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| Christine George |
Soil microbiologist Christine George waffled and mug-wumped,
replying that some scientists believe they are harmful while others believe
they are temporary and do little or no lasting harm.
But she added that repeated year-after-year use of
seed-treatment fungicides will probably upset the previous soil balance of
microbes.
The farmer who posed the question said he has received
conflicting answers from recognized experts in crop and soil management.
What was clear from George’s presentation is that fungi
serve a useful purpose by transporting nutrients through their long filaments
to the zone right next to roots so plants benefit.
Her workshop presentation outlined how bacteria, fungi,
protozoa and nematodes are necessary for good soil health and crop growth.
She emphasized that organic matter is a key to good soil
health, improving soil structure, water-holding capacity, water penetration and
providing a home and food for bacteria, fungi, protozoa and nematodes.
She said both beneficial and disease-causing organisms are
necessary, but also said that it’s good crop management to encourage the beneficial
ones so they can out-compete the disease-causing ones.
The workshop was presented by the Grand River Conservation
Authority with funding from a number of sources, such as the Ontario Soil and
Crop Improvement Association and the federal and provincial agriculture
departments.
George, who is a Masters-degree graduate from the University
of Guelph, works for the Grand River Conservation Authority.
