PROVEN THROUGH ACADEMIC STUDIES

Don't just take our word for it. COMAND has been studied thoroughly by number of high-profile academic researchers to demonstrate the efficacy of the Harvest Quest method and the microbially enhanced outcomes that result from it.

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University of Florida, IFAS

Researcher: Dr. William T. Crow, Professor of Nematology

Life Soils and Harvest Quest commissioned UF to conduct experiments comparing turf grown with microbially-enriched COMAND^® vs. peat to determine if the COMAND product influences accelerating the establishment and maintenance of turfgrass. The experiments were conducted in micro plots. In each micro plot one of three varying sand blends with COMAND or peat were utilized. After the amendments were installed, the micro plots were sprigged with Tifway Bermuda grass.

Once roots became established, 250 sting nematodes were introduced into each micro plot. Nematode population density, root length and mass were measured at the 6, 12 and 18-month mark. Six months after sprigging, root lengths in COMAND plots were on average 67.5% greater than in plots amended with peat. Sting nematode population densities were 89% lower in COMAND plots, and 95% lower at 12 and 18 months.

The Ohio State University

Researcher: Dr. Frederick C. Michel, Jr., Professor

The use of the MSAP composting method, together with the Harvest Quest microbial inoculant, has been observed to improve composting rate and reduce nitrogen loss during composting. A study was conducted by OSU to investigate and quantify the effects of the MSAP method and HQ inoculation on decomposition rate, ammonia loss and microbial community structure during composting.

Since these effects are difficult to quantify in full-scale windrow systems, a compost bioreactor system was used to simulate the composting process. Treatment A, which contained the HQ inoculant and was first turned on day 30, generated on average 33.8% more CO2 during composting than the uninoculated treatments. This finding is remarkable and consistent with the observations of HQ inoculated full-scale windrows.

Colorado State University

Researcher: Dr. Douglas A. Rice, Laboratory Director

A sample of HQ inoculant was analyzed in the Colorado State University Environmental Quality Laboratory for populations and identities of aerobic bacteria, fungi, and actinomycetes. Containing an incredibly diverse population of 2.6 billion aerobic bacteria per gram, the Harvest Quest inoculant is a superior and safe product based on the large populations of naturally occurring, non-toxigenic, and non-pathogenic organisms.

Furthermore, analysis of compost derived from the use of the inoculant and the MSAP process exhibits higher and more diverse populations of beneficial organisms than in compost produced utilizing conventional methods.

Hear Dr. Rice discuss his findings in this video presentation.