# Growing Sustainability in New Zealand’s Horticulture Industry

- Link: https://rd2.co.nz/growing-sustainability-in-new-zealands-horticulture-industry/
- Published: 2023-10-11T22:56:51+00:00
- Author: RSF Admin

Spring is upon us, and after an incredibly challenging year so far, growers in the
Horticulture industry will be looking forward to a new growing season and considering
how their practices can ensure optimal yields and environmentally positive outcomes
to be well placed for the changing conditions being experienced locally and globally.

In February this year, HortNZ launched the Aotearoa Horticulture Action Plan, which
includes some key outcome areas such as growing sustainability, mitigating climate
change and ensuring that science and knowledge underpin research and development.

In this article, we would like to focus on these key areas and talk about two products
from Roots, Shoots & Fruits that can give growers a head-start this growing season
to achieve better crop yields and sustainable environmental outcomes and play a 
part in mitigating the impacts of climate change and reaching carbon zero – all 
backed up with science and knowledge.

## It all starts in the soil.

Anyone who works with soil understands how important it is to maintain healthy soil
that is teeming with a complex ecosystem of fungi, bacteria, and other microorganisms.
Trials show that there are huge benefits to growers in terms of yield with the addition
of beneficial fungi and bacteria as part of their planting programme.

Beneficial organisms in your soil can proliferate through improved soil structure
that reduces erosion and improves water retention. The benefits to your crops include
increased yields, more nutrient-dense produce and greater disease resistance.  All
of these factors ensure a sustainable approach to growing and will nurture the land
for generations to come.

In addition, we are all becoming more aware of the earth’s delicate carbon cycle
and the part that carbon sinks play in ensuring this cycle remains in balance. This
process of capturing and storing carbon is called carbon sequestration. Unsurprisingly,
currently, the carbon cycle is out of balance, and we are seeing the impacts of 
this in the changes in our climate, some of which are devastating to many who work
on the land.

Soil, along with the oceans, is an important carbon sink for the planet, capable
of storing more carbon than vegetation alone. Soil contains almost two times as 
much carbon as the atmosphere, living flora, and animals combined. And the good 
news is that the healthier your soil, the more carbon it can store for carbon sequestration.

![Carbon Sequestration Of A Tree Nov 10 708x1024 copy](https://rd2.co.nz/wp-content/
uploads/2023/10/Carbon-Sequestration-Of-A-Tree-Nov-10-708x1024-copy.jpg "Growing
Sustainability in New Zealand’s Horticulture Industry 1")

## Implementing change in your Industry.

One simple and effective way to grow sustainability and mitigate climate change 
to reach carbon zero, backed by science and knowledge, is to add mycorrhizal fungi
and beneficial organisms to your planting programme. Mycorrhizae are the main pathway
of carbon into the soil, and Mycorrhizal fungi is now recognised in the Verra Verified
Carbon Standard Program, recognizing mycorrhizal inoculants as a valid method of
sequestering carbon in the soil.

Pairing two Roots, Shoots & Fruits products, Rootella and Superzyme, results in 
a dynamic duo that guarantees optimal plant performance across various conditions
with an environmental focus.  Rootella will introduce your crops to Mycorrhizal 
fungi, a family of beneficial fungi that work symbiotically with your crops’ root
system. They form a vast network of thin strands that connect to roots and provide
many benefits, including the production of Glyco-proteins that are capable of carbon
storage permanence, storing carbon in the soil for an extended period.

A simple diagram below shows how Mycorrhizal fungi work in trapping carbon. Compared
to untreated plants, Mycorrhizal fungi create a tangible difference in the soil 
structure, nutrient trapping (in particular phosphorus) and overall plant growth.

![](https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/J7RxkOQFgiovjFPAvfQgVMlKlotyvEwdk9y3mydWcH8Va2TlQWuqPOQCR4OqORHmdmFN87iTXaxicOG57pPxGze071z7J1c7XI4Wy1qXkKMIKTgVUhowJZRMxPrxWhHZnIAMmo6QvrYXRaYxedu7Zg"
Growing Sustainability in New Zealand’s Horticulture Industry 2")

Superzyme contains important Trichoderma species, _T koningii and T harzianum _as
well as beneficial bacteria _Bacillus subtilis_ and _Pseudomonas putida, _to enhance
soil life.  The combination of both Rootella (mycorrhizal fungi) and Superzyme in
your planting regime will ensure high yields, and high-functioning soil and reduce
the need for fertilisers and insecticides through improved disease resistance.  
Enhanced above and below-ground diversity optimises soil, plant, and human health,
creating an enduring environment in which the horticulture industry can thrive.

Learn more about Rootella [here](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VRLw-D1RLOg69Jz_6bFRWrbVSQhgUMp_/view).

 * ![Mycorrhizal Fungi](https://rd2.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Rootella-F-
   250g-pouch-Mycorrhizal-Fungi-300x300.jpg "Growing Sustainability in New Zealand’s
   Horticulture Industry 3")
 * Rootella F – Mycorrhizal Fungi (New Zealand Native) – 250g Organic
 * $179.79
 * Rated **5.00** out of 5 based on 5 customer ratings
 * [Add to cart](https://rd2.co.nz/growing-sustainability-in-new-zealands-horticulture-industry/?output_format=markdown&add-to-cart=7454)

Learn more about Superzyme [here](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FNMqUk-gFUJu0CfQ0pnhXDzskafEkc1-/view).

 * ![Superzyme - Beneficial Fungi & Bacteria - Organic](https://rd2.co.nz/wp-content/
   uploads/2017/11/Product-image-with-2026-label-300x300.png "Growing Sustainability
   in New Zealand’s Horticulture Industry 4")
 * Superzyme – Beneficial Fungi & Bacteria – Organic
 * $226.83
 * Rated **5.00** out of 5 based on 2 customer ratings
 * [Add to cart](https://rd2.co.nz/growing-sustainability-in-new-zealands-horticulture-industry/?output_format=markdown&add-to-cart=5164)

If you are interested in reading more about HortNZ’s Aotearoa Horticulture Action
Plan, follow the link [here](https://www.hortnz.co.nz/about-us/aotearoa-horticulture-action-plan/).

[LEARN MORE ABOUT CARBON SEQUESTRATION HERE](https://rd2.co.nz/commercial/mycorrhizal-carbon/)