behind these results? Simply put: nutrigenomics. Gene expression helps corn silage crops better withstand environmentally stressful conditions, like drought or overly wet soils, and both biotic and abiotic stress. The plants respond by inducing their own resistance to these stressors and improving their own performance.  

Based on these results, VanDenAkker is enthusiastic about his plans to continue using Grain-Set on his silage corn. When asked about the difference he has seen in his cows, VanDenAkker smiled pragmatically and said, “I feed the cows myself, and I can see the results for myself. They are eating better and getting what they need from the feed. I always had good cows, but they are very decent now.”

What is Grain-Set?

Grain-Set is a unique blend of micronutrients and fermentation products and is specifically formulated for cereal, grain, forage and oil crop production.

• Provides nutrients essential for plant metabolic processes
• Increases grain weight and yield
• Optimizes crop uniformity
• Improves grain fill and quality
• OMRI-listed for use in organic production

Have a question? Contact us!