Drought: the importance of foliar fertilizing and mycorrhiza
During prolonged drought, roots that grow on the surface show the first signs of desiccation. The plant will try to provide these roots with water as much as possible. If the drought continues, the plant will have to make choices. By allowing the superficial roots to dry the plant can still absorb (capillary) water from a greater depth. The problem that follows is that the deeper growing roots cannot reach the minerals and organic matter that the plant requires because this organic matter and minerals, especially in dry weather, are just at the top of the building furrow. As a result, the plants shoot deeper into growth stress.
Why Foliar fertilizing ?
There is a lot to be said for foliar fertilizing . Simply because plants in horticulture and arable farming must function at top level. Any stress on the plants is detrimental to growth and resistance to damage. Remember that plant diseases need a temporary weakening of the plants. This weakening, or “abiotic stress”, is caused, among other things, by drought, heat, rain, dark days and more factors that humans have no direct influence on.
Cause of abiotic stress
A cause of abiotic stress is caused by spraying with insecticide or fungicide. In most crops it is known that growth is strongly inhibited up to a few days after spraying.
Mycorrhiza fungi: natural stress managers
In nature, the absorption of nutrients and water via the roots is largely provided by mycorrhiza (or partner fungi). They live in symbiosis with the plant roots. Mycorrhiza cannot live without the plant and vice versa, the plant without mycorrhiza is dependent on ion exchange and osmosis pressure via salty fertilizers.
Even in soil that feels dust-dry at a depth of 25 cm, there is still 20-30% moisture. This is not available for the roots, but it is available for the mycorrhiza fungi
Mycorrhiza is the best conceivable natural stress manager for the plant. This unique type of fungus can grow in the smallest pores with its ultra-thin fungal threads of 3 microns. Even in soil that feels dust-dry at a depth of 25 cm, there is still 20-30% moisture. This is not available for the roots, but it is available for the mycorrhiza that brings the water with minerals and organic components directly into the plant. With the increasing dry and wet times in Dutch agriculture, a healthy soil life with the right bacteria and mycorrhiza is incredibly important. In addition, the cost of applying mycorrhizas is 50% lower than a single watering round.
