Looking Deeper Than Yield
Plant Nutrition in the 21st Century Article 1 of 4-part series to deliver insights on how fertilization is evolving.
Plant nutrition is a key component in increasing and sustaining crop yield. Introduction The first practice of plant fertilization probably came from empirical observation. Plants growing in places with accumulation of manure had better vigor and higher yields. The impact of spreading that manure to the whole field could be easily observed through a noticeable increase in plant vigor and yield. Imagining this learning experience unfolding offers the perfect summary for the evolution of plant nutrition. Advancements in chemistry and biology allowed the evolution from this empirical experience dealing with a single variable (manure) with large effects, to a more precise experimental observation of its main components (N, P and K) also with individual large effects. But as the knowledge further evolved, so did the resolution to measure and understand factors with smaller effects, like micronutrients. And with those, more sophisticated strategies to fertilize plants evolved. These include different formulations, delivery methods, timing of applications and more routine addition of micronutrients. A combination of superior genetics, optimum crop protection and more efficient mechanization has led to a 7-fold increase in corn yield the last 75 years in the United States. But as we continue to learn, it becomes clear that we must go beyond chemical fertilization to optimize plant nutrition. We must look more closely at the biology of the rhizosphere to help guide use in developing sustainable fertility strategies for the next half a century. Our knowledge about the soil microbiome, microbial mediation of soil functions, plant-microbe interactions, soil nutrient fixation and solubilization, along with the introduction
About the Authors Dr. Gloverson Moro
Director, Global Product Development Moro leads the expanding science and technology group at AgriThority, directing product development, fieldtesting, and regulatory services worldwide. His extensive experience spans seed development, biotechnology, crop protection, and regulatory management of teams in Latin America, Asia Pacific, and North America. He has multiple academic degrees including an MBA and Ph.D. in Molecular Biology. He is fluent in Portuguese, English and Spanish.
Dr. Dan Davidson
Product Development Manager Davidson applies his vast experience in technology adoption, communication and training to client projects. His compelling technical writing skills support clients’ technology transfer opportunities as well as the interpretation of field trial results. Davidson holds three degrees in agronomy: a bachelor’s degree from the University of Nebraska, a master’s degree from the University of Missouri, and a Ph.D. from Washington State University, followed by post-doctoral work at the University of Nebraska. A Nebraska resident, Davidson’s early agronomy career spanned eight years in Mexico, Liberia and Uganda.