The effects of severe weather events are negatively impacting New Zealand’s broadacre agriculture industry, and that impact is expected to increase into the future. In the face of this scenario, it’s critical for New Zealand growers to find ways to mitigate these effects by leveraging solutions to protect their soil and crops; and we have just what you need.
What causes soil damage?
There are many threats to your soil’s health. It’s vital to help it regenerate nutrients after crops have depleted them, and finding a natural means that reduce dependence on chemical fertilisers will help with long-term environmental sustainability.
One of the most important properties of soil is its ability to support a vibrant microbial ecosystem. This microbial biomass is responsible for breaking down organic matter and unlocking nutrients. A fine balance exists in the soil between predator and prey. The persistent use of synthetic herbicides over time negatively impacts beneficial microorganisms and reduces soil fertility, as demonstrated by a number of studies.
Extreme weather events like drought and heavy rainfall can cause many problems, including soil erosion, waterlogging, and nutrient leaching.
All of these concerns will be exacerbated by the progression of climate change, impacting broadacre farmers in different ways.
Impact of weather changes
Whilst some crops benefit from the higher concentration of CO2 found in the soil in recent years, crops such as maize and potatoes will potentially suffer due to shortened crop cycles that decrease the time for photosynthesis. We are continually seeing more volatile weather patterns, increasing the potential for more severe flooding and droughts.
With warmer temperatures and more intense weather will come a heightened threat of pests. For example, higher temperatures and increased humidity is a perfect breeding ground for plant pathogens. Weeds and insects may also become a bigger problem.
Future-proofing your crops with Rootella
With these threats being compounded by climate change, growers need to formulate strategies to maximise the potential advantages while mitigating the dangers. A significant element of this will be finding ways to maintain the integrity of your soil. Roots, Shoots and Fruits’ Rootella is the perfect amendment to help you handle complications arising from climate change into the future.
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.
Benefits of Mycorrhizal fungi
Enhanced nutrient absorption
When Mycorrhizal fungi attach to a root system, they essentially act as an extension of that root system. This enables your crops to exploit a larger volume of soil for minerals and water. This symbiotic adaptation with plants has provided them with the ability to maintain adequate phosphorus requirements under low P conditions and organic forms of nitrogen, enhancing growth and production.
Soil stability
Roots help to stabilise soil and prevent erosion, and mycorrhizal fungi’s filamous strands do the same. During extreme weather, Rootella will provide the soil structure necessary to retain water and nutrients so crops can withstand times of high stress and become significantly more resistant to drought.
Disease resistance
Research has shown that the nutritional benefit crops receive from connecting with mycorrhizal fungi increases their disease resistance. Also, the threadlike structure of the fungi dominates the soil, preventing pathogenic fungi from reaching your crops. The organisms transmit chemical signals between plants warning and preparing against attack.
Our Rootella products are designed to prime your crops for the changing conditions ahead, beginning at seed germination and providing protection for the life of the crop.. Regardless of the challenges posed by climate change, our organically certified products will help you adapt and promote sustainable agriculture. Visit our shop here.
