# Protecting Broadacre Crops With Rootella

- Link: https://rd2.co.nz/protecting-broadacre-crops-with-rootella/
- Published: 2022-08-16T01:26:40+00:00
- Author: RSF Admin

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](https://rd2.co.nz/?s=rootella&post_type=product&type_aws=true&aws_tax=product_cat&aws_page=127)
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.

![green plant sprouting at daytime](https://rd2.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/
fjj7lvpcxre.jpg "Protecting Broadacre Crops With Rootella 1")

## 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](https://rd2.co.nz/product-category/commercial/).