Accelerating flax straw decomposition by harnessing natural soil microbes

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Flax straw residue remains a major issue for flax farmers. Because of its slow decomposition, flax straw left in the field interferes with seeding in subsequent years. The overarching goal of this research is to develop a microbial bioformulation that can be sprayed over flax crops to accelerate complete decomposition of straw debris in the field. This research aims to use a soil baiting method to capture bacterial and fungal colonizers at early and late stages of straw decomposition. We will then characterize and identify microbial communities during early and late stage decomposition using DNA-based community profiling, and determine potential synergies between microbes that can be harnessed in a bioformulation. Lastly, we will use bioreactors to evaluate the ability of individual and combinations of bacterial and fungal isolates to increase decomposition rates. In-field decomposition will contribute to long term soil health by returning nutrients in a bioavailable form, thereby reducing the need for soil supplementation with fertilizers. Our strategy will also decrease the economic and environmental burden imposed by current flax straw disposal techniques, and contribute to long-term sustainability of flax farming in Canada.