Soil Revitalization through Prebiotic Solutions - A Microbiological Approach to Sustainable
Fertility in Clay Soils under the Temperate Conditions of Southern Romania

Mihaela-Cecilia Dogaru, Ailin Moloșag, Alexandra Maria Bardoș Marțiș, Cristian-Marian
Căliniță, Nicoleta-Claudia Sandu, Vlăduț Loredan Holt

Research and Development Station for Fruit Tree Growing Băneasa

Keywords: prebiotic soil, biological fertility, humification, decomposition, carbon farming, sustainability.

Abstract: Soil health and biological fertility are now widely recognized as key determinants of agricultural sustainability. Prebiotic soil solutions represent a new generation of biotechnologies designed to stimulate the native microbial communities, enhancing enzymatic activity and accelerating the natural cycles of mineralization and humification. Unlike microbial inoculants, these formulations do not introduce external microorganisms but provide specific organic substrates that selectively activate the indigenous microbiota, improving nutrient cycling and soil structure across a wide range of crops.
The present study investigates the influence of a prebiotic soil activator (K1) on the decomposition rate of crop residues and on the physical-biological indicators of soil quality. The experiment was carried out at the Moara Domnească Experimental Base (RDSFG Băneasa), comprising three treatments (control, K1 at 100%, and K1 at 200%) using standardized cellulose and cotton strips as decomposition indicators. Alongside biological degradation rates, the study also assessed soil compaction and drainage as correlated parameters of microbial activity.
The central hypothesis assumes that the intensity of decomposition processes is proportional to the applied concentration of K1, and that enhanced microbial activity will correspond to improved soil porosity and a higher degree of organic matter stabilization.
Expected results indicate that K1 application accelerates the biochemical transformation of organic matter, promotes the formation of stable clay-humus complexes, and maintains an optimal humus level, thus enhancing soil fertility. Due to its mode of action (stimulating endogenous microbial populations rather than targeting specific plant species) this technology is applicable to any crop system, contributing to sustainable nutrient management, carbon sequestration, and overall soil resilience.
This research supports the integration of prebiotic technologies into carbon farming strategies and modern sustainable agricultural practices, providing a biological foundation for maintaining productive and resilient agroecosystems.