Q39. Relationship between microbial types and plant pasture production?

Answer: Answer: Healthy perennial pasture has a diverse population of all the necessary microbes
for healthy plant production. Perennial systems have well developed mycorrhizal fungi
populations that maintain good soil structure, assist in water holding and carbon
sequestration. Cultivation destroys the fungal component of soil regardless of the
composition of sand, silt or clay. Minimal disturbance of he soil maintains the diverse soil
microbes.
Mixed plant species in the pasture, rotational grazing leaving no less than 10cms of grass
cover, maintaining good ground cover to minimise weedy species, addition of good compost
or compost tea, and feeding with fish and seaweeds will maximise the soil microbial
populations and result in healthy pasture and grazing stock.

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