Cranberries grow better next to the grass
A new study suggests that the plants surrounding blueberries help them absorb more iron and increase their antioxidant content. Although the soils are rich in iron, most of it is insoluble. The study's lead author, José Covarrubias, says: “Most plants get enough iron by secreting chemicals that make it more soluble. These iron 'chelators' can be released directly from the roots or from the microbes growing around them, and allow the iron to be absorbed. Blueberries, however, lack those adjustments because they ripen in acidic conditions, especially humid ones, which dissolve iron."
“Iron is essential for the formation and function of plant molecules, such as chlorophyll, which allows them to consume energy. That is why iron deficiency becomes evident in yellowing leaves, drastically reducing plant growth and yield."
In blueberries, iron-dependent enzymes produce the antioxidants that make them a superfruit. To correct the iron deficiency in blueberries, the soil must be acidified or synthetic iron chelators must be added. According to Covarrubias, each of these techniques has its drawbacks.
“The most common approach is acidification of the soil with sulfur, which is gradually converted to sulfuric acid by soil bacteria. The effects are slow and hard to adjust, and in flooded soils, hydrogen sulfide could build up and stunt root growth."
“Grasses, which are well adapted to poor soils, can provide a sustainable and natural source of iron chelators through their roots when grown alongside fruit-bearing plants. Intercropping with grass species has been shown to improve plant growth and fruit yield, such as olives, grapes, citrus varieties and, more recently, blueberries."
“Our findings validate intercropping with grasses as a simple, effective, and sustainable alternative to standard iron correction strategies in blueberries. Both commercial and private growers can immediately use this strategy to increase their blueberry production and antioxidant content,” concludes Covarrubias.
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