With climate change bringing more challenges for growers, such as longer periodes of drought and heavier rainfall, it’s getting harder to keep crops healthy and productive. So how do we help plants stay strong? The answer lies largely beneath our feet: in the soil.
A healthy soil is the foundation for helping crops handle stress from drought or too much rain. You might not see changes above ground right away when you improve soil health, but over time it gives your crops a solid base to grow stronger and produce more.
Soil improvers full of life
Improving soil starts with boosting soil life and increasing organic matter. That leads to better soil structure, more water-holding capacity, and improved nutrient availability. In short—it makes the soil more resilient to drought. Our soil improvers, TerraLife and TerraBoost, are key in this process. They contain humified grape pulp rich in micro-organisms like bacteria, fungi, and streptomycetes. These tiny helpers break down organic material and turn it into stable humus—a process called humification.
Stronger roots with mycorrhizal fungi
Mycorrhizal fungi live in partnership with plant roots, expanding the root surface area by up to 700%. That means better absorption of water and nutrients, especially useful in dry periods. These fungi also help plants better handle stress like drought or heat. A healthy root zone—also called the rhizosphere—is crucial for drought-resistant growing. Our biostimulants in the RootSupport line, like RootFit and RootFit+, give roots exactly that kind of support.
Better water retention with organic fertiliser pellets
Fertiliser pellets packed with organic matter help the soil hold onto water—kind of like a sponge that keeps moisture available around the roots. They also boost microbial activity, which keeps the soil lively and dynamic. Micro-organisms turn organic material into humus, improving both structure and nutrient supply. This also helps the soil store more water, which is important during periods of drought. Our FertiPlus line of organic fertilisers is designed to do exactly that.
Foliar fertilisation with peptides and amino acids during drought
To help plants cope with drought, we need to support their metabolism and water balance. That’s where peptides and amino acids come in. They help the plant produce proteins and enzymes that reduce damage from stress. The result: a less stressed plant, better growth, and more stable yields even in tough conditions. Our liquid fertilisers in the FertAmino line and biostimulants PlantBoost A, PlantBoost P en PlantBoost+ are specially made for this purpose.
In short: soil is the foundation for resilient plants. By investing in mycorrhizal fungi, organic fertilisers, and biostimulants with peptides and amino acids, growers build stronger soil and tougher plants. This kind of preventative approach helps crops grow better and handle stress—leading to more reliable yields and more sustainable farming, even with the pressure of extreme weather.