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CC BY V4.0, Open Access
Journal article
Biological products improved tomato crop growth and altered soil nutrient levels without changing microbial community composition
Plant and soil
2026
Abstract
Background and aimsAlternatives to synthetic fertilisers for field-grown crops are needed to increase crop production. This study investigated the application of three commercial biological products, Popul8 (microbial), Eco-Humate (organic-acid) and Eco-Vital (R) (fish + seaweed) to field-grown tomatoes and their impact on crop growth, soil properties, and the microbiome.MethodsField trials were conducted at two farms in the 2022/2023 (Trial 1) and 2023/2024 (Trial 2) tomato cropping seasons during the Western Australian summer. Biological products were applied concurrently with synthetic fertiliser at one farm (conventional), while the second farm had only the products applied (non-conventional). Crop biomass, yield, and soil physicochemical properties were measured. DNA from rhizosphere and bulk soil samples was sequenced to assess bacterial and fungal communities.ResultsCrop biomass and yield were generally higher in biological product-treated plots at both farms, possibly due to changes in soil nutrient levels. The rhizosphere and bulk soil microbial community composition differed significantly between Trials 1 and 2 at both farms. Biological products did not change the community composition in any trial; however, relative abundances of some beneficial microbes, such as Rhodotorula were increased.ConclusionThe findings suggest that the biological products used in this study could be an alternative to synthetic fertilisers, and this may have a positive impact on tomato crop production. Product application to the same plot and over multiple seasons in a standard crop rotation is expected to have a more substantial impact on bacterial and fungal communities, to advance microbiome-mediated sustainable crop production.
Details
- Title
- Biological products improved tomato crop growth and altered soil nutrient levels without changing microbial community composition
- Authors/Creators
- O. H. Obiazikwor - Murdoch University, School of Agricultural SciencesA. S. Shah - Murdoch University, School of Agricultural SciencesS. J. Collins - Dept Primary Ind & Reg Dev, Perth, WA, AustraliaG. E. St. J. Hardy - Murdoch University, Centre for Terrestrial Ecosystem Science and SustainabilityK. L. Bayliss - Murdoch University, Centre for Biosecurity and One Health
- Publication Details
- Plant and soil
- Publisher
- Springer Nature
- Number of pages
- 19
- Grant note
- Murdoch University AS19004 / Hort Innovation
- Identifiers
- 991005869308107891
- Copyright
- © The Author(s) 2026
- Murdoch Affiliation
- Centre for Biosecurity and One Health; Centre for Crop and Food Innovation; Harry Butler Institute; Centre for Terrestrial Ecosystem Science and Sustainability; School of Agricultural Sciences
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article
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