Have you ever stopped to think about the teeming world hidden beneath your feet? It’s not just dirt down there; it’s a vibrant ecosystem teeming with microbes!
These unseen organisms play a critical role in our daily lives, impacting everything from the food we eat to the air we breathe. In this episode, we’ll delve into the fascinating world of soil microbes and explore how they’re revolutionizing agriculture.
As the agricultural sector faces growing challenges from rising input costs, herbicide and pesticide resistance, soil degradation, and climate change, the need for more sustainable and efficient farming methods is critical.
Microbial agricultural biologicals offer an exciting solution. These bio-based products — biofertilizers, biopesticides, and biostimulants — harness the power of microbes to support farming and create a more sustainable future for agriculture.
In this episode, Dr. Barry Goldman, founder and Chief Science Officer of Pluton Biosciences, shares insights into the remarkable potential of these invisible allies in agriculture.
Join us as we discuss how innovative companies like Pluton Biosciences are developing cutting-edge solutions to tackle the challenges faced in modern agriculture.
In this episode, you will learn about…
- Dr. Goldman’s journey into microbiology
- The importance of soil microbiology in agriculture
- Agricultural biologicals, including biopesticides, biofertilizers, and biostimulants, and companies developing these products
- Pluton Biosciences and its microbial discovery platform
- Challenges and misconceptions in the use of microbes in agriculture
- At-home microbiology activity: Exploring Photosynthetic Microbes in Our Soil
Get ready to be inspired by the power of microbes and their transformative potential for the future of our food and our planet.
Listen to my episode with Dr. Barry Goldman
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Links & Resources
- What’s in the Soil? A Primer to Soil Bacteria
- Geosmin: the smell of soil and rain
- Algae in Nature and Biotechnology: Dr. Kyle Lauersen
- Articles based on this episode:
Connect with Dr. Barry Goldman
Dr. Goldman is the founder and CSO at Pluton Biosciences, based in St. Louis. Prior to founding Pluton, Dr. Goldman led the microbial testing pipeline for Indigo Ag and served as the Microbial Discovery Lead for Monsanto Company. He has published over 35 peer-reviewed studies and is an inventor on more than 15 patents. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Botany from the University of Washington and holds a PhD in Microbiology from the University of Utah.
Coloring the Microbial World: Drs. Sarah Wettstadt and Noémie Matthey
