January 19, 2026
Common farming practices often rely on heavy fertilizer use, but too much can be harmful to the environment. Recent research suggests there may be a better balance.
Nitrogen and phosphorus are essential for feeding our crops, but their excessive use can lead to nutrient runoff and greenhouse gas emissions. While high doses of these fertilizers might boost yields in the short term, they can ultimately compromise soil health and the resilience of the entire farm ecosystem.
Investigating the Root of the Problem
Under a Genome BC funded project, researcher Jean-Thomas Cornelis at the University of British Columbia, in collaboration with the BC Blueberry Council, the BC Hazelnut Growers Association, and the BC Grain Producers Association, looked beneath the surface to find a more sustainable path forward.
The research team reviewed 36 published works across 30 different crop and soil systems to explore how plants adapt when nutrient levels are reduced. They specifically looked at the way fertilizer levels impact two critical factors: how plants acquire nutrients and how they store carbon in the soil.
Finding the Phosphorus “Sweet Spot”
The study revealed a surprising resilience in plant root systems. The team found that by intentionally putting a plant under a slight amount of strain, they could actually improve its productivity and resourcefulness.
The key findings include:
- Reducing phosphorus fertilizer by up to 50% caused plants to increase their “root exudation” (the rate at which carbon molecules are released into the soil) by 30%, improving nutrient uptake.
- Even with significantly less phosphorus, plant growth only dipped by a tiny 2%.
- In contrast, reducing nitrogen led to a much smaller increase in root activity and a significant 20% drop in growth, suggesting that phosphorus is the more effective lever for managing sustainable growth.
Benefits for the Soil and the Climate
When plants are under moderate phosphorus limitation, their root systems become more active to find and “mobilize” the nutrients they need. This doesn’t just help the plant grow; it also helps the planet.
As roots become more active and release more molecules, they promote better carbon storage in the soil. The study indicates that these improved practices could lead to a 10–15% increase in soil carbon storage. Because the root system is one of the best ways to capture carbon, and those roots remain in the ground even after crops are harvested, this carbon stays locked away, helping to mitigate climate change.
Ultimately, this work highlights that soil characteristics and plant-soil interactions are vital to optimizing agriculture. By finding the right balance of nutrients, BC’s growers can support healthy crops while contributing to a more sustainable and climate-stable future.
