Why plant nutrition is the key to regenerative agriculture

No-till, soil cover, cover crops, biodiversity, and continuous living roots – the principles of regenerative agriculture are well known. What is often overlooked: without targeted plant nutrition, soil regeneration falls far short of its potential. This is because how much carbon a plant sequesters, how strongly it releases root exudates, and how well it resists pests depends directly on whether its nutrient supply is correct.

Photosynthesis: More than just sunlight and water

Photosynthesis is the central process through which plants sequester CO₂ from the atmosphere and convert it into sugar. What many do not know: photosynthesis requires not only water, CO₂, and sunlight, but also a balanced supply of minerals. Magnesium forms the central atom of chlorophyll, manganese activates water oxidation, iron transports electrons in the light reaction, and phosphorus provides the energy for carbon fixation. If even one of these nutrients is missing, photosynthesis runs at a throttled pace – often far below the plant’s actual potential.

What plant sap analyses show

At EDAPRO, we rely on plant sap analyses to measure the nutritional status of the plant directly – not via the soil, but in the plant itself. Plant sap analysis measures the nutrients actually available to the plant in the cell sap: macro-elements such as potassium, calcium, and magnesium as well as trace elements such as iron, manganese, zinc, copper, boron, molybdenum, and silicon.

Our extensive experience with thousands of plant sap analyses shows: nutrient imbalances are widespread – even on well-managed farms. Common findings include manganese and iron deficiencies, magnesium levels that are too low, deficits in boron, zinc, copper, and silicon, as well as a disrupted ratio of potassium to calcium. As a result, many plants operate their photosynthesis significantly below their potential.

Targeted foliar fertilisation as a quick correction

Based on the plant sap analysis, we recommend targeted foliar fertilisation with individual nutrients – exactly where the analysis shows a deficiency. Foliar fertilisers work quickly: the nutrients are absorbed directly through the leaf and are available to the plant within a few hours. In this way, photosynthetic performance can be measurably increased within days.

Typical foliar fertiliser recommendations include iron and manganese to increase photosynthesis, magnesium for chlorophyll formation, boron for sugar transport into the root system, as well as zinc and copper for hormone production and disease resistance. The dosage is calculated individually for each crop – based on the values measured in the plant sap analysis.

Compost tea and compost extract – activating soil life

Foliar fertilisation and soil biology go hand in hand. Compost tea and compost extract deliver living microorganisms directly into the soil and onto the leaf surface: bacteria, fungal hyphae, protozoa, and other soil organisms that mobilise nutrients and suppress pathogens.

Compost tea is actively aerated for 24–48 hours and multiplies the microorganisms from high-quality compost. Compost extract is a cold-extracted infusion that is faster to produce and is particularly suitable for foliar application. Both processes complement foliar fertilisation ideally: while the foliar fertiliser corrects the nutrient supply immediately, the compost tea builds up active soil life in the long term, which takes over nutrient mobilisation from soil reserves – especially for phosphorus and silicon.

More photosynthesis = more carbon in the soil

The connection is direct: a plant that is optimally supplied with nutrients performs more photosynthesis, forms more sugar, and releases a larger portion of it into the soil as root exudates. These sugars feed the soil microbiology – bacteria, mycorrhizal fungi, and protozoa – which in return mobilise nutrients for the plant. At the same time, the sugars glue soil particles into stable aggregates, thus building up the crumb structure and humus.

Contrary to the common assumption that growing crops inevitably lowers the carbon content of the soil, our experience shows: with targeted management of plant nutrition via plant sap analyses and foliar fertilisation, humus content can be built up even under crops – while simultaneously achieving higher yields and a lower need for pesticides.

Less plant protection through better nutrition

An optimally nourished plant produces more secondary plant metabolites and builds stronger cell walls. This increases natural resistance to fungal diseases and pests. Plant sap analysis also shows the way here: a high sugar content in the plant sap – measurable as a Brix value – correlates directly with the plant’s resilience. This is because sucking insects and fungi prefer plants with low sugar and high free nitrogen in the leaf.

Our approach at EDAPRO

We combine plant sap analyses, targeted foliar fertilisation, and biological soil revitalization with compost tea and compost extract into a holistic system. Every recommendation is based on measured values – not on blanket formulas. In this way, every franc spent on fertiliser is used where it achieves the greatest impact.

For farmers, winegrowers, fruit growers, and vegetable producers, this means: better yields, healthier plants, less pesticide use, and a soil that regenerates year after year.