The Answer Lies in the Soil
Did you know that the fruits and vegetables we consume today have fewer nutrients than 70 years ago? A recent article by National Geographic titled “Fruits and Vegetables Are Less Nutritious Than They Used to Be” has revealed an alarming issue: soil depletion is reducing the nutritional quality of our food.
Fruits, vegetables, and grains we consume today have fewer proteins, minerals, and vitamins than those from past generations. The reason? Intensive agricultural practices that have degraded soil quality, affecting its microbiology and reducing plants’ ability to absorb essential nutrients.
Microorganisms: The Key to Living, Nutritious Soil
At ATENS, we know that soil health is key to producing nutritious and sustainable food. At the heart of fertile soil are beneficial microorganisms such as mycorrhizae, Trichoderma, and plant growth-promoting bacteria. These allies are essential not only for crop nutrition but also for regenerating the soil, improving its nutrient retention capacity, and promoting a sustainable agricultural ecosystem.
Case Study: Inoculation of Mycorrhizae and Trichoderma in California Peppers
A clear example of how soil regeneration can improve food quality can be found in a trial conducted in El Ejido, where California peppers were inoculated with mycorrhizae and Trichoderma. In this case, ATENS products based on microorganisms were applied, such as Team Hortícola, which contains the strains Rhizoglomus irregulare BEG72 and Funneliformis mosseae BEG234 (mycorrhizae), and Condor Shield, which includes the strain Trichoderma koningii TK7.
The results were surprising: the treated peppers showed a 12% increase in their average weight, with peaks of up to 22.5% during certain times of the year. Additionally, an increase in the biosynthesis of hormones such as auxins, cytokinins, and brassinosteroids was observed, leading to faster growth and better defense against pathogens. Even the nutritional quality of the fruits improved, with higher levels of carotenoids and vitamins B6 and B7, providing antioxidant and nutritional benefits.
This case demonstrates how the inoculation of beneficial microorganism strains from ATENS can not only improve soil health and maximize production but also increase the commercial value and nutraceutical quality of crops.
Regenerating Soil to Improve Human Nutrition
The National Geographic article highlights how soil depletion has reduced the amount of iron, zinc, calcium, and other vitamins in fruits and vegetables. The solution is not just to fertilize more but to regenerate soil life. At ATENS, we promote a comprehensive strategy with beneficial microorganisms that has proven capable of improving soil fertility without compromising sustainability.
The agriculture of the future must prioritize living and healthy soils to ensure more nutritious and sustainable food. By doing so, we not only protect the environment but also ensure that the food on our plates is more nutritious and healthier.
From Soil to Roots, and from Roots to Plate: The Key to Nutrient-Rich Food Starts Beneath Our Feet.
