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Crop nutrition is controlled by soil environment, biology and agronomic practices. Biochar (black) and seaweed (blue) organic fertilisers improve plant micro- and macro-nutrients.
About
The Stable Isotope Biogeochemistry Laboratory (SIBL) at Durham University is conducting regenerative agricultural research experiments with over 40 farmers in Cumbria and North Yorkshire. This research is developing the right combination of biochar and seaweed to enhance soil mycorrhizae that enhances micro- and macro-nutrient uptake in crops, specifically heritage and/or heirloom crops. SIBL is currently working with cereal grains, dairy farmers and sunflowers. This research translates into more nutrient-rich crops that can be directly transferred into food security and human health.
Key Benefits
Adding biochar and seaweed into the soil can improve the productivity and nutrient composition of the plants that grow on them (Gröcke et al. 2021), however, each crop at each locations requires scientific testing to understand what concentrations are required. Once biochar is incorporated into the soil, it does not need adding each year. The biochar acts as an absorbent of the nutrients in the soil and so every year less organic fertiliser is required (and potentially none at all). This would save costs but more importantly improve nutrient availability for the plants to take up. Seaweed can be targeted to add micro-nutrients to the soil for each crop, especially nutrients that are in low concentrations in soils but high in seaweed (e.g., iodine, zine, magnesium) and thus, can be targeted to produce a micro-nutrient enriched food product.
Applications
The primary target for this application would be medium to small-scale regenerative farmers who can be grow more targeted products that are enriched in nutrients and micro-nutrients. These farms are often willing to incorporate heritage and/or heirloom plants (e.g., long-straw rye) which are more resilient and adaptable to the climate. Large-scale farmers often use genetically modified crops and extensive use of artificial fertilisers and pesticides which can produce high-yield products but are low in nutrient quality. Although yields may be less from small and medium-sized farms, the products will be more nutritious and thus can be retailed as such.