OUR BLOG

The Science Behind Holganix

What if we made phosphorus efficient?

In the green/agricultural industry, we have been so focused on escaping looming fertilizer legislation (restricting nitrogen and phosphorous use) that we have neglected to notice a developing crisis for fertilizer users that could be more menacing than meddling government agencies. What if phosphorous suddenly disappeared? According to biologist Mohamed Hijri in a recent TED Talk, the idea of running out of phosphorus is becoming more and more tangible.

All roads lead back to how we fertilize plants and crops. Phosphorous is key to plant development. Yet only 15% of the phosphorous we apply on a daily basis is utilized by plants, and 85% remains unused in the soil or leeches away into our water systems, resulting in environmental conflicts. What if we could make the plant more efficient in its use of phosphorus?

According to Hijri, the efficient use of phosphorous isn’t just a daydream. Mycorrhizae, a fungus that has been present for thousands of years, could be the solution. Mycorrhizae enhances the ability of the plant to uptake nutrients, including phosphorous, through a symbiotic relationship it forms with the plant. By applying mycorrhizae to corn, Hijri has been able to decrease his use of phosphorous by half and receive a better yield than previously with synthetics. In Cuba and Mexico, Hijri cites the use of mycorrhizae allowing farmers to decrease their use of phosphorous by 75%.

The use of mycorrhizae to reduce phosphorous use isn’t just happening overseas! By utilizing bionutritional products such as Holganix, users can receive the benefits of mycorrhizae - a core component in some bionutritional products. For example, Holganix users have been able to reduce their use of synthetics by up to 90% while still maintaining optimal results. Through extended use, Holganix users are able to continue decreasing their use of phosphorous as well as nitrogen and pesticides. To learn more about the unique relationship between mycorrhizae and phosphorous, check out Hijri’s TED Talk here.