VIDEO PODCAST: Promoting Root Health with Plant Nutrition

Yara's Crop Nutrition podcast

In this episode, Dr. Rob Mikkelsen teaches us about the fascinating and often overlooked world of root health and its crucial role in plant nutrition. He begins by posing a thought-provoking question: Do nutrients influence roots, or do roots influence nutrients? The answer, as Rob explains, is a complex interplay of both.

• The Hidden Half of Agriculture: Rob emphasizes the importance of roots, which are frequently overlooked despite their critical role in plant health. He encourages agronomists and farmers to always carry a shovel to inspect root health regularly.
• Complex Structure of Roots: The episode highlights the significance of root hairs in water and nutrient uptake. Rob explains how calcium is absorbed only at the root tips, underscoring the need for healthy roots to continually explore new soil zones.
• Historical Perspective on Nutrient Uptake: Rob shares an old illustration that depicts nutrient uptake as a train system, transporting nutrients to the “factories” in the leaves. This analogy helps explain the complexity of nutrient assimilation processes.
• Influences on Root Health: The podcast discusses several factors that affect root health, including:
• Soil Acidity: High soil acidity can stunt root growth due to toxic soluble aluminum, but this can be remedied with proper limestone applications.
• Soil Salinity: Excess salt can cause water stress and reduce plant performance.
• Soil Compaction: Compact soil can hinder root penetration, affecting water and nutrient uptake.
• The Role of the Rhizosphere: Rob introduces the rhizosphere, the narrow zone surrounding roots, rich in biological activity. He highlights its importance in nutrient uptake and overall plant health.

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