Citations From USDA Agricultural Research Service, etc.

This thread is intended to be a resource for permaculture speakers, authors, etc. who benefit from having citations quickly accessible *and* for permies who enjoy seeing citations that confirm their excellent decisions

Fungi and Bacteria Team Up with Carrots for Better Health

ARS researchers identify soil microbes that fight disease and promote growth in carrots.

"...After reviewing over 30 different commercial varieties and breeding lines, they observed that the genetic makeup of certain carrot varieties made them particularly receptive to bonding with endophytes. They also found that crop management tactics focused on building better soils — particularly by adding organic materials — improved the carrot-endophyte relationship.

Hoagland noted that several variables can influence soil health and the microbes that live in soil, including the soil's water retention capacity, available oxygen, and pH levels. Practices like tilling can also indirectly influence microbial activity, as tilling depletes the organic matter within soil that microbes 'feed' on. To help replenish organic matter and build a beneficial microbial community, Simon and Hoagland recommend growers reduce tillage, add compost, and cultivate cover crops....."

https://www.ars.usda.gov/oc/dof/fungi-and-bacteria-team-up-with-carrots-for-better-health/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery