We are all carbon-based life forms. The atoms in our bodies were once part of the carbon dioxide in the air. This process of “carbon fixation” is how most new organic matter is created. These same carbon atoms are in our bodies and other life forms from a process known as the Calvin cycle. The sugars created in the Calvin cycle are also used by plants for long-term energy storage. For quick energy, we rely on adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the energy-carrying molecule found in the cells of all living things. When energy is needed by the cell, it is converted from storage molecules into ATP. ATP then serves as a shuttle, delivering energy to places within the cell where energy-consuming activities are taking place. The Calvin cycle takes molecules of carbon straight out of the air and turns them into plant matter. It’s called the second stage of photosynthesis because this is where sugars are synthesized but the reactions are not driven by light. Andaman Ag has a product that augments this process.
Boosting Photosynthesis
Like everything in life, we are only as strong as our weakest link. In the case of plants, photosynthesis bottlenecks keep them from reaching their full potential. Photosynthesis is the engine of the plant; the more horsepower it can deliver, the more energy that is available for both plant and fruit growth, and the building of Soil Organic Matter (SOM) via an increase in root exudation feeding soil biology, the largest contributor to SOM.
There’s a new study published in Nature Plants that takes on ways to not only improve the Calvin cycle but also conserve water. The study found that by improving the transport protein by the addition of micro-nutrients, like copper and iron, photosynthesis is boosted. The study showed up to a 27 percent increase in crop growth in field trials, demonstrating that photosynthetic increases can have a major impact.
Phyto-Catalyst, a Breakthrough Product
Andaman Ag sells a product called Phyto-Catalyst that improves oxygen levels and penetration, allowing the plant to not only translocate nutrients within the cell walls faster but also accelerating the plant’s ability to photosynthesize more efficiently (eg. Department of Viticulture and Enology, University of California Davis, 1 Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616). The product can be spoon fed with each drip irrigation and it not only boosts the plant’s ability to photosynthesize but it also cleans irrigation lines and reduces water use! The decrease in water use is very important as we know there’s a relationship between increased photosynthesis requiring more water. Phyto-Catalyst also helps open compacted soils and promotes greater mineral transmission, increasing plant mineral content even in high-salinity soils. We think it’s a breakthrough product and could eventually become a growers’ standard.
Andaman Ag is committed to Improving Agriculture from the Ground Up and we’re always available to talk to you about your concerns and our recommendations. We have tried and tested crop programs and are always on the lookout for new methods and products that can better serve our growers.
