Episode 170: Unlocking Soil Potential: Dr. Colin Bell on Microbial Consortia, Rhizosphere Ecology, and Mammoth P

Join host Tad Hussey (KIS Organics) as he catches up with soil microbiologist Colin Bell, Ph.D., founder of Mammoth P. In this episode, Colin shares the story behind regaining control and relaunching Mammoth P—complete with a fresh reformulation extending its shelf life to three years and a dramatic ~70% price drop.

Together, Tad and Colin dive deep into the fascinating world of soil ecology, discussing how multi-species bacterial consortia out-perform single strains, how soil pores create microscopic universes, and the subtle differences between non-spore active bacteria (Mammoth P) and dormant Bacillus endospores (Microbial Mass Pro). Colin also answers rapid-fire listener questions, tackling common myths surrounding alfalfa growth media, triacontanol, pathogen safety rumors, and why you shouldn't try brewing commercial microbes into compost tea.

Key Takeaways & Summary

• Mammoth P Relaunch & Updates:

  • Price Drop: Re-engineered manufacturing allows for a ~70% price reduction from historic pricing.

  • Extended Shelf Life: Reformulated for an active, non-spore liquid shelf life of 3 years.

  • Dosing: Best applied weekly at 0.6 mL per gallon through growth and bloom to maintain rhizosphere colonization. Effective across all substrates (hydro, coco, rockwool, living soil).

• Mammoth P vs. Microbial Mass Pro:

  • Mammoth P: Employs naturally selected, active (motile), non-spore-forming bacteria in an organic, alfalfa-derived carrier to solubilize phosphorus and trace metals like iron.

  • Microbial Mass Pro: Uses dormant Bacillus endospores in a clean, synthetic-like carrier solution.

• Consortia vs. Single Strains:

  • Microbes in nature do not exist in isolation. Multi-species consortia offer synergistic benefits ($1+1+1+1 = 5, 6, \text{or } 7$) and greater ecological resilience across varying soil environments.

• Common Myths Addressed:

  • Brewing / Tank Mixing: Discouraged. Microbes like Mammoth P thrive best when fed directly by root exudates. Tank-brewing alters community composition and introduces unnecessary risk.

  • Triacontanol: Testing shows triacontanol from the alfalfa media is either non-traceable or present in negligible parts-per-billion levels; it is not the active mechanism.

  • Safety Concerns: Colin debunked rumors regarding human pathogens, emphasizing strain specificity (e.g., harmless vs. pathogenic E. coli) and compliance with national/international agricultural safety standards.