Photosynthesis
is arguably the most crucial chemical reaction for sustaining life on Earth. In
simple terms, photosynthesis involves carbon dioxide (CO₂) and water (H₂O)
reacting with energy from sunlight to produce sugar (glucose) and oxygen (O₂).
The oxygen is released into the atmosphere, contributing to the breathable air,
while the glucose serves as the foundation of the food chain. This remarkable
process occurs within the chloroplasts in the leaves of plants.
The Role
of Sugar in the Soil
Of the
glucose produced during photosynthesis, plants allocate about half to the soil
through their roots. This glucose acts as a “payment” to beneficial
soil microbes, which, in return, provide essential minerals to the plants.
These microbes utilize the glucose to thrive and, in the process, decompose
soil components into absorbable mineral forms like phosphorus (P), potassium
(K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), zinc (Zn), boron (Bo), and sulfur (S). Some
microbes also capture nitrogen (N) from the air and convert it into a usable
form for plants. This mutually beneficial relationship is known as natural
symbiosis.
The Impact of Insufficient Beneficial Microbes
If
beneficial microbes are not present in sufficient numbers, the soil’s
pathogens—harmful microbes—can proliferate. Plants may inadvertently feed these
pathogens with their glucose, leading to attacks on the plant itself.
Consequently, the plant suffers from mineral deficiencies and becomes
susceptible to infections, resulting in poor health and potentially death.
Why Do Plants Need Minerals?
Phosphorus is essential for the process of
photosynthesis. Further, all these minerals are crucial for constructing
components like chloroplasts, where photosynthesis occurs. Without these
minerals, the plant cannot build these vital structures.
For photosynthesis to proceed efficiently, several conditions must be met:
– Sufficient
sunlight must reach the plant.
– Availability
of CO₂, which is typically abundant in the atmosphere.
– Water
uptake by the roots from the soil.
– Adequate
minerals and beneficial microbes in the soil to transport these minerals to
the plant roots.
– Availability
of sufficient nutrient in the soil, which is done through fertilizer
supplements of various nature.
Enhancing Soil Health with MAC
Mitrasena’s
intervention with MAC (Microbe Activated Carbon) ensures a robust population of
beneficial microbes in the soil. This intervention improves the efficiency of
fertilizer use and maintains a steady supply of essential minerals to plants.
By outcompeting pathogens, these beneficial microbes help protect the plants
from infections.
Introducing Mycorrhiza with R-Jaal
R-Jaal
introduces mycorrhiza to plant roots, fostering a dense and extensive root
network. This enhanced root system allows plants to access water and minerals
from a much larger soil area, improving overall plant health and growth.
Maximizing Sunlight Utilization
To increase
the amount of sunlight a plant can capture, think of the plant as a solar
panel. A well-structured and expanded leaf surface area—measured by the Leaf
Surface Area Index—allows for more efficient sunlight capture. Mitrasena
recommends the use of SILPOT, which infuses plants with biogenic silica,
strengthening the silica wall beneath the leaf cuticles. This results in
stronger plants with more spread-out leaves. The Leaf Surface Area Index
increases by 10-20%. As a result, photosynthesis is enhanced. A robust plant
structure also facilitates better transport of minerals from roots to shoots.
Thus, the net impact is that the plant becomes a very efficient food producing system.
We shall
discuss the impact of this in next article.