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Abstract
Application of locally-sourced microbiological supplements (local effective microorganisms- LEM) at the time of fertilization with organic fertilizers has the potential to increase nitrogen retention and availability of certain nutrients such as carbon and phosphorus in the soil and bolster microbial communities in the soil system, ultimately contributing to increased soil, plant and environmental health. LEM/False-LEM consists of many different species of naturally occurring microorganisms including bacteria, yeasts and fungi. The goal of this research was to identify the effects of LEM application in conjunction with mineral and organic fertilizers in intensively managed soil from Italy’s Venetian Po River Valley. We conducted a factorial experiment of three fertilizer treatments (organic, inorganic, no fertilizer) combined with three inoculant treatments (LEM, False-LEM, and water) to evaluate effects on soil and wheat or bean crops. Soil microbial biomass, soil soluble organic solids, plant biomass, and leaf chlorophyll content were significantly elevated by the microbial inoculum treatments in the first month, whereas nitrogen leaching was significantly lowered.