A new technology for the cultivation and development of microbiomes, also known as projected ecosystems or probiotic blends, was developed in Brazil. Called TCP (Probiotic Consortium Technology), the solution produces a combination of 100 percent natural and beneficial microorganisms containing metabolites/postbiotics, live or mixed microorganisms.
These microbiomes produce organic acids, enzymes, amino acids, sugars, vitamins and natural antibiotics, known and overvalued metabolites or postbiotics, and interact with beneficial native microorganisms when they act directly on existing organic matter. Ecosystems are alive and do not require activation, making products based on engineered microbiomes to survive inhospitable environments and have efficiency and effectiveness in environments ranging from 5C to 50C, in addition to pH between two and 14, aerobic or anaerobic environments, and shelf life of up to three years.
According to the developers of the TCP Institute, the technology is based on effective microorganisms developed in Japan over 50 years ago, having been improved in the United States over the past 25 years and in Europe over the past 15 years. According to Altamiro Alvernaz, creator of the Brazilian version, TCP is the refinement of all this in a process that “there is no similar to date.”
Promising resultsThe technology is already being tested and validated in experimental and commercial fields, and the results support expectations. In soybeans, TCP yielded an average of 5.4 bags (60 kilos) more per hectare in the current 2020-21 Brazilian soybean crop. This is what tests and scientific studies showed on more than a thousand hectares of the oilseed in the main producing states in Brazil – Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul, Paraná, Santa Catarina, Goiás and São Paulo – under conditions of water stress, with long periods of drought coupled with abundant rainfall in a short period of time.
“The 2020-21 season was marked by weather conditions that caused many discussions and tensions from start to finish, including the rotting of the pods in Mato Grosso and the aborting of the pods in Paraná and so many other issues that interfered with productivity. But still, the TCP treatments achieved a significant gain. This is interesting because the technology shows that it can work as a kind of 'insurance'” against crop failures caused by the climate, says Ubirajara Fontoura, PhD in soil and founding member of Embrapa Cerrado (Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation) and the Chapadão Foundation/MS, which followed the studies in Mato Grosso do Sul.
Other universities and research and consulting institutions have been studying TCP for four years, in addition to two more years of field tests in Brazil. PhDs in soil science also participated, such as Silvano Abreu, Ubirajara Fontoura and Luiz Antônio Fancelli (founding member of CESB, the Strategic Committee Soja Brasil).
An emblematic result is the scientific study carried out by the MS Integration Foundation, in the city of Maracaju, Mato Grosso do Sul. For two consecutive years, tests were carried out with TCP. In the first year of the study, under normal rain conditions, the final result was 10.1 extra bags per hectare. In the following year, 2020-21 harvest, with the severe water stress that affected the region, the result presented was 7.1 bags more with the use of TCP.
DepositionsRegardless of the weather conditions and the type of soil, in addition to the affirmation of productivity gains, was the use of a single TCP blend for various
purposes, opening a window of possibilities for the future. With a single blend, in a single application, the control of nematodes, fungi and pathogenic bacteria in the soil was obtained, in addition to an increase in the population of beneficial microorganisms, such as diazotrophic bacteria (nitrogen-fixing), nitrogen fixation, and availability of nutrients phosphorus, potassium, calcium, silicon, magnesium, manganese, sulphur and, in some cases, iron and copper.
According to Alvernaz, these results are the “affirmation of the use of complex systems to maintain the balance and biodiversity of an agricultural system, in practice.” Another emblematic result is the nodulation shown in all studies. The use of TCP showed more nodulation than inoculants with Bradyrizhobium japonicum, proving to be a great alternative also for nitrogen fixation.
“And the most impressive thing: there is no nitrogen fixing microorganism in the TCP blend used. In other words, TCP apparently acts directly on soil biodiversity by multiplying beneficial microorganisms present in the soil,” notes Ubirajara. All studies pointed to this result of greater nodulation with the use of TCP.
BenefitsFancelli, a specialist in soybean physiology, concludes in his scientific study with TCP that “TCP's contribution to the effective nodulation of soybean is notorious, allowing for the eventual waiver of the use of specific inoculants for this purpose.” He adds that “the use of TCP has significantly contributed to the greater use of phosphorus by soybean plants, as the results obtained in most of the evaluated parameters were superior when TCP was combined with the phosphorus
source, compared to the exclusive use of simple superphosphate.”
“But the 'here and now' is not the most important,” attests Ubirajara. “The most important thing is to make your soil healthier for the next planting, and thus increase your production over the years. So far, the results obtained in these two years in different producing regions of the country, in different types of soil and climate, only corroborate one conclusion: TCP can be very useful in any type of soil, under any climate and, for that everything indicates, for any type of cultivation. We are talking about life on the ground, regardless of whether it is sandyor clayey.”
According to Josué Verba, agronomist and researcher at TCP, the revitalization of the soil that TCP is masterfully doing from the standpoint of microbiological biodiversity is extremely important. “Several studies have already shown that areas with similar nutrient content have totally different grain yields,” he notes. “This similarity between the chemical properties of the soil shows the inadequacy of the mineralist concept, where the explanation for productivity is linked only to the absolute levels of nutrients that we put in the soil.”
Verba adds it is “undeniable that the difference in productivity, in these cases, is due to biological factors. We just need to do soil health assessments. And this is perhaps the greatest benefit that TCP brings to our agriculture. And I say more, not only for agriculture, but for the entire agribusiness production system. Because in the end, everything is a microorganism.They are responsible for healthand disease.”
Alvernaz explains that the technology's success lies in the fact that “microorganisms are soil and plant friendly. In nature, plants feed microorganisms and they provide the plant with what it needs. In the forest there are no chemical fertilizers. The nutrients for the plants are the microorganisms.
“If the plant has water stress in the forest, it sends a signal to the microorganisms that can help it against this water stress,” he adds. “If she has stress from pest or disease, she will signal with substances for the responsible microorganism to help her against that stress. The interaction between microorganisms is the key to the success and balance of the soil.”
But no microorganism acts alone. “They, necessarily, to perform their best, they need a 'staff,' a set of microorganisms that support them and work, not only with them, but for them,” continues Alvernaz. “That's the basis of everything. They are part of a complex system. That's TCP's secret. It's like a football player. Without the physical trainer, without the nutritionist, without the cook, he will not be able to be a high-performance athlete. And it's no different with microorganisms. To perform their role with excellence, they need a
staff, other microorganisms that will bring food and the necessary support they will need to perform their functions. From this concept, technology was born, which is nothing more than the stabilization of microorganisms creating microbiomes or ecosystems. They are highly complex systems that support each other, help each other and can perform different functions. The next jump? Bring this to the market in 2022.”
CornTCP applied to grasses also obtained expressive results, the technology developers point out. In the largest producing state in Brazil, Mato Grosso, the application of TCP in the soil in corn crop represented an increase of 20 sacks (60 kilos) in the Rondonópolis region, cradle of seeds produced for the entire state. In the region of Sorriso, where the great grain production belt in the state is located, and in São Paulo, the increase was 11 bags.
Recently, TCP obtained the seal of 100 percent natural input, being recommended for the organic production of food, by Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) and International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM), trough Brazilian IBD.
“This is another step in the effort of Brazilians to produce food free of chemical charge. And TCP, in this sense, has proven to be an excellent ally by performing so many functions and dispensing with the use of some pesticides in farming, increasing food production,” concludes Alvernaz. ●
Altamiro AlvernazTCP Institute
Photos: TCP Institute
And the most impressive thing: there is no nitrogen fixing microorganism in the TCP blend used.
A high-performing worm extract biostimulant developed by a South Australian farmer has hit the market for the first time.
Co-founder Chris Pethick of Pethick Orchards, a fifth-generation farmer on the Fleurieu Peninsula, has spent three years establishing and refining VermiGold Liquid Tonic. The product was extensively laboratory tested and is proven to have high levels of micro-organisms with a wide diversity of beneficial bacteria, fungi and other microbes.
According to Pethick, the biostimulant is a rich liquid extract, derived from the vermicomposting process. Once extracted, the liquid is not altered in any way.
“We created VermiGold after previously encountering supply issues for another worm product,” said Pethick. “Producing our own allows us to control the whole process, ensuring the worms are being fed the right balance of foods at the right time. We like to thinkof it as a high-performance dietfor worms.
“We have vast experience in worm farming and organic waste management and are really proud of this product and excited to be able to share it,” added Pethick.
The worms used to create the biostimulant are fed a consistent diet of high-quality natural foods. “Their diet has been carefully cultivated, ensuring that the right balance of foods are fed at thright time. We like to think of it asa high-performance diet,” notedthe company.
VermiGold Liquid Tonic has so far been used commercially on Pethick Orchard’s crops and Emerald Hill Cattle Farm’s main pasture. Fifty acres of almonds are currently being planted by Century Orchards using the biostimulant as a key beneficial for the soil.
VermiGold Liquid Tonic is available in commercial quantities and is suitable for agricultural, horticultural, viticultural and broadacre applications, on all soil types and across all plant species. It is also suitable for use in home gardens. It can be applied as a foliar spray, seed inoculant or direct soil applicant by boom spray or in fertigation systems. ●
Photos: VermiGold
ICL, a global specialty minerals and specialty chemicals company, has launched ICL Planet Startup Hub. The new platform is expected to help propel innovative food tech and agritech start-ups to the marketplace, and to provide enterprises with an extensive network of support, including investment and mentorship.
The new start-up hub will centre activities on two core areas of competency. The first will focus on areas related to crop nutrition, such as organic fertilizers, nutrient use efficiency, biostimulants, micronutrients and nitrogen fixation. The second will focus on food tech start-ups active in the areas of alternative proteins, natural ingredients, plant-based functional ingredients, and white biotechnology, that can demonstrate a measurable positive environmental impact.
“We seek start-ups aligned with our organization on sustainability values and product direction,” says Hadar Sutovsky, vice president of external Innovation and general manager of ICL Planet for ICL. “The goal is to synergize efforts and know-how to meet the fundamental needs of our customers, and to work together solve key challenges in the food and agri industries. Start-ups that join us benefit from our corporation’s accrued wisdom and advanced infrastructure, and to attain a fast-track route to commercialization.”
The ICL Planet Startup Hub is an extension of ICL’s existing external innovation activities. The program was initiated in 2014 for scouting breakthrough technologies emerging from universities, institutes and early-stage start-ups. ICL sponsors long-term R&D and proof-of-concept projects, in exchange for a royalty-bearing license. Since its inception, more than 45 projects have been nurtured under the program, with another 13 ongoing. The current projects are mainly in the agritech space, with some already in the commercialization phase.
ICL has set up a dual-track program and service envelope for all start-ups working under its umbrella. Through the program, they can leverage ICL’s broad business and infrastructural ecosystem, including, investment, co-working space, access to laboratories and analytical
equipment, and R&D support, with options for field trials and new-product pilots.
Mature start-ups with market-ready products will benefit from ICL’s Market Runway Track program. It offers a business acceleration contract directed at growth through investment, business development and strategic partnerships, including an opportunity for M&A. They will also potentially benefit from ICL’s well-established reputation in the global marketplace.●
Plant Health Care PLC announced an agreement with UK distributor Agrii for exclusive access to Plant Health Care’s biostimulant Harpin αβ in all crops in the UK.
Harpin αβ works by triggering the plant's own self defense systems, leading to a robust physiological response. The company said the plant responds to the biostimulant with improved crop quality, nutrient use efficiency, tolerance to abiotic stress and ultimately, increased marketable yield.
Harpin αβ has been sold on a small scale in the UK for 14 years as ProAct which launched into the potato market in 2019.
Plant Health Care views the deal as “an important step” towards the firm building a stronger presence in Europe, a large market for sustainable agriculture.
Plant Health Care highlighted that results to date have been particularly exciting in the amenity sector and in potatoes, and Agrii and Plant Health Care have therefore reached an agreement under which the partner will have exclusive distribution of Harpin αβ in the UK.
In particular, in the amenity sector, leading golf courses and well-known football clubs are now using Harpin αβ as a biostimulant to improve the quality of their turf, the group said.
• Pan-European mid-market private equity firm Stirling Square Capital has acquired Sustainable Agro Solutions (SAS) in a primary transaction. Founded in 1989, SAS is a developer and producer of biostimulants, soil and water improvers, defence activators and specialty plant nutrition solutions for the agricultural sector. Headquartered in Lleida (Spain), the company is present in 90 countries across Latin America, Europe, Africa and Asia.
• Andermatt Biocontrol has become a majority shareholder (60 percent stake) in its Greek distribution partner Anthesis Crop Protection and Nutrition P.C. Founded in 1988, Grossdietwil, Switzerland-based Andermatt Biocontrol produces and distributes bioprotection and biostimulant products. Anthesis, located in Athens, Greece was founded in 2000 by its managing director and former majority shareholder George Komianos. Anthesis supplies biological plant protection products, biocides, plant stimulants and nutrition specialties in Greece. Komianos remains managing director as well as minority shareholder of the company Anthesis and will become minority shareholder in the Andermatt Group.(See the report on Greece in New AG International June-July 2021 issue)
