Cyanobacteria: The Hidden Engine Driving Your Soil

What this episode covers

Cyanobacteria: The Hidden Engine Driving Your Soil The EcoFarm Aotearoa Podcast (Ep. 10)Most farmers know about clover, fungi, and fertiliser… but very few understand the microscopic lifeform that actually built the planet and is still driving soil fertility today. In this episode, Stephen and Ewan uncover the extraordinary role of cyanobacteria, the organisms that oxygenated Earth, created the first soils, and remain the biggest untapped force in New Zealand farming.Building on last week’s conversation, we explore why farmers who understand cyanobacteria gain deeper topsoil, stronger nutrient cycling, explosive winter growth, and long-term fertility without expensive inputs. From tissue salts to nitrogen fixation, worm castings to carbon gains, this episode connects the smallest biology to the biggest on-farm results.We discuss:• Why cyanobacteria are the true “regenerating motor” of the soil• How they build carbon, release nitrogen, phosphorus & sulphur, and deepen topsoil• The mineral imbalance (silicon vs aluminium) that determines pasture vs weeds• Why chemical sprays collapse soil biology and stop carbon from recovering• How worms, tardigrades & microbes digest cyanobacteria into long-lasting humusHosted by: Stephen Brunton & Ewan CampbellPowered by: EcoFarm Aotearoa – www.efa.nzOur FREE E-Book!https://www.ecofarmaotearoa.nz/download-our-ebook/ Listen To An EcoFarmers Discovery:https://open.spotify.com/show/3wIgUUghlsKIje76E5tjBA?si=4caf7169d6eb4d97 Subscribe for weekly episodes exploring soil biology and regenerative farming solutions transforming the way we farm in New Zealand.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of EcoFarm Aotearoa?

This episode is 33 minutes long.

When was this EcoFarm Aotearoa episode published?

This episode was published on December 9, 2025.

What is this episode about?

Cyanobacteria: The Hidden Engine Driving Your Soil The EcoFarm Aotearoa Podcast (Ep. 10)Most farmers know about clover, fungi, and fertiliser… but very few understand the microscopic lifeform that actually built the planet and is still driving soil...

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