How can we tell whether a microbial fertilizer product is good or not?

　　Microbial fertilizers are developed based on the principles of soil microbiology, plant nutrition, and the fundamental concepts of modern “organic agriculture.” Increasingly recognized by farmers, these products deliver performance and benefits that far exceed expectations. With so many microbial fertilizer brands available on the market, how can you tell which ones are truly effective? Below, we’ll explain how to scientifically assess the quality of microbial fertilizers.

　　1. Official registration certificate for microbial fertilizers issued by the Ministry of Agriculture; prioritize reputable brands to ensure reliable quality.

　　II. The standard for assessing microbial products is the “viable cell count (CFU),” expressed in units of “100 million/g or 100 million/ml.” Quantity alone does not tell the whole story; it is essential to consider both the total microbial count—for powdered microbial fertilizers, the viable cell count should be no less than 200 million per gram—and the number of viable, active microbes. Only living microorganisms can exert their intended effects, and the greater the population of beneficial, active strains, the more pronounced the product’s performance will be.

　　3. A complete range of functional microbial strains is available; years of research on microbial fertilizers have shown that, when applied to the soil, a composite formulation containing multiple strains delivers significantly better results than a single‑strain product.

　　4. The selected microbial strain must exhibit strong colonization ability in the soil.

　　Manufacturers should possess a robust R&D foundation and select microbial strains that exhibit strong stress tolerance, excellent environmental adaptability, and stable resistance that does not fluctuate—such as Bacillus subtilis, Trichoderma viride, and Paecilomyces lilacinus.

　　Large-scale production of microbial inoculants, coupled with scientifically designed automated manufacturing processes, minimizes contamination by extraneous microorganisms. Priority is given to raw materials rich in high‑quality organic matter, such as corn steep liquor, soybean meal, and wheat bran, ensuring that the microbes’ basic nutritional requirements are met during transportation and storage. Upon application to the soil, these premium organic substrates promptly supply the nutrients needed during the microbes’ lag phase, enabling rapid adaptation to the new environment and swift entry into the exponential growth phase. This approach not only enhances the survival of the microbial consortium in the soil but also maximizes its disease‑suppressing and soil‑improving benefits.