Jonathan,

Your description of spreadable organic materials and microbiology is correct.

I’m sure you already know, but it is important to state that the N in this discussion has to be of organic nature. The challenge has been to find an untapped source of organic N that is both economical and available. We have chosen the wide range of animal carcasses as a source of organic N. Here in KY we use chickens and fish scraps from our local Asian Carp problem.

Haber-Bosch-derived nitrates are already available to the plant and will not feed (starve) microbes, but that is a whole different subject.

The carbon source is far more flexible. We use non-composted tree bark because it is predictable, readily available, and nutritious (to the microbes).

I operate under the premise that a ‘neutral’ or balanced diet for microbes is 25:1. A C:N ratio greater the 25:1 will cause nitrogen immobilization. The higher the number, the greater the immobilization will be. Conversely, a lower ratio fuels the mineralization process and releases available N for the plants. We shoot for a C:N of 3:1.

Tests indicate it is best to work the pellets into the soil. It can be applied at any time.

• Activation of the ‘food’ requires moisture
• Working the soil is not a problem for us. We enhance soil life with every application.
• Soil life will be visible on the soil surface within a few days in the form of hypha
• Microbe activity levels are sensitive to temperature
• I like to apply and work it into the soil the same day as planting.
• You can apply it in the fall, but you’ll lose some of the energy between then and a spring planting
• It does work as a top dress, but not as well.
• We routinely use it as a top dress on existing plants.