Sugar as an amendment - Ask Extension
I’ve recently been told that sugar and animal-grade molasses when added to a garden’s soil help to increase microorganisms. I haven’t heard of t...
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Sugar as an amendment #776531
Asked October 27, 2021, 12:27 AM EDT
I’ve recently been told that sugar and animal-grade molasses when added to a garden’s soil help to increase microorganisms. I haven’t heard of this before now.
Is this a valid soil amendment, and if so, what is recommended and in what quantities and how should it be applied?
Jackson County Oregon
Expert Response
I've searched the internet for any scientific basis for this, and can find none. The idea is that soil microbes need sugar, perhaps in the form of molasses. However, microbes get what they need from decaying plant materials in a form they can absorb: compost or mulch. Adding carbohydrates like molasses and sugar won't increase soil microbes, but may invite a colony of ants!
