As spring arrives, it brings an opportunity for change, increased growth and environmental sustainability for horticulture growers across New Zealand.
We will explore the ways in which New Zealand growers are embracing carbon sequestration in their spring plantings, contributing to a sustainable future and a thriving horticulture industry.
Carbon Sequestration
Understanding Carbon Sequestration
Carbon Sequestration is known for its potential impact on reducing greenhouse gases within our environment. Growers are already aware of the importance of healthy soil for successful crops, but carbon sequestration focuses on building up carbon levels in the soil.
As plants undergo photosynthesis, they naturally absorb carbon dioxide from the air, using it as fuel for growth. The process allows plants to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, and our flagship product Rootella acts as a repository for this carbon, locking it away in long-term glycoprotein storage within the soil.
Carbon Sequestration’s Wider Impact
The significance of carbon sequestration reaches far beyond simply reducing carbon dioxide in the air. This practice also benefits both crops and the environment. Enriching the soil with stored carbon improves its quality and health, making healthier and more productive crops. The result is a more fertile and productive ground that holds water more effectively, prevents erosion, and even equips plants to combat pests and diseases better.
So, when focusing on practices that increase the amount of organic matter in your soil, like using cover crops, and organic fertilisers, therefore, enhancing biology, you are not only nurturing your plants but also playing a part in fighting climate change.
Nurturing the Horticulture Industry
The horticulture industry in New Zealand has seen significant growth, boasting a valuation surpassing $7 billion in the year 2022/23. As the horticulture industry evolves, it stands on the precipice of a future where environmental practices like carbon sequestration will play an instrumental role.
By integrating these principles into new spring planting regimes, growers aren’t just cultivating crops. They’re nurturing a sustainable legacy that will not only benefit their own crops but also the well-being of the planet for generations to come.
Implementing into your crops
Implementing sustainable and organic practices is simple. At Roots, Shoots & Fruits, we have all the products required to maximise your crops while positively impacting the environment.
Pairing our Rootella and Superzyme products results in a dynamic duo that guarantees optimal plant performance across various conditions. Superzyme works in harmony with Mycorrhizal fungi by enriching the soil with billions of microorganisms, recalibrating the soil balance for plants to flourish.
The incorporation of Rootella, places propagules of Mycorrhizal fungi into your soil, initiating microscopic threads that act as a natural extension of your plant’s root system. This expansion translates into improved access to crucial water and essential nutrients. Beyond this, Mycorrhizal fungi benefit the soil, enhancing its structure and facilitating the retention of vital nutrients.
Imagine the transformation your soil can have through the integration of Rootella. Compared to untreated plants, Mycorrhizal fungi create a tangible difference in the soil structure, nutrient trapping, and overall plant growth. The diagram below illustrates the transformative potential of Rootella.
Learn more about Rootella here.
Learn more about Superzyme here.