With the seeding season well underway across North America, parts of western Canada and northern Ontario have experienced abnormally dry conditions throughout April and into May. Some areas are even facing severe to extreme drought (1). As we look ahead, the amount of rainfall expected in the coming weeks remains uncertain, and drought-like conditions continue to persist.
In this week’s edition of Growing Possibilities, we explore strategies to maximize crop growth even in less-than-ideal conditions.
Drought significantly affects soil health by reducing its fertility, structure, and ability to retain water. However, certain management practices—such as using crop residue, cover crops, and balanced crop rotations—can help improve soil resilience (2).
Another promising solution is the use of Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR). These beneficial bacteria enhance soil health by improving moisture retention, supporting plant survival, and maintaining essential nutrient cycles.
PGPR help plants withstand drought by solubilizing minerals like phosphorus, making them more accessible for plant uptake (3). This process prevents nutrient depletion, which can otherwise lead to soil degradation. Additionally, PGPR contribute to soil aggregation, strengthening its structure and reducing erosion risks (4).
PGPR also promote the development of stronger, deeper root systems, allowing plants to reach underground water sources more efficiently. They produce growth-stimulating hormones that encourage root elongation, helping plants survive dry conditions by reducing reliance on rapidly evaporating surface water.
Furthermore, PGPR enhance drought resistance by producing osmoprotectants, such as proline and trehalose, which help retain cellular water and prevent dehydration (5). This supports plant metabolism and allows for continued growth even in challenging conditions.
At XiteBio Technologies, we offer several products powered by PGPR technology like XiteBio® Yield+, XiteBio® Tuber+, and XiteBio® Vegi+. These products improve phosphorus solubilization, phytohormone production, and iron chelation to enhance plant growth. We also have XiteBio® OptiPlus® which incorporates PGPR alongside Advanced Growth Promoting Technology (AGPT®) to increase nitrogen fixation for improved soil fertility.
By integrating PGPR-based solutions, growers can boost plant resilience and sustain soil health, even in drought conditions. This is a simple way to produce healthier plants and better yields.
References
- https://agriculture.canada.ca/en/agricultural-production/weather/canadian-drought-monitor/current-drought-conditions
- https://crops.extension.iastate.edu/cropnews/2017/08/how-drought-affects-soil-health
- https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/22/23/12979
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/microbiology/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2022.962427/full
- https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-319-54401-4_7