Most people know that fertiliser is important for growing different crops. Whether it is organic or inorganic, it ensures that plants can get the nutrients they need to grow. However, using them comes at a cost. They are typically one of the most expensive agricultural inputs. Additionally, there can be a big impact on the environment. Luckily, a new breakthrough could reduce the volume of nitrate and phosphate fertilisers that farmers need to us.
Discovery
Researchers at John Innes Centre in Norfolk, one of the UK’s leading experts in plant science and microbiology, have made a fantastic breakthrough. They have found a biological mechanism in some plants that makes the roots more attractive to soil microbes. This helps the plant scavenge nutrients from the soil more effectively, even in nutrient-poor soils.
The research team found a genetic mutation in Medicago truncatula. The legume is a model organism that is favoured for various types of biological studies, particularly because it reacts well to genetic transformation. The discovery enhances partnerships with bacteria and fungi. As a result, it supplies plant roots with more nitrogen and phosphorous. This boosts the nutrient take up.
The researchers went on to show that the same genetic mutation can occur in wheat. It enhances the relationship in the same way in field conditions. Therefore, it can reduce the need for additional fertiliser.
There is a huge amount of excitement about the discovery. It could open the door for more major crops to use endosymbiotic agents (organisms that form a symbiotic relationship with a host) instead of inorganic nitrate and phosphorous fertilisers. It could be huge for the future of sustainable agriculture.
Benefits
Reducing the use of inorganic fertilisers to grow crops would have a massive impact. First, it would save massive amounts of natural resources. Generally it takes a lot of natural gas to make products, both as an ingredient and to provide power. Reducing how much we need to produce would be massive for the environment.
A major issue with inorganic fertiliser is the run-off from farms can get into local watercourses. This can cause ecological disasters because it feeds algae, resulting in blooms. They remove a massive amount of oxygen from the water, killing fish and other aquatic life. If we use less, the risk of them getting into waterways is lower.
Finally, excessive use of fertilisers can result in devastating soil degradation. It can ruin the soil structure, increase erosion, and damage soil health. So, reducing the usage can be really good for soil.
Do you need fertiliser?
It will be really interesting to see more new developments in sustainable agriculture, especially crops featuring the genetic mutation discovered by John Innes Centre researchers. They could completely change the agricultural industry, saving resources and helping the environment. Farmers and consumers would benefit too, with lower costs and food prices.
In the meantime, if you are growing crops and need fertiliser, it is important to utilise it carefully. Manage the applications to apply it where it is needed at the right times. Factor in the potential for run-off to limit the potential impact on the environment.
If you want high quality products and advice, you can rely on JS Hubbuck Ltd. We’ve been working with farmers for generations, ensuring they have the resources they need.