What if the secret to better beef starts underground?
Kara Mastel is joined by Dr. Jonathan Bennett, associate professor of Plant Ecology at the University of Saskatchewan, to unearth the science behind soil microbiomes and their powerful impact on forage productivity and beef sustainability.
Recorded following the Beef Research Showcase at Lakeland College, the conversation dives into how microbes influence plant health, how cultivar selection affects microbe interactions, and why breeding plants for better microbial relationships could revolutionize pasture management.
From drought resilience to salinity tolerance, Dr. Bennett sheds light on how invisible organisms may hold the key to future-proofing our beef industry—all without a microscope
Listen For:
04:47 – The Soil Microbiome’s Role in Forage Yields
09:05 – Optimizing Plant-Microbe Interactions
16:25 – Can Microbes Help Saline Pastures?
29:37 – Heritability and Breeding for Microbial Compatibility
35:32 – Giving Power Back to the Producer
GUEST: Dr. Jonathan Bennett
Dr. Jonathan Bennett is an Associate Professor at the University of Saskatchewan, specializing in plant ecology with a focus on plant-soil interactions and invasive species management. He holds a PhD from the University of Alberta and has conducted postdoctoral research at the University of Tartu and the University of British Columbia-Okanagan. Dr. Bennett's research aims to enhance our understanding of ecological processes in grasslands, contributing to sustainable agricultural practices and ecosystem conservation.
CONNECT WITH HOST: KARA MASTEL
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