Carbon and Microorganisms working together

This process of ingesting and releasing vital nutrients into the soil is an ongoing cycle, but a crucial step in the process is a phenomenon known as immobilization. This basically describes a “time-release” aspect of the cycle, where carbon and other mineral nutrients are basically withheld from the plant until the microbe dies. At the end of the microbe’s life cycle, these nutrients are released through a complex process known as mineralization, where inorganic matter is converted to organic matter. During this phase of the process, nitrogen is also needed in order to properly utilize the carbon that has been made available. 

The ratio of carbon to nitrogen (expressed as C:N) will determine how slowly or quickly organic matter will decompose. Microorganisms in particular have a low C:N ratio (typically 10:1), which means that their decomposition process is very quick due to possessing relatively high amounts of nitrogen. By contrast, organic matter such as straw decomposes slowly, as it has a C:N ratio of only 100:1, representing a very low amount of nitrogen in relation to carbon content.

It is estimated that microorganisms are comprised of up to 50 per cent carbon, which means that they require a steady supply of this vital element in order to survive. While all microorganisms engage in the process of converting carbon into an energy source, they are categorized into one of two groups based on the method by which they accomplish this process. 

The first group, known as autotrophs, derive their energy from either sunlight or the oxidation of inorganic matter, whereby they can convert CO₂ into a usable form of carbon. The majority of autotrophic organisms engage in the process of photosynthesis, by which they use energy from the sun in order to produce food. 

Heterotrophs, on the other hand, require a pre-existing source of organic nutrients to convert carbon and other biomaterials into energy. Some of the most abundant microorganisms in the world, including bacteria, fungi and actinomyces, are heterotrophic. They obtain carbon through energy sources such as cellulose, sugar and starch, all of which are found in decomposing plant and animal tissues. These organic materials accumulate in the soil to form humus, which has a soft, spongy consistency that is perfect for retaining moisture and improving soil texture. Humus acts as the “storage facility” for water and nutrients, retaining these vital food sources until the microorganism needs them.

By using Nature Safe, you are ensuring the health of your turf by equipping it with all of the organic materials the soil needs to facilitate this all-important give-and-take relationship between carbon and the billions of microorganisms found in the soil. 

And, because we’re the only organic fertilizer company that controls and sources the basic ingredients from beginning to end, Nature Safe offers a reliable, consistent product to address all challenges facing your turf. Check out our complete line of organic and fortified organic fertilizers to find the right fit.