There are three main classes of beneficial bacteria.
Nitrogen-fixing bacteria contribute to the nitrogen cycle—the route that nitrogen takes as it moves through organisms and the environment, all the while changing forms.
Phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSBs) convert unavailable forms of phosphorus into bioavailable forms. Most of the phosphorus found in nature is locked up in rock and soil and unavailable to plant roots.
Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPRs) colonize the rhizosphere, where they serve the dual purpose of defending the roots against harmful, invasive microbes and increasing root mass—and therefore uptake.
Increased root mass is partially a by-product of healthy roots, which a large, vibrant colony of PGPRs ensures. However, many PGPRs also produce phytohormones—plant hormones—which they release at the root tips, stimulating new root growth—and even heightened upper-plant growth and flowering
PGPRs assist in nutrient update by breaking down organic matter and converting it into bioavailable nutrients, which they deposit right at the root tips, where most nutrient uptake takes place.
What kinds of bacteria are in Root Wizard?
- Bacillus amyloliquefaciens – effective bacterial species for combating plant pathogens. It also synthesizes potent natural antibiotics, including fungicides and bacteriocins.
- Bacillus licheniformis – helps control harmful bacteria and fungi
- Bacillus subtilis – a root colonizer that forms cell arrangements or communities called “rafts” that swarm the rhizosphere
- Bacillus laevolacticus – lower the pH where they thrive, preventing other harmful microorganisms from colonizing
- Bacillus pasteurii – improves the strength of substrate or soil as well as the porosity and profile of that soil
- Paenibacillus azotofixans – increases plant growth and flowering by producing phytohormones, helping to chelate micronutrients and acting as a biological pest control