Microbial composition for improving soil quality and promoting plant growth

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to methods of improving soil nutrient composition and methods of promoting plant growth and increasing plant productivity, the methods comprising contacting the soil and / or plant with a composition comprising one or more isolated Bacillus strains.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 621,387, filed January 16, 2024, the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference. Background Technology

[0002] Global population growth, climate change, and the demand for sustainable agricultural practices are all putting pressure on producers of commercial crops, fruits and vegetables, and other specialty crops to increase yields and reduce the use of chemical fertilizers. Drought, soil salinity, and insufficient nutrient availability are common plant stressors caused by climate warming and overuse of land. Based on Bacillus spp. ( Bacillus Bio-fertilizers are a potential solution that can help crops cope with these challenges and help reduce the use of chemical fertilizers.

[0003] One mechanism by which Bacillus species promotes growth is their ability to enhance the availability of nutrients for plant uptake. Phosphorus often exists in soil in forms that are not readily available to plants, such as calcium phosphate and phytates. Chemical fertilizers exacerbate this problem by adding additional inorganic phosphates. Phosphorus in inorganic forms can be dissolved by Bacillus species, making the phosphates available for plant absorption. Bacillus species also produce an enzyme called phytase, which dissociates phosphates from phytates, making them available for plant uptake. By converting phosphorus forms commonly found in the soil into forms that plants can use, Bacillus-based biofertilizers can promote plant growth and reduce the amount of chemical fertilizers required. Reducing the use of inorganic phosphate fertilizers not only lowers costs for producers but also reduces runoff and eutrophication. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This disclosure generally relates to microbial inoculants, which contain one or more microbial species or strains as described herein, particularly for use as biofertilizers and soil conditioners. This disclosure also relates to methods for using the microbial inoculants and fertilizer compositions of this disclosure to promote plant growth, improve the availability of nutrients in soil, and restore degraded soils and pastures.

[0005] In one embodiment, a microbial inoculant is provided for promoting plant growth, increasing plant productivity, and / or improving soil quality (aimed at supporting plant growth). In one embodiment, the composition comprises one or more isolated Bacillus strains selected from: Bacillus licheniformis (… Bacillus licheniformisStrain 1000 (NRRL No. B-67888), strains possessing all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 1000 (NRRL No. B-67888), Bacillus licheniformis strain 1001 (NRRL No. B-67889), strains possessing all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 1001 (NRRL No. B-67889), Bacillus subtilis ( Bacillus subtilis Strain 8001 (NRRL No. B-67890), strains possessing all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 8001 (NRRL No. B-67890), and Bacillus strain Bacillus pumilus ( Bacillus pumilus Strain 1047 (NRRL No. B-67891), strains possessing all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 1047 (NRRL No. B-67891), and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens ( Bacillus amyloliquefaciens Bacillus strain 1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), strains possessing all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), and any combination thereof. The Bacillus compositions isolated herein can be used as seed coatings or applied to soil as biofertilizers or biostimulants to enhance seed germination, plant biomass, and crop yield.

[0006] Bacillus strains *Bacillus licheniformis* MDG-1000 (NRRL No. B-67888), *Bacillus licheniformis* MDG-1001 (NRRL No. B-67889), *Bacillus subtilis* / *Bacillus amyloliquefaciens* MDG-8001 (NRRL No. B-67890), and *Bacillus pumilus* MDG-1047 (NRRL No. B-67891) were deposited on November 26, 2019, at the Agricultural Research Service Culture Collection (NRRL), affiliated with the National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research, Agricultural Research Service, USDA, 1815 North University Street, Peoria, Illinois 61604-3999, USA. The strain *Bacillus amyloliquefaciens* (NRRL No. B-67666) was deposited on August 14, 2018, at the Agricultural Research Service Culture Collection (NRRL), affiliated with the National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research, Agricultural Research Service, USDA, at 1815 North University Street, Peoria, Illinois 61604-3999, with accession number B-67888, B-67889, B-67890, and B-67891, respectively, and was granted accession number B-67666. The deposit was made in accordance with the provisions of the Budapest Treaty on the International Recognition of the Deposit of Microorganisms for the Purposes of Patent Procedure.Any and all restrictions imposed by the applicant on public access to the deposited material will be irrevocably lifted upon patent grant, and the deposited material will be replaced if the depositary is unable to provide a live sample.

[0007] In one embodiment, this disclosure relates to treating plants or soil used for growing plants with one or more microorganisms to promote plant growth of the treated plants or improve the plant nutrient content of the treated soil. More specifically, this disclosure relates to isolated Bacillus strains, and strains and combinations thereof having all the identification characteristics of such strains, for uses including supplementing soil with isolated Bacillus strains in an amount that promotes seed germination, emergence, plant growth, or increases plant productivity relative to plants grown in soil not supplemented with isolated Bacillus strains. More specifically, in one embodiment, this disclosure relates to isolated Bacillus strains, and strains and combinations thereof having all the identification characteristics of such strains, for uses including increasing orthophosphate and H2PO4 levels in soil in contact with the isolated Bacillus strains disclosed herein. - and HPO4 2- The concentration of the agent promotes the growth of plants grown in the treated soil. In one embodiment, the seeds are coated with or otherwise directly contacted with the isolated Bacillus strains disclosed herein to promote seed germination or emergence, the generation of germinating seedlings, and plant growth and / or plant productivity.

[0008] The applicant has developed Bacillus strains and combinations thereof that can be used to improve plant growth and plant production. These strains include Bacillus licheniformis strain 1000 (NRRL No. B-67888), strains possessing all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 1000 (NRRL No. B-67888), Bacillus licheniformis strain 1001 (NRRL No. B-67889), strains possessing all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus licheniformis strain 1001 (NRRL No. B-67889), Bacillus subtilis strain 8001 (NRRL No. B-67890), strains possessing all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 8001 (NRRL No. B-67890), Bacillus pumilus strain 1047 (NRRL No. B-67891), strains possessing all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus pumilus strain 1047 (NRRL No. B-67891), and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain 1607 (NRRL No.). B-67666), strains possessing all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), and any combination thereof.

[0009] In one embodiment, a method for increasing the phosphate (PO4) content of soil is provided, wherein the method comprises contacting the soil with a composition under conditions favorable to the growth and reproduction of Bacillus strains, said composition comprising an effective amount of isolated Bacillus strains selected from: Bacillus licheniformis strain 1000 (NRRL No. B-67888), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 1000 (NRRL No. B-67888), Bacillus licheniformis strain 1001 (NRRL No. B-67889), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 1001 (NRRL No. B-67889), Bacillus subtilis strain 8001 (NRRL No. B-67890), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 8001 (NRRL No. B-67890), and Bacillus pumilus strain 1047 (NRRL No.). B-67891), strains possessing all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 1047 (NRRL No. B-67891), Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain 1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), strains possessing all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), and any combination thereof.

[0010] In one embodiment, a composition is provided comprising, optionally in combination with additional plant nutrients and / or trace elements, isolated Bacillus strains selected from: Bacillus licheniformis strain 1000 (NRRL No. B-67888), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus spp. strain 1000 (NRRL No. B-67888), Bacillus licheniformis strain 1001 (NRRL No. B-67889), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus spp. strain 1001 (NRRL No. B-67889), Bacillus subtilis strain 8001 (NRRL No. B-67890), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus spp. strain 8001 (NRRL No. B-67890), Bacillus pumilus strain 1047 (NRRL No. B-67891), and strains having Bacillus spp. strain 1047 (NRRL No. B-67891). The strains possessing all the identifying characteristics of B-67891, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain 1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), strains possessing all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), and any combination thereof. In one embodiment, the additional nutrients combined with the Bacillus strains of this disclosure are selected from nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), sulfur (S), iron (Fe), boron (B), molybdenum (Mo), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn).

[0011] In another implementation, a commercial packaging is provided. The commercial packaging contains Bacillus strains isolated from the following: Bacillus licheniformis strain 1000 (NRRL No. B-67888), strains possessing all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus licheniformis strain 1000 (NRRL No. B-67888), Bacillus licheniformis strain 1001 (NRRL No. B-67889), strains possessing all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus licheniformis strain 1001 (NRRL No. B-67889), Bacillus subtilis strain 8001 (NRRL No. B-67890), strains possessing all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus licheniformis strain 8001 (NRRL No. B-67890), Bacillus pumilus strain 1047 (NRRL No. B-67891), strains possessing all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus licheniformis strain 1047 (NRRL No. B-67891), and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain 1607 (NRRL No.). B-67666), strains possessing all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), and any combination thereof.

[0012] In yet another embodiment, a composition is provided comprising, optionally in combination with additional plant nutrients and / or trace elements, isolated Bacillus strains selected from: Bacillus licheniformis strain 1000 (NRRL No. B-67888), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus spp. strain 1000 (NRRL No. B-67888), Bacillus licheniformis strain 1001 (NRRL No. B-67889), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus spp. strain 1001 (NRRL No. B-67889), Bacillus subtilis strain 8001 (NRRL No. B-67890), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus spp. strain 8001 (NRRL No. B-67890), Bacillus pumilus strain 1047 (NRRL No. B-67891), and strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus spp. strain 1047 (NRRL No. B-67891). The strains possessing all the identifying characteristics of B-67891, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain 1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), strains possessing all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), and any combination thereof. In another embodiment, the additional nutrients combined with the Bacillus strains of this disclosure are selected from nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), sulfur (S), iron (Fe), boron (B), molybdenum (Mo), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn). Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 Data are provided relating to the dry weight of 17-day-old maize plants treated with and untreated with a blend of Bacillus strains including Bacillus licheniformis strain 1000, Bacillus licheniformis strain 1001, Bacillus subtilis strain 8001, Bacillus pumilus strain 1047 and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain 1607.

[0014] Figure 2 The results show the leaf greenness obtained by SPAD instrument in 17-day-old maize plants treated with and untreated with a blend of Bacillus strains including Bacillus licheniformis strain 1000, Bacillus licheniformis strain 1001, Bacillus subtilis strain 8001, Bacillus pumilus strain 1047 and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain 1607.

[0015] Figure 3 Results of treating maize plants with the Bacillus composition disclosed herein (a blend of five Bacillus strains) are provided. Maize yields when seeds were treated with the Bacillus blend are shown in bushels per acre.

[0016] Figure 4 A graph showing the concentration of free phosphate from tricalcium phosphate dissolved by Bacillus strains in Pikovskaya's broth over 48 hours.

[0017] Figure 5 Gel photographs showing the RAPD-PCR profiles of Bacillus strain 1000 are displayed. For each group of eight lanes, markers are included in the leftmost and rightmost lanes.

[0018] Figure 6 Gel photographs showing the RAPD-PCR profile of Bacillus strain 1001 are displayed. For each group of eight lanes, markers are included in the leftmost and rightmost lanes.

[0019] Figure 7 Gel photographs showing the RAPD-PCR profile of Bacillus strain 8001 are displayed. For each group of eight lanes, markers are included in the leftmost and rightmost lanes.

[0020] Figure 8 Gel photographs showing the RAPD-PCR profile of Bacillus strain 1047 are displayed. For each group of eight lanes, markers are included in the leftmost and rightmost lanes.

[0021] Figure 9 A gel image showing the RAPD-PCR profile of Bacillus strain 1607 is displayed. Markers are included in both the leftmost and rightmost lanes. Detailed Implementation

[0022] definition As used herein, the term “about” means 10% more or less than a numerical value or range, but is not intended to limit any numerical value or range to that broader definition. Each numerical value or range preceded by the term “about” is also intended to include embodiments of the stated absolute value or range.

[0023] As used in this article, the term "separated" means that it has been removed from its natural environment.

[0024] As used herein, the term "purified" refers to the separation of a molecule or compound in a form substantially free of contaminants that typically associate with the molecule or compound in the natural or organic environment, and signifies increased purity due to separation from other components of the initial composition.

[0025] As used herein, the term "plant productivity" refers to any aspect of plant growth or development that is a cause of plant cultivation. Therefore, for the purposes of this disclosure, increased or enhanced plant productivity broadly refers to an increase in the biomass or yield of leaves, stems, grains, fruits, vegetables, flowers, or other plant parts harvested or used for various purposes, as well as an increase in the growth of plant parts, including stems, leaves, and roots.

[0026] "Plant growth" refers to the growth of any part of a plant, including stems, leaves, and roots. Growth can refer to the rate of growth of any of these plant parts.

[0027] The term "yield" refers to the amount of biological material produced. For crops, "yield" can also mean the amount of material harvested per unit of production or per area (e.g., hectare). Yield can be defined by quantity or quality. The material harvested can vary depending on the crop; for example, it can be seeds, aboveground biomass, underground biomass (e.g., potatoes), roots, fruits, or any other economically valuable part of the plant.

[0028] The term "improved soil quality" defines changes in soil properties, including an increase in the amount and / or availability of nutrients required or beneficial to seed germination, seedling emergence, and plant growth. Such nutrients, by way of example only, include nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, copper, zinc, boron, and molybdenum.

[0029] As used herein, the term "effective amount" refers to the amount of a microbial inoculant or fertilizer composition applied to a given soil or vegetated area sufficient to affect one or more beneficial or desired results, such as in terms of plant growth rate, crop yield, or nutrient bioavailability in the soil. An "effective amount" may be provided once or multiple times. The precise amount required will vary depending on factors such as: the identity and number of individual strains used, the plant species treated, the nature and conditions of the soil to be treated, the precise nature of the microbial inoculant or fertilizer composition to be applied, the form and manner of application, and the stage of the planting season during which application takes place. Therefore, a precise "effective amount" cannot be specified. However, for any given situation, the appropriate "effective amount" can be determined by those skilled in the art using only routine experiments.

[0030] As used herein, the term "crop" means any plant grown for harvest or for any economic purpose, including, for example, human food, livestock feed, fuel, or pharmaceutical production.

[0031] This disclosure also considers variants of the microbial strains described herein. As used herein, the term "variant" refers to both naturally occurring and specially developed variants or mutants of the microbial strains disclosed and illustrated herein, which retain their ability to dissolve calcium phosphate and produce phytase.

[0032] Implementation Plan The applicant has developed Bacillus strains and combinations thereof that can be used to treat plants to promote plant growth and / or increase plant productivity. More specifically, this disclosure relates to isolated Bacillus strains, and strains and combinations thereof having all the identifying characteristics of these strains, for uses including the aforementioned uses.

[0033] According to one embodiment, a microbial inoculant is provided for promoting plant growth, increasing plant productivity, and / or improving soil quality based on its ability to support plant growth. The inoculant can be applied directly to seeds or plant parts, or it can be applied, mixed, or injected into the soil to increase soil nutrient content. One or more strains of microorganisms can be encapsulated in the inoculant. In the case of encapsulating multiple strains, the strains can be encapsulated individually or in combination within a single encapsulation.

[0034] In one embodiment, a method for promoting plant growth and / or increasing plant productivity is provided, wherein the method comprises contacting a plant, seeds of the plant, or soil in which the plant is grown with an effective amount of a composition comprising isolated Bacillus strains selected from: Bacillus licheniformis strain 1000 (NRRL No. B-67888), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus licheniformis strain 1000 (NRRL No. B-67888), Bacillus licheniformis strain 1001 (NRRL No. B-67889), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus licheniformis strain 1001 (NRRL No. B-67889), Bacillus subtilis strain 8001 (NRRL No. B-67890), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus licheniformis strain 8001 (NRRL No. B-67890), Bacillus pumilus strain 1047 (NRRL No. B-67891), and strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus licheniformis strain 1047. Strains with all the identifying characteristics of (NRRL No. B-67891), Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain 1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), strains with all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), and any combination thereof.

[0035] In one embodiment, a plant, the seeds of said plant, or the soil in which said plant is grown is brought into contact with an effective amount of the composition, said composition comprising two or more isolated strains of the genus Bacillus selected from: i) Bacillus licheniformis strain 1000 (NRRL No. B-67888) and Bacillus spp. strain 1001 (NRRL No. B-67889); or ii) Bacillus licheniformis strain 1000 (NRRL No. B-67888) and Bacillus subtilis strain 8001 (NRRL No. B-67890); or iii) Bacillus licheniformis strain 1000 (NRRL No. B-67888) and Bacillus spp. strain 1607 (NRRL No. B-67666); or iv) Bacillus licheniformis strain 1000 (NRRL No. B-67888) and Bacillus spp. strain 1047 (NRRL No. B-67891); or v) Bacillus strain 1001 (NRRL No. B-67889) and Bacillus strain 8001 (NRRL No. B-67890); or vi) Bacillus strain 1001 (NRRL No. B-67889) and Bacillus strain 1607 (NRRL No. B-67666); or vii) Bacillus strain 1001 (NRRL No. B-67889) and Bacillus strain 1047 (NRRL No. B-67891); or viii) Bacillus strain 8001 (NRRL No. B-67890); and Bacillus strain 1607 (NRRL No. B-67666); or ix) Bacillus strain 8001 (NRRL No. B-67890); and Bacillus strain 1407 (NRRL No. B-67891); or x) Bacillus strain 1607 (NRRL No. B-67666) and Bacillus strain 1407 (NRRL No. B-67891); or xi) Bacillus licheniformis strain 1000 (NRRL No. B-67888), Bacillus spp. strain 1001 (NRRL No. B-67889), and Bacillus spp. strain 8001 (NRRL No. B-67890); or xii) Bacillus licheniformis strain 1000 (NRRL No. B-67888), Bacillus spp. strain 1001 (NRRL No. B-67889), and Bacillus spp. strain 1047 (NRRL No. B-67891); or xiii) Bacillus licheniformis strain 1000 (NRRL No. B-67888), Bacillus spp. strain 1001 (NRRL No. B-67889), and Bacillus spp. strain 1607 (NRRL No. B-67666); or xiv) Bacillus licheniformis strain 1000 (NRRL No. B-67888), Bacillus spp. strain 1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), and Bacillus spp. strain 8001 (NRRL No. B-67890); or xv) Bacillus licheniformis strain 1000 (NRRL No. B-67888), Bacillus spp. strain 1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), and Bacillus spp. strain 1047 (NRRL No. B-67891); or xvi) Bacillus strain 1001 (NRRL No. B-67889), Bacillus strain 8001 (NRRL No. B-67890), and Bacillus strain 1607 (NRRL No. B-67666); or xvii) Bacillus strain 1001 (NRRL No. B-67889), Bacillus strain 8001 (NRRL No. B-67890), and Bacillus strain 1047 (NRRL No. B-67891); or xviii) Bacillus strain 8001 (NRRL No. B-67890), Bacillus strain 1047 (NRRL No. B-67891), and Bacillus strain 1607 (NRRL No. B-67666); or xix) Bacillus licheniformis strain 1000 (NRRL No. B-67888), Bacillus spp. strain 1001 (NRRL No. B-67889), Bacillus spp. strain 1047 (NRRL No. B-67891), and Bacillus spp. strain 1607 (NRRL No. B-67666); or xx) Bacillus strain 1001 (NRRL No. B-67889), Bacillus strain 1047 (NRRL No. B-67891), Bacillus strain 8001 (NRRL No. B-67890), and Bacillus strain 1607 (NRRL No. B-67666); or xxi) Bacillus licheniformis strain 1000 (NRRL No. B-67888), Bacillus spp. strain 1047 (NRRL No. B-67891), Bacillus spp. strain 8001 (NRRL No. B-67890), and Bacillus spp. strain 1607 (NRRL No. B-67666); or xxii) Bacillus licheniformis strain 1000 (NRRL No. B-67888), Bacillus spp. strain 1001 (NRRL No. B-67889), Bacillus spp. strain 8001 (NRRL No. B-67890) and Bacillus spp. strain 1607 (NRRL No. B-67666).

[0036] According to one embodiment, a fertilizer composition comprising a microbial inoculant containing a Bacillus strain expressing phytase as disclosed herein is provided. The fertilizer composition may optionally comprise one or more additional components, such as organic matter, humus, penetrants, macronutrients, micronutrients, and other soil and / or plant additives.

[0037] In one embodiment, a composition is provided comprising isolated Bacillus strains selected from: Bacillus licheniformis strain 1000 (NRRL No. B-67888), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus licheniformis strain 1000 (NRRL No. B-67888), Bacillus licheniformis strain 1001 (NRRL No. B-67889), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus licheniformis strain 1001 (NRRL No. B-67889), Bacillus subtilis strain 8001 (NRRL No. B-67890), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus licheniformis strain 8001 (NRRL No. B-67890), Bacillus pumilus strain 1047 (NRRL No. B-67891), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus licheniformis strain 1047 (NRRL No. B-67891), and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain 1607 (NRRL No. B-67891). Bacillus strain 1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), and any combination thereof. In one embodiment, the composition comprises isolated Bacillus strains selected from: Bacillus licheniformis strain 1000 (NRRL No. B-67888), Bacillus licheniformis strain 1001 (NRRL No. B-67889), Bacillus subtilis strain 8001 (NRRL No. B-67890), Bacillus pumilus strain 1047 (NRRL No. B-67891), Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain 1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), and any combination thereof. The composition may include additional bacterial or microbial strains known to be beneficial to plant growth. Additionally, the composition may include plant-growth-beneficial additives, including nitrates and potassium chloride.

[0038] The compositions disclosed herein can be formulated as liquids, or dried in powder or pellet form, optionally freeze-dried.

[0039] The microbial inoculants and fertilizer compositions disclosed herein may optionally further comprise one or more additional microorganisms, such as additional agronomically beneficial microorganisms. Such agronomically beneficial microorganisms may synergistically, coordinately, or otherwise cooperate with the organisms of this disclosure in the inoculant or fertilizer. Examples of agronomically beneficial microorganisms include Pseudomonas (…). Pseudomonas sp.), Rhizobium (spe.), Rhizobium genus ( Rhizobium sp.), Azospirobacter genus ( Azospirillum sp.), genus of nitrogen-fixing bacteria ( Azotobactersp.), photosynthetic bacteria and cellulose-degrading bacteria, Clostridium ( Clostridium sp.), Trichoderma ( Trichoderma sp.), etc. Those skilled in the art will recognize that this list is merely exemplary and is not limited to the specific examples provided herein.

[0040] In soil environments, inoculated bacteria often struggle to survive among naturally occurring competitors and predators. To aid in the survival of the microorganisms present in the microbial inoculants and fertilizer compositions of this disclosure, one or more strains may be encapsulated in, for example, a suitable polymer matrix when applied to the environment. In one example, the encapsulation may comprise alginate beads, such as those described in Young et al., 2006, “Encapsulation of Plant Growth - Promoting Bacteria In Alginate Beads Enriched With Humic Acid”. Biotechnology and Bioengineering The descriptions in 95:76-83, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Those skilled in the art will recognize that any suitable encapsulation material or matrix can be used. Encapsulation can be achieved using methods and techniques known to those skilled in the art. Encapsulated microorganisms may include, in addition to microorganisms, nutrients or other components of a microbial agent or fertilizer composition.

[0041] The microbial inoculant and fertilizer compositions disclosed herein can be applied directly to plants, plant parts (e.g., branches and leaves), or seeds, or alternatively, to soil in which plants are being planted or to be planted, or in soil in which seeds have been or will be sown. Application can be made by any suitable method and on any suitable scale. For example, application may include dumping, broadcasting, or spraying, including large-scale or bulk broadcasting or spraying, pre-planting seed soaking, and / or post-planting or post-seedling irrigation. Those skilled in the art will recognize that multiple application methods can be combined (e.g., pre-planting seed soaking followed by irrigation of planted seeds and / or application to seedlings or mature plants). Seeds, seedlings, or mature plants may be treated as many times as appropriate. The required number of applications can be readily determined by those skilled in the art based on, for example, the plant involved, the developmental stage of the plant at the start of treatment, the plant's health status, growth, environmental and / or climatic conditions of planting the plant, and the purpose of planting the plant. For example, in the case of flowering crops such as tomatoes, it may be desirable to apply the microbial inoculant or fertilizer composition once or more during the flowering period.

[0042] Therefore, according to this disclosure, the microbial agents and fertilizer products disclosed herein can be prepared in any suitable form depending on the manner in which the agent or fertilizer composition is applied to soil or plant seeds or vegetation. Suitable forms may include, for example, slurries, liquids, and solids. Solid forms include powders, granules, larger granules, and pellets. Fertilizer granules in solid form may be encapsulated in water-soluble coatings (e.g., dyed or undyed gelatin balls or capsules), slow-release coatings, or microencapsulated into free-flowing powders using one or more of, for example, gelatin, polyvinyl alcohol, ethyl cellulose, cellulose acetate phthalate, or styrene-maleic anhydride. Liquids may include aqueous solutions, aqueous suspensions, and emulsifiable concentrates.

[0043] To achieve effective dispersion, adhesion, and / or preservation or stability in the environment of the microbial agents and fertilizer compositions disclosed herein, it is advantageous to dispense the microbial agents and compositions using a suitable carrier group that aids in dispersion, adhesion, and preservation / stability. Suitable carriers are known to those skilled in the art and include, for example, chitosan, vermiculite, compost, talc, milk powder, gels, etc.

[0044] Other components may be incorporated into the microbial and fertilizer compositions disclosed herein, such as humus, trace elements, organic materials, penetrants, macronutrients, micronutrients, and other soil and / or plant additives.

[0045] The humus or humic substances that may be incorporated may include, but are not limited to, humic acids, fulvic acids, and humates such as potassium humate derived from, for example, oxidized or weathered lignite. The added organic materials may include, but are not limited to, biological solids, animal manure, compost or organic by-products of compost, activated sludge, or processed animal or plant by-products (including blood meal, feather meal, cottonseed meal, kelp meal, seaweed extract, fish emulsion, and fish meal).

[0046] In one embodiment, a method is provided for improving soil quality or remediating degraded soil, wherein the treated soil has an increased concentration of plant-available nutrients. In another embodiment, a method is provided for converting phytic acid and / or calcium phosphate into orthophosphate, H₂PO₄. - and HPO4 2-Soil conditioner composition. Therefore, in one embodiment, soil is contacted with an effective amount of the composition, said composition comprising isolated Bacillus strains selected from: Bacillus licheniformis strain 1000 (NRRL No. B-67888), strains possessing all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain (NRRL No. B-67888), Bacillus licheniformis strain 1001 (NRRL No. B-67889), strains possessing all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 1001 (NRRL No. B-67889), Bacillus subtilis strain 8001 (NRRL No. B-67890), strains possessing all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 8001 (NRRL No. B-67890), Bacillus pumilus strain 1047 (NRRL No. B-67891), strains possessing all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 1047 (NRRL No. B-67891), and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain 1607. (NRRL No. B-67666), strains possessing all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), and any combination thereof.

[0047] In one embodiment, a method for promoting plant growth and / or increasing plant productivity is provided, wherein the method comprises contacting a plant, plant seed, or soil in which the plant or plant seed is grown with an effective amount of any microbial composition disclosed herein.

[0048] According to this disclosure, the plants to be treated with the microbial compositions disclosed herein can be, for example, pasture plants, crops (including fruit and vegetable plants), or ornamental plants. Crops can be, for example, any crop consumed by humans or animals, or used as fuel or for pharmaceutical production, including, for example, corn or soybeans.

[0049] Exemplary Implementation The following embodiments provide various additional illustrative aspects of the invention described herein.

[0050] In embodiment 1, a method for promoting plant growth and / or increasing plant productivity is provided, wherein the method includes contacting a plant, seeds of said plant, or soil in which said plant is grown with an effective amount of a composition comprising isolated Bacillus strains selected from the following: Bacillus licheniformis strain 1000 (NRRL No. B-67888), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus licheniformis strain 1000 (NRRL No. B-67888), Bacillus licheniformis strain 1001 (NRRL No. B-67889), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus licheniformis strain 1001 (NRRL No. B-67889), Bacillus subtilis strain 8001 (NRRL No. B-67890), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus licheniformis strain 8001 (NRRL No. B-67890), and Bacillus pumilus strain 1047 (NRRL No. B-67891), strains possessing all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 1047 (NRRL No. B-67891), Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain 1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), strains possessing all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), and any combination thereof.

[0051] According to Embodiment 2, the method of Embodiment 1 is provided, wherein a plant, plant seeds, or soil in which said plant is grown is contacted with an effective amount of a composition comprising two or more isolated Bacillus strains selected from the following: Bacillus licheniformis strain 1000 (NRRL No. B-67888), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus licheniformis strain 1000 (NRRL No. B-67888), Bacillus licheniformis strain 1001 (NRRL No. B-67889), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus licheniformis strain 1001 (NRRL No. B-67889), Bacillus subtilis strain 8001 (NRRL No. B-67890), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus licheniformis strain 8001 (NRRL No. B-67890), Bacillus pumilus strain 1047 (NRRL No. B-67891), and Bacillus pumilus strain 1047 (NRRL No. B-67891). The strains possessing all the identification characteristics of B-67891, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain 1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), and strains possessing all the identification characteristics of Bacillus strain 1607 (NRRL No. B-67666).

[0052] According to embodiment 3, a method of embodiment 1 or 2 is provided, wherein a plant, plant seeds, or soil in which said plant is grown is contacted with an effective amount of a composition comprising three or more isolated Bacillus strains selected from the following: Bacillus licheniformis strain 1000 (NRRL No. B-67888), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus licheniformis strain 1000 (NRRL No. B-67888), Bacillus licheniformis strain 1001 (NRRL No. B-67889), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus licheniformis strain 1001 (NRRL No. B-67889), Bacillus subtilis strain 8001 (NRRL No. B-67890), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus licheniformis strain 8001 (NRRL No. B-67890), Bacillus pumilus strain 1047 (NRRL No. B-67891), and Bacillus pumilus strain 1047 (NRRL No. B-67891). The strains possessing all the identification characteristics of B-67891, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain 1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), and strains possessing all the identification characteristics of Bacillus strain 1607 (NRRL No. B-67666).

[0053] According to embodiment 4, a method of any one of embodiments 1-3 is provided, wherein the composition comprises isolated Bacillus licheniformis strain 1000 (NRRL No. B-67888).

[0054] According to embodiment 5, a method of any one of embodiments 1-3 is provided, wherein the composition comprises an isolated Bacillus licheniformis strain 1001 (NRRL No. B-67889).

[0055] According to embodiment 6, a method of any one of embodiments 1-3 is provided, wherein the composition comprises isolated Bacillus subtilis strain 8001 (NRRL No. B-67890).

[0056] According to embodiment 7, a method of any one of embodiments 1-3 is provided, wherein the composition comprises an isolated Bacillus pumilus strain 1047 (NRRL No. B-67891).

[0057] According to embodiment 8, a method of any one of embodiments 1-3 is provided, wherein the composition comprises isolated Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain 1607 (NRRL No. B-67666).

[0058] According to embodiment 9, a method of any one of embodiments 1-8 is provided, wherein a plant, plant seed, or soil for growing the plant is contacted with an effective amount of a composition comprising: i) The isolated Bacillus licheniformis strain 1000 (NRRL No. B-67888), or a strain that has all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 1000 (NRRL No. B-67888); ii) The isolated Bacillus licheniformis strain 1001 (NRRL No. B-67889), or a strain that has all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 1001 (NRRL No. B-67889); iii) The isolated Bacillus subtilis strain 8001 (NRRL No. B-67890), or a strain that has all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 8001 (NRRL No. B-67890); iv) An isolated *Bacillus pumilus* strain 1047 (NRRL No. B-67891), or a strain possessing all the identifying characteristics of *Bacillus pumilus* strain 1047 (NRRL No. B-67891); and v) An isolated Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain 1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), or a strain possessing all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 1607 (NRRL No. B-67666).

[0059] According to embodiment 10, a method of any one of embodiments 1-9 is provided, wherein the soil is brought into contact with the composition before the plant seeds are planted.

[0060] According to embodiment 11, a method of any one of embodiments 1-10 is provided, wherein the seeds are brought into contact with the composition before being planted.

[0061] According to embodiment 12, a method of any one of embodiments 1-11 is provided, wherein the soil for planting the plants is brought into contact with the composition before the seeds are planted.

[0062] According to implementation scheme 13, a method is provided for any one of implementation schemes 1-12, wherein the plant is pasture plant, crop or ornamental plant.

[0063] According to implementation scheme 14, a method of any one of implementation schemes 1-13 is provided, wherein the plant is a crop, optionally wherein the crop is corn or soybean.

[0064] According to embodiment 15, a method for improving farmland soil quality or remediating degraded farmland soil is provided, wherein the method includes contacting soil with an effective amount of a composition comprising isolated Bacillus strains selected from the following: Bacillus licheniformis strain 1000 (NRRL No. B-67888), strains having all the identification characteristics of Bacillus licheniformis strain 1000 (NRRL No. B-67888), Bacillus licheniformis strain 1001 (NRRL No. B-67889), strains having all the identification characteristics of Bacillus licheniformis strain 1001 (NRRL No. B-67889), Bacillus subtilis strain 8001 (NRRL No. B-67890), strains having all the identification characteristics of Bacillus licheniformis strain 8001 (NRRL No. B-67890), Bacillus pumilus strain 1047 (NRRL No. B-67891), and strains having all the identification characteristics of Bacillus licheniformis strain 1047 (NRRL No. B-67891). Strains with all the identification characteristics of B-67891, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain 1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), strains with all the identification characteristics of Bacillus strain 1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), and any combination thereof.

[0065] According to embodiment 16, the method of embodiment 15 is provided, wherein the soil quality is based on the orthophosphate and H2PO4 in the soil being contacted. - and HPO4 2- Improvement or repair is achieved through an increase in the level.

[0066] According to embodiment 17, a method of any one of embodiments 15-16 is provided, wherein soil is contacted with an effective amount of a composition comprising two or more isolated Bacillus strains selected from the following: Bacillus licheniformis strain 1000 (NRRL No. B-67888), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus licheniformis strain 1000 (NRRL No. B-67888), Bacillus licheniformis strain 1001 (NRRL No. B-67889), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus licheniformis strain 1001 (NRRL No. B-67889), Bacillus subtilis strain 8001 (NRRL No. B-67890), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus licheniformis strain 8001 (NRRL No. B-67890), Bacillus pumilus strain 1047 (NRRL No. B-67891), and Bacillus licheniformis strain 1047 (NRRL No. B-67891). The strains possessing all the identification characteristics of B-67891, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain 1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), and strains possessing all the identification characteristics of Bacillus strain 1607 (NRRL No. B-67666).

[0067] According to embodiment 18, a method of any one of embodiments 15-17 is provided, wherein soil for planting plants or plant seeds is contacted with an effective amount of a composition comprising three or more isolated Bacillus strains selected from the following: Bacillus licheniformis strain 1000 (NRRL No. B-67888), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus licheniformis strain 1000 (NRRL No. B-67888), Bacillus licheniformis strain 1001 (NRRL No. B-67889), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus licheniformis strain 1001 (NRRL No. B-67889), Bacillus subtilis strain 8001 (NRRL No. B-67890), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus licheniformis strain 8001 (NRRL No. B-67890), Bacillus pumilus strain 1047 (NRRL No. B-67891), and strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus licheniformis strain 1047 (NRRL No. B-67891). The strains possessing all the identification characteristics of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain 1607 (NRRL No. B-67666) and strains possessing all the identification characteristics of Bacillus strain 1607 (NRRL No. B-67666).

[0068] According to embodiment 19, a method of any one of embodiments 15-18 is provided, wherein the composition comprises isolated Bacillus licheniformis strain 1000 (NRRL No. B-67888).

[0069] According to embodiment 20, a method of any one of embodiments 15-18 is provided, wherein the composition comprises an isolated Bacillus licheniformis strain 1001 (NRRL No. B-67889).

[0070] According to embodiment 21, a method of any one of embodiments 15-18 is provided, wherein the composition comprises isolated Bacillus subtilis strain 8001 (NRRL No. B-67890).

[0071] According to embodiment 22, a method of any one of embodiments 15-18 is provided, wherein the composition comprises isolated Bacillus pumilus strain 1047 (NRRL No. B-67891).

[0072] According to embodiment 23, a method of any one of embodiments 15-18 is provided, wherein the composition comprises isolated Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain 1607 (NRRL No. B-67666).

[0073] According to embodiment 24, a method of any one of embodiments 15-23 is provided, wherein soil is contacted with an effective amount of a composition comprising: i) The isolated Bacillus licheniformis strain 1000 (NRRL No. B-67888), or a strain that has all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 1000 (NRRL No. B-67888); ii) The isolated Bacillus licheniformis strain 1001 (NRRL No. B-67889), or a strain that has all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 1001 (NRRL No. B-67889); iii) The isolated Bacillus subtilis strain 8001 (NRRL No. B-67890), or a strain that has all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 8001 (NRRL No. B-67890); iv) An isolated *Bacillus pumilus* strain 1047 (NRRL No. B-67891), or a strain possessing all the identifying characteristics of *Bacillus pumilus* strain 1047 (NRRL No. B-67891); and v) An isolated Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain 1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), or a strain possessing all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 1607 (NRRL No. B-67666).

[0074] According to implementation scheme 25, a method of any one of implementation schemes 15-24 is provided, wherein soil is present in a pasture.

[0075] According to implementation scheme 26, a method of any one of implementation schemes 15-24 is provided, wherein soil is present in arable land.

[0076] According to embodiment 27, a method of any one of embodiments 15-26 is provided, wherein the soil is contacted with the composition for at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 14 days before the seeds are planted in the soil in contact.

[0077] According to embodiment 28, a method of any one of embodiments 1-27 is provided, wherein the isolated Bacillus strain is placed in contact with the plant or seed in an amount that promotes seed germination, emergence, plant growth and / or plant productivity relative to plants and seeds that have not been in contact with the isolated Bacillus strain.

[0078] According to embodiment 29, a composition or commercial package is provided comprising isolated Bacillus strains selected from the following: Bacillus licheniformis strain 1000 (NRRL No. B-67888), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus licheniformis strain 1000 (NRRL No. B-67888), Bacillus licheniformis strain 1001 (NRRL No. B-67889), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus licheniformis strain 1001 (NRRL No. B-67889), Bacillus subtilis strain 8001 (NRRL No. B-67890), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus licheniformis strain 8001 (NRRL No. B-67890), Bacillus pumilus strain 1047 (NRRL No. B-67891), and strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus licheniformis strain 1047 (NRRL No. B-67891). Strains with all the identification characteristics of B-67891, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain 1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), strains with all the identification characteristics of Bacillus strain 1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), and any combination thereof.

[0079] According to embodiment 30, a composition or commercial package of embodiment 29 is provided, which further comprises nitrate and potassium chloride.

[0080] According to embodiment 31, a composition or commercial packaging of any of embodiments 29-30 is provided, wherein the composition is a liquid.

[0081] According to embodiment 32, a composition or commercial package of any one of embodiments 29-30 is provided, wherein the composition is dry.

[0082] According to embodiment 33, the composition or commercial packaging of embodiment 32 is provided, wherein the composition is freeze-dried and is in powder or pellet form.

[0083] According to embodiment 34, a composition or commercial package of any of embodiments 29-33 is provided, wherein the Bacillus strain is in the form of a concentrate.

[0084] According to embodiment 35, a composition or commercial package of any of embodiments 29-34 is provided, wherein the Bacillus strain is in the form of a super-concentrated product.

[0085] According to embodiment 36, a composition or commercial package of any one of embodiments 29-35 is provided, which further comprises a carrier for Bacillus strains.

[0086] According to embodiment 37, the composition or commercial packaging of embodiment 36 is provided, wherein the carrier is selected from salt, dextrin, and combinations thereof.

[0087] According to embodiment 38, a composition or commercial packaging of any of embodiments 29-37 is provided, which is provided in a bag, optionally in a paper bag or a plastic bag.

[0088] According to embodiment 39, a composition or commercial package of any of embodiments 29-38 is provided, which further comprises instructions for use of one or more strains of Bacillus.

[0089] According to embodiment 40, a composition or commercial packaging of any of embodiments 29-39 is provided, which is supplied in 20-pound bags.

[0090] According to implementation scheme 41, a composition or commercial packaging of any of implementation schemes 29-39 is provided, which is supplied in 50-pound bags.

[0091] According to embodiment 42, a composition or commercial package of any one of embodiments 29-41 is provided, which further comprises an adhesive.

[0092] According to embodiment 43, a composition or commercial package of embodiment 42 is provided, wherein the binder is selected from clay, yeast cell wall components, aluminum silicate and dextran, or combinations thereof.

[0093] According to embodiment 44, a composition or commercial packaging of any one of embodiments 29-43 is provided, wherein a Bacillus strain is encapsulated or embedded in a biodegradable matrix, optionally wherein the biodegradable matrix is ​​a collagen-based matrix, optionally wherein the biodegradable matrix is ​​an alginate.

[0094] According to embodiment 45, a composition or commercial package of any one of embodiments 29-44 is provided, wherein the composition or commercial package further comprises additional plant nutrients and / or trace elements, including, for example, nutrients and trace elements selected from nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), sulfur (S), iron (Fe), boron (B), molybdenum (Mo), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn).

[0095] According to embodiment 46, a composition or commercial package of any one of embodiments 29-45 is provided, wherein the composition or commercial package further contains seeds.

[0096] According to embodiment 47, a composition is provided comprising seeds and one or more Bacillus strains selected from the following: Bacillus licheniformis strain 1000 (NRRL No. B-67888), a strain having all the identification characteristics of Bacillus licheniformis strain 1000 (NRRL No. B-67888), Bacillus licheniformis strain 1001 (NRRL No. B-67889), a strain having all the identification characteristics of Bacillus licheniformis strain 1001 (NRRL No. B-67889), Bacillus subtilis strain 8001 (NRRL No. B-67890), a strain having all the identification characteristics of Bacillus licheniformis strain 8001 (NRRL No. B-67890), Bacillus pumilus strain 1047 (NRRL No. B-67891), a strain having all the identification characteristics of Bacillus licheniformis strain 1047 (NRRL No. B-67891), and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain 1607. (NRRL No. B-67666), strains possessing all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), and any combination thereof.

[0097] According to embodiment 48, the composition of claim 47 is provided, wherein the seed is coated with or otherwise directly contacted with the isolated Bacillus strain disclosed herein to promote seed germination or emergence, the generation of germinating seedlings and plant growth and / or plant productivity.

[0098] According to embodiment 49, a composition of claim 47 or 48 is provided, wherein the isolated Bacillus strain is embedded in a biodegradable matrix and the matrix is ​​in contact with or coated on the seed.

[0099] According to embodiment 50, a composition or commercial package of any one of embodiments 29-49 is provided for promoting plant growth or increasing plant productivity or improving soil quality. In various embodiments, the Bacillus strain used for the purposes of the methods, commercial packaging, and compositions described herein may be selected from isolated Bacillus strains, which are selected from: Bacillus licheniformis strain 1000 (NRRL No. B-67888), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus licheniformis strain 1000 (NRRL No. B-67888), Bacillus licheniformis strain 1001 (NRRL No. B-67889), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus licheniformis strain 1001 (NRRL No. B-67889), Bacillus subtilis strain 8001 (NRRL No. B-67890), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus licheniformis strain 8001 (NRRL No. B-67890), Bacillus pumilus strain 1047 (NRRL No. B-67891), and strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus licheniformis strain 1047 (NRRL No. B-67891). Strains with all the identification characteristics of B-67891, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain 1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), strains with all the identification characteristics of Bacillus strain 1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), and any combination thereof.

[0100] According to embodiment 51, any of the Bacillus strains in embodiments 1-50 may optionally be encapsulated in a biocompatible polymer, optionally in alginate, and optionally in humic acid. In the case of encapsulating multiple strains, the strains may be encapsulated individually or in combination in a single encapsulation.

[0101] In one illustrative aspect, any of these strains may be used alone or in combination in liquid or dry spray form to apply to plants or soil from which plants obtain nutrients, or alone or in combination in liquid or dry composition form for manual application to plants or soil from which plants obtain nutrients. In one embodiment, multiple strains are used to treat plants in combination with a single composition. In another embodiment, multiple strains are used to treat plants in combination with a single composition.

[0102] As used herein, the term "strain possessing all identifying characteristics" for Bacillus strains refers to the following isolated Bacillus strains: Bacillus licheniformis strain 1000 (NRRL No.). B-67888), a strain possessing all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strains 1000, 1001, 8001, 1047, or 1607 may be a mutant strain possessing all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strains 1000, 1001, 8001, 1044, or 1607 (e.g., a DNA fingerprint based on DNA analysis corresponding to the DNA fingerprint of Bacillus strains 1000, 1001, 8001, 1047, or 1607; enzyme activity (i.e., phytase activity) corresponding to Bacillus strains 1000, 1001, 8001, 1047, or 1607; antimicrobial activity corresponding to Bacillus strains 1000, 1001, 8001, 1047, or 1607; antibiotic susceptibility and tolerance spectrum corresponding to Bacillus strains 1000, 1001, 8001, 1047, or 1607, or a combination thereof). In an alternative embodiment, the mutation may be a natural mutation or a genetically engineered mutation. In another embodiment, the “strain with all the identifying characteristics” of Bacillus strains 1000, 1001, 8001, 1047, or 1608 may be a strain generated, for example, by isolating one or more plasmids from Bacillus strains 1000, 1001, 8001, 1047, or 1607 and introducing the one or more plasmids into another bacterium, such as another Bacillus strain, provided that the one or more plasmids contain DNA that provides the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strains 1000, 1001, 8001, 1047, or 1607 (e.g., a DNA fingerprint based on DNA analysis corresponding to the DNA fingerprint of Bacillus strains 1000, 1001, 8001, 1047, or 1607).

[0103] In another embodiment, one or more Bacillus strains described in the preceding paragraphs (e.g., Bacillus strains 1000, 1001, 8001, 1047, or 1607) may be used together with another bacterial strain selected from different Bacillus strains, lactic acid bacteria strains, and combinations thereof for plant treatment. In yet another embodiment, the additional Bacillus strain may be selected from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus pumilus, other Bacillus strains, and combinations thereof. In yet another embodiment, one or more Bacillus strains described in the preceding paragraphs (e.g., Bacillus strains 1000, 1001, 8001, 1047, or 1607) may be used together with any other bacterial strain that is effective in treating plants to treat plants to inhibit fungal or bacterial infections or fungal or bacterial diseases.

[0104] The compositions described herein can be used to treat plants for any duration to effectively induce beneficial growth effects or soil remediation, and include multiple rounds of application and potential pre-selective application to supplement the activity of previously administered compositions. For example, in one embodiment, plant treatment or application of the composition to the soil can be performed daily, bi-weekly, three times a week, four times a week, five times a week, once a week, monthly, or for any suitable duration or using any suitable protocol. The duration of plant treatment is not limiting, and it should be appreciated that any duration or treatment program determined to be effective for plant growth and / or plant productivity and / or soil remediation or improvement of soil nutrient quality can be used.

[0105] In the various illustrative embodiments, Bacillus strains (e.g., Bacillus strains 1000, 1001, 8001, 1047, or 1607), or any other bacterial strains added besides Bacillus strains 1000, 1001, 8001, 1047, or 1607, can be transmitted via approximately 1.0 x 10⁻⁶ ppm. 2 CFU, approximately 1.0 x 10 2 CFU - Approximately 1.0 x 10 3 CFU, approximately 1.0 x 10 2 CFU - Approximately 1.0 x 10 4 CFU, approximately 1.0 x 10 2 CFU - Approximately 1.0 x 10 5 CFU, approximately 1.0 x 10 2 CFU - Approximately 1.0 x 10 6 CFU, approximately 1.0 x 10 2 CFU - Approximately 1.0 x 10 7 CFU, approximately 1.0 x 10 2 CFU - Approximately 1.0 x 10 8 CFU, approximately 1.0 x 10 2 CFU - Approximately 1.0 x 10 9 CFU, approximately 1.0 x 10 2 CFU - Approximately 1.0 x 10 10 CFU, approximately 1.0 x 10 3 CFU-5.0 x10 12 CFU, approximately 1.0 x 10 6 CFU-5.0 x 10 12 CFU or approximately 1.0 x 10 3 CFU - Approximately 1.0 x 10 10CFU is administered to treat plants or improve soil quality. In other embodiments, Bacillus strains (e.g., Bacillus strains 1000, 1001, 8001, 1047, or 1607) can be used at a concentration greater than or about 1.0 x 10⁻⁶. 2 CFU, greater than or approximately 1.0 x 10 3 CFU, with a value greater than or approximately 1.1 x 10 3 CFU, with a size greater than or approximately 1.25 x 10 3 CFU, with a size greater than or approximately 1.5 x 10 3 CFU, with a size greater than or approximately 1.75 x 10 3 CFU, with a value greater than or approximately 1.0 x 10 4 CFU, with a value greater than or approximately 2.0 x 10 4 CFU, greater than or approximately 3.0 x 10 4 CFU, with a size greater than or approximately 4.0 x 10 4 CFU, with a value greater than or approximately 5.0 x 10 4 CFU, with a value greater than or approximately 6.0 x 10 4 CFU, with a value greater than or approximately 7.0 x 10 4 CFU, with a value greater than or approximately 8.0 x 10 4 CFU, with a value greater than or approximately 1.0 x 10 5 CFU, with a value greater than or approximately 1.0 x 10 6 CFU, with a value greater than or approximately 1.0 x 10 7 CFU, with a value greater than or approximately 1.0 x 10 8 CFU, with a value greater than or approximately 1.0 x 10 9 CFU, with a value greater than or approximately 1.0 x 10 10 CFU, with a value greater than or approximately 1.0 x 10 11 CFU or greater than or approximately 1.0 x 10 12 The amount of CFU applied to the plant or soil. In all embodiments using "CFU", CFU can be CFU / gram or CFU / ml of a liquid or powder formulation applied to the plant.

[0106] In one embodiment, the composition comprising the Bacillus strains disclosed herein may be in the form of, for example, a liquid or dry composition, such as a suspension or lyophilized composition or powder, freeze-dried composition, gel, or pellets. In one illustrative embodiment, the composition comprising the Bacillus strain may be in the form of a powder or liquid and may be formulated for spraying or manual application to plants or soil from which plants obtain nutrients. In other embodiments, the Bacillus strain may be mixed with fertilizer, mixed with soil, or used as a seed coating to contact plants or plant parts. Any suitable method known in the art for contacting plants or soil with the Bacillus strain may be used to obtain any effective amount of any of the Bacillus strains 1000, 1001, 8001, 1047, or 1607 described herein, or strains having all the identifying characteristics of any of these Bacillus strains, or combinations thereof. In one aspect, the Bacillus strain may comprise live Bacillus cells or spores. In another illustrative embodiment, the plant can be brought into contact with the Bacillus strain by bringing the Bacillus strain into contact with a plant part selected from leaves, seeds, roots, flowers, stems, buds, and combinations thereof.

[0107] In an illustrative manner, Bacillus strains 1000, 1001, 8001, 1047, or 1607, or strains having all the identifying characteristics of any of these Bacillus strains, and combinations thereof, may be in commercial packaging or any other suitable composition. In another illustrative embodiment, the Bacillus strains in commercial packaging or other compositions may be in concentrate form (e.g., about 1 x 10⁻⁶). 8 - Approximately 5 x 10 9 (CFU / g) or superconcentrate (e.g., about 1 x 10⁻⁶ CFU / g) 10 - Approximately 5 x 10 12 In another embodiment, the Bacillus strain in the commercial packaging or other composition may be in a dry form (e.g., powder), liquid form, freeze-dried form, or gel form, or any other suitable form applied to plants or soil from which plants obtain nutrients.

[0108] In another illustrative embodiment, the Bacillus strain in the commercial packaging or composition may further comprise a carrier for the Bacillus strain. In various embodiments, the carrier may be selected from wheat bran, rice husk, salt, mineral oil, dextrin (e.g., maltodextrin), whey, sugar, limestone, dried starch, sodium aluminosilicate, vegetable oil, and combinations thereof. In another embodiment, the carrier may be any suitable carrier known in the art for application to plants to treat plants with fungal or bacterial diseases or infections. In another embodiment, the Bacillus strain in the commercial packaging or composition may further comprise a binder, such as clay, yeast cell wall components, aluminum silicate, dextran, or other known binders, and / or micronutrients, including but not limited to nitrogen and phosphorus. Any of these components may be added exogenously (i.e., not naturally present in combination with the Bacillus strain), and any composition described herein may be present in a nutrient composition for plants.

[0109] In another embodiment, the commercial packaging or composition may be in a container intended for commercial use. In various embodiments, the container may be, for example, a bag (e.g., a 20-pound bag, a 50-pound bag, a 2-ounce bag, a 1-pound bag, or a 1-kilogram bag), a pouch, a tube, a bottle, or a box. In an illustrative aspect, the container containing the Bacillus strain may be made of plastic, metal, foil, paper, fiber, or cardboard (e.g., plastic drums, paper bags, foil bags, fiber tubes, etc.). The commercial packaging may further include instructions for use for one or more Bacillus strains.

[0110] The following examples are for illustrative purposes only. These examples are non-limiting and are not intended to limit the invention in any way.

[0111] Example 1 Rapid PCR DNA profiling Random amplified polymorphic DNA PCR (RAPD-PCR) was used to identify the genetic variability of each strain. DNA for the RAPD-PCR reaction was prepared using the QIAGEN® Tissue and Blood Single Column Kit (QIAGEN®, Venlo, The Netherlands). Figure 5-9 The RAPD-PCR results for the strains described in this application are shown. The results show that these strains are unique to each other.

[0112] Example 2 Phosphorus availability The ability of each of the five strains (Bacillus spp. 1000 (NRRL No. B-67888), Bacillus licheniformis strain 1001 (NRRL No. B-67889), Bacillus subtilis strain 8001 (NRRL No. B-67890), Bacillus spp. pumilus strain 1047 (NRRL No. B-67891), and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain 1607 (NRRL No. B-67666)) to dissolve phosphate and produce phytase was tested. In soil, the dissolution of inorganic phosphate and the digestion of phytate can convert phosphate into a form more easily absorbed by plants. Each Bacillus spp. strain was cultured in trypsin-treated soybean broth for 24 hours. Bacillus spp. strains (2 μL) were spot-inoculated onto Pikovskaya agar (PKA) and LB agar containing 1% phytate and incubated at 37°C for 24 h. The clearing zone of the PKA plates was examined. Phytate agar was stained with 2% cobalt chloride solution for 5 minutes and destained with 6.25% ammonium molybdate and 0.42% ammonium metavanadate solution for 5 minutes, after which the clear zone was examined. All five Bacillus strains showed clear zones on both types of agar, indicating that all five strains were positive in their ability to dissolve calcium phosphate and produce phytase.

[0113] Table 1. Presence of phosphate solubilization and phytase activity in Bacillus strains. NRRL number Phosphate dissolution Phytase activity B-67888 + + B-67889 + + B-67890 + + B-67891 + + B-67666 + + Example 3: Growth promoters of corn plants Place corn seeds in a container with or without 2 x 10 5 Seeds were soaked in water for 1 hour in a CFU / ml Bacillus cell suspension. The suspension contained a blend of B-67888, B-67889, B-67890, B-67891, and B-67666. Treated and untreated seeds were planted in pots (n=8) in soil and placed in a growth chamber with a daily cycle of 29°C for 16 hours, followed by 25°C for 8 hours, for 17 days. The pots were watered daily, and no chemical fertilizers were added. At 17 days, leaf greenness was measured using a SPAD meter, and dry root weight, stem weight, and total plant weight were also measured. The treated plants showed increased SPAD values ​​and fresh weight. Results are as follows: Figure 1 and 2 As shown.

[0114] Example 4: Increase in corn yield Bacillus blends containing B-67888, B-67889, B-67890, B-67891, and B-67666 were prepared at a rate of 1.8 x 10⁻⁶ seeds per 100 lbs (100 lb) of seed. 12 CFU seed coating was applied to maize seeds. Treated and untreated seeds were planted in quartered 10 by 40 ft plots at a rate of 2 lbs per plot. Maize was planted using standard management practices and harvested at full maturity. Average yield increased from 165 bushels per acre to 176 bushels per acre when treated with the Bacillus spp. blend. Results are shown below. Figure 3 .

[0115] Example 5: Phosphate dissolution The phosphate-solubilizing ability of each strain was tested using quantitative methods. Each strain was grown overnight in TSB, washed in sterile peptone, and adjusted to an optical density of 0.5 at 600 nm. Pikovskaya broth containing 5 g / L insoluble tricalcium phosphate was inoculated with 200 µL of culture. The broth was incubated at 32 °C for 48 h. The culture was centrifuged at 4000 rpm for 10 min. The supernatant was mixed with 500 µl of 2.5% ammonium molybdate solution and 200 µl of 0.25% α-aminonaphthol solution, for a total volume of 5 mL. The solution was incubated in the dark for 30 min, and the absorbance was read at 660 nm. The absorbance values ​​were compared with a phosphate standard curve to quantify the amount of phosphate dissolved by each Bacillus strain. Each of the five strains was able to dissolve a portion of tricalcium phosphate. Results are as follows: Figure 4 As shown.

Claims

1. A method for promoting plant growth and / or increasing plant productivity, the method comprising contacting the plant, the seeds of the plant, or the soil in which the plant is grown with an effective amount of a composition comprising isolated Bacillus species selected from the genus Bacillus (…). Bacillus Strain: Bacillus licheniformis ( Bacillus licheniformis Bacillus strain 1000 (NRRL No. B-67888), strains possessing all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 1000 (NRRL No. B-67888), Bacillus licheniformis strain 1001 (NRRL No. B-67889), strains possessing all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 1001 (NRRL No. B-67889), Bacillus subtilis ( Bacillus subtilis Strain 8001 (NRRL No. B-67890), strains possessing all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 8001 (NRRL No. B-67890), and Bacillus strain Bacillus pumilus ( Bacillus pumilus Strain 1047 (NRRL No. B-67891), strains possessing all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 1047 (NRRL No. B-67891), and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens ( Bacillus amyloliquefaciens Strain 1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), strains possessing all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), and any combination thereof.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the plant, plant seeds, or soil in which the plant is grown is contacted with an effective amount of the composition, the composition comprising two or more strains of the genus Bacillus selected from: Bacillus licheniformis strain 1000 (NRRL No. B-67888), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus genus strain 1000 (NRRL No. B-67888), Bacillus licheniformis strain 1001 (NRRL No. B-67889), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus genus strain 1001 (NRRL No. B-67889), Bacillus subtilis strain 8001 (NRRL No. B-67890), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus genus strain 8001 (NRRL No. B-67890), Bacillus pumilus strain 1047 (NRRL No. B-67891), and strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus genus strain 1047 (NRRL No. B-67891). The strains possessing all the identification characteristics of B-67891, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain 1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), and strains possessing all the identification characteristics of Bacillus strain 1607 (NRRL No. B-67666).

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the plant, plant seeds, or soil in which the plant is grown is contacted with an effective amount of the composition, the composition comprising three or more isolated Bacillus strains selected from the following: Bacillus licheniformis strain 1000 (NRRL No. B-67888), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus licheniformis strain 1000 (NRRL No. B-67888), Bacillus licheniformis strain 1001 (NRRL No. B-67889), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus licheniformis strain 1001 (NRRL No. B-67889), Bacillus subtilis strain 8001 (NRRL No. B-67890), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus licheniformis strain 8001 (NRRL No. B-67890), Bacillus pumilus strain 1047 (NRRL No. B-67891), and Bacillus licheniformis strain 1047 (NRRL No. B-67891). The strains possessing all the identification characteristics of B-67891, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain 1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), and strains possessing all the identification characteristics of Bacillus strain 1607 (NRRL No. B-67666).

4. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the composition comprises isolated Bacillus licheniformis strain 1000 (NRRL No. B-67888).

5. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the composition comprises isolated Bacillus licheniformis strain 1001 (NRRL No. B-67889).

6. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the composition comprises isolated Bacillus subtilis strain 8001 (NRRL No. B-67890).

7. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the composition comprises isolated Bacillus pumilus strain 1047 (NRRL No. B-67891).

8. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the composition comprises isolated Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain 1607 (NRRL No. B-67666).

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the plant, plant seeds, or soil in which the plant is grown is contacted with an effective amount of a composition comprising: i) The isolated Bacillus licheniformis strain 1000 (NRRL No. B-67888), or a strain that has all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 1000 (NRRL No. B-67888); ii) The isolated Bacillus licheniformis strain 1001 (NRRL No. B-67889), or a strain that has all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 1001 (NRRL No. B-67889); iii) The isolated Bacillus subtilis strain 8001 (NRRL No. B-67890), or a strain that has all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 8001 (NRRL No. B-67890); iv) An isolated *Bacillus pumilus* strain 1047 (NRRL No. B-67891), or a strain possessing all the identifying characteristics of *Bacillus pumilus* strain 1047 (NRRL No. B-67891); and v) An isolated Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain 1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), or a strain possessing all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 1607 (NRRL No. B-67666).

10. The method according to any one of claims 1-9, wherein the soil is brought into contact with the composition before the plant seeds are planted.

11. The method according to claim 1 or 10, wherein the seeds are brought into contact with the composition before being planted.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1-11, wherein the soil for planting the plant is brought into contact with the composition before planting the seeds.

13. The method according to any one of claims 1-12, wherein the plant is a pasture plant, a crop, or an ornamental plant.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the plant is a crop.

15. A method for increasing orthophosphate and H2PO4 in farmland - or HPO4 2- A horizontal method comprising contacting the farmland with an effective amount of a composition comprising isolated Bacillus strains selected from the following: Bacillus licheniformis strain 1000 (NRRL No. B-67888), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus licheniformis strain 1000 (NRRL No. B-67888), Bacillus licheniformis strain 1001 (NRRL No. B-67889), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus licheniformis strain 1001 (NRRL No. B-67889), Bacillus subtilis strain 8001 (NRRL No. B-67890), Bacillus pumilus strain 1047 (NRRL No. B-67891), and strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus licheniformis strain 1001 (NRRL No. B-67890). Strains with all the identification characteristics of B-67891, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain 1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), strains with all the identification characteristics of Bacillus strain 1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), and any combination thereof.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the Bacillus strain is embedded in a biodegradable matrix.

17. The method according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the soil is contacted with an effective amount of the composition, the composition comprising two or more isolated Bacillus strains selected from: Bacillus licheniformis strain 1000 (NRRL No. B-67888), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus licheniformis strain 1000 (NRRL No. B-67888), Bacillus licheniformis strain 1001 (NRRL No. B-67889), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus licheniformis strain 1001 (NRRL No. B-67889), Bacillus subtilis strain 8001 (NRRL No. B-67890), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus licheniformis strain 8001 (NRRL No. B-67890), Bacillus pumilus strain 1047 (NRRL No. B-67891), and Bacillus licheniformis strain 1047 (NRRL No. B-67891). The strains possessing all the identification characteristics of B-67891, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain 1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), and strains possessing all the identification characteristics of Bacillus strain 1607 (NRRL No. B-67666).

18. The method of claim 15, wherein the soil in which the plant or plant seeds are planted is contacted with an effective amount of the composition, the composition comprising three or more isolated Bacillus strains selected from the following: Bacillus licheniformis strain 1000 (NRRL No. B-67888), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus licheniformis strain 1000 (NRRL No. B-67888), Bacillus licheniformis strain 1001 (NRRL No. B-67889), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus licheniformis strain 1001 (NRRL No. B-67889), Bacillus subtilis strain 8001 (NRRL No. B-67890), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus licheniformis strain 8001 (NRRL No. B-67890), Bacillus pumilus strain 1047 (NRRL No. B-67891), and Bacillus licheniformis strain 1047 (NRRL No. B-67891). The strains possessing all the identification characteristics of B-67891, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain 1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), and strains possessing all the identification characteristics of Bacillus strain 1607 (NRRL No. B-67666).

19. The method according to any one of claims 15-18, wherein the composition comprises isolated Bacillus licheniformis strain 1000 (NRRL No. B-67888).

20. The method according to any one of claims 15-18, wherein the composition comprises isolated Bacillus licheniformis strain 1001 (NRRL No. B-67889).

21. The method according to any one of claims 15-18, wherein the composition comprises isolated Bacillus subtilis strain 8001 (NRRL No. B-67890).

22. The method according to any one of claims 15-18, wherein the composition comprises isolated Bacillus pumilus strain 1047 (NRRL No. B-67891).

23. The method according to any one of claims 15-18, wherein the composition comprises isolated Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain 1607 (NRRL No. B-67666).

24. The method according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the soil is contacted with an effective amount of a composition comprising: i) The isolated Bacillus licheniformis strain 1000 (NRRL No. B-67888), or a strain that has all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 1000 (NRRL No. B-67888); ii) The isolated Bacillus licheniformis strain 1001 (NRRL No. B-67889), or a strain that has all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 1001 (NRRL No. B-67889); iii) The isolated Bacillus subtilis strain 8001 (NRRL No. B-67890), or a strain that has all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 8001 (NRRL No. B-67890); iv) An isolated *Bacillus pumilus* strain 1047 (NRRL No. B-67891), or a strain possessing all the identifying characteristics of *Bacillus pumilus* strain 1047 (NRRL No. B-67891); and v) An isolated Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain 1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), or a strain possessing all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 1607 (NRRL No. B-67666).

25. The method of claim 15, wherein the farmland is a pasture.

26. The method of claim 15, wherein the farmland is arable land.

27. The method of claim 26, wherein the farmland is contacted with the composition for at least 7 days before the seeds are planted in the farmland.

28. A commercial package or composition comprising: The following Bacillus strains were selected: Bacillus licheniformis strain 1000 (NRRL No. B-67888), strains possessing all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus licheniformis strain 1000 (NRRL No. B-67888), Bacillus licheniformis strain 1001 (NRRL No. B-67889), strains possessing all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus licheniformis strain 1001 (NRRL No. B-67889), Bacillus subtilis strain 8001 (NRRL No. B-67890), strains possessing all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus licheniformis strain 8001 (NRRL No. B-67890), Bacillus pumilus strain 1047 (NRRL No. B-67891), strains possessing all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus licheniformis strain 1047 (NRRL No. B-67891), and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain 1607 (NRRL No.). B-67666), strains possessing all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), and any combination thereof; and Purified nitrates and / or potassium chloride from exogenous sources.

29. The composition according to claim 28, wherein the composition is a liquid.

30. The composition according to claim 28, wherein the composition is dry.

31. The composition according to claim 30, wherein the composition is freeze-dried and is in powder or pellet form.

32. The composition of claim 28, further comprising seeds, wherein the Bacillus strain is coated onto the seeds.

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