The 2019 conference focuses on key issues facing the Citrus industry—including HLB—and aims to educate attendees on new and emerging products and technology-driven innovations that are promising solutions to boost profitability and sustainability.

While sharing insights on the importance of microbial soil health, Dr. Zorner will highlight new data from citrus growers in Florida currently using natural, non-GMO and organic certified “probiotic” soil amendments, such as Rhizolizer^®, that are simultaneously increasing crop yields and sequestering record amounts of carbon.

“HLB is an existential threat to the citrus industry that continues to devastate groves around the world, especially in Florida; but the use of fresh microbial soil amendments has shown success in recovering tree vigor and yields” Zorner said. “Microbially-enriched soils improve tolerance to biological and environmental stress while also stimulating trees and their improved root microbiome to accelerate soil carbon deposition and productivity.”

Data shows that Florida growers utilizing the soil amendment, Rhizolizer, have seen over 100% increases in fibrous root mass, 9% higher Brix, 33% increases in foliar canopy density in young trees and 11% larger fruit diameters. These all support increases in total yield—with up to 34% more total pound solids harvested—all while increasing soil carbon by up to 4.4 metric tons of carbon per acre over standard grower practice.

“Large and small Florida citrus growers are seeing remarkable results using fresh microbial soil amendments or “probiotics” on over 25,000 acres,” Zorner said. “These science-based microbial solutions are an important tool in helping Florida citrus recover lost productivity while becoming leaders in sustainability.”

Panel Details

Agricultural Probiotics: Improving Crop Productivity and Soil Carbon Sequestration takes place on Thursday, Sept. 12 at 11:20 ET at the International Citrus and Beverage Conference at the Sheraton Sand Key Resort, 1160 Gulf Boulevard, Clearwater Beach, FL 33767.

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About Locus Agricultural Solutions^®

Locus Agricultural Solutions^® (Locus AG) uses unique, microbrewery-type production technology to develop non-GMO, organic soil “probiotics” that sustainably feed the world, improve plant vitality and minimize environmental impact—starting from the ground up. The treatments are customized to local conditions, soil types and plant types, and are delivered refrigerated for maximum freshness. Ongoing treatments result in improved plant resilience and vigor, higher productivity, more soil carbon deposition and reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. The cost-effective solutions are easily applied without changing standard practices and specifically address top challenges, including soil health, plant productivity and climate change—while improving user profits. Locus AG leverages its core scientific capabilities from its parent organization, Locus Fermentation Solutions (Locus FS), an Ohio-based green technology company. For more information, visit LocusAG.com.