1. Nutrient Acquisition:
* Symbiotic relationships: Plants form partnerships with mycorrhizal fungi. These fungi extend their hyphae (thread-like structures) into the soil, reaching areas inaccessible to plant roots. They absorb nutrients like phosphorus and nitrogen, transferring them to the plant in exchange for sugars.
* Nitrogen fixation: Some plants host nitrogen-fixing bacteria in nodules on their roots. These bacteria convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form usable by plants.
* Efficient nutrient uptake: Plants in infertile soil develop extensive root systems, increasing their surface area for nutrient absorption. They also have specialized root hairs that increase contact with the soil.
2. Water Conservation:
* Deep root systems: Taproots delve deep into the soil to reach water sources.
* Succulent leaves: These leaves store water for dry periods, preventing dehydration.
* Reduced leaf size: Smaller leaves minimize water loss through transpiration.
* Thick, waxy cuticles: These coatings on leaves prevent water loss.
3. Tolerance to Stress:
* Stress hormones: Plants produce hormones like abscisic acid (ABA) that help them cope with water stress.
* Slow growth rates: Plants may grow slowly to conserve energy and nutrients.
* Tough, resistant tissues: These tissues protect plants from harsh environmental conditions.
4. Specific Adaptations:
* Halophytes: These plants tolerate high salt concentrations in the soil.
* Lithophytes: These plants grow on rocky surfaces and extract nutrients from weathering rocks.
* Epiphytes: These plants grow on other plants, obtaining nutrients from air and rain.
5. Nutrient Cycling:
* Decomposition: Organic matter decomposes slowly in infertile soil, releasing nutrients gradually.
* Leaf litter: Plants shed leaves, which decompose and add nutrients to the soil.
Examples:
* Pine trees: They form mycorrhizal relationships and have needles that decompose slowly, enriching the soil.
* Cacti: They store water, have deep roots, and have spines that minimize water loss.
* Heath plants: They thrive in acidic, nutrient-poor soil and have adaptations for nutrient uptake.
Note: While some plants can grow in infertile soil, their growth and health will be limited compared to those in fertile soil. Over time, these plants can contribute to soil fertility by adding organic matter and nutrients through decomposition.
The Japanese know a good thing when they see it. Since ancient times, food foragers in the southern Japanese islands gathered a particular woodland plant for food and medicine. When they sliced the stem, it oozed a thick golden liquid, and, a mere day later, a brand new leaf appeared as if by magic. They called the plant Ashitaba, which means “tomorrow’s leaf.” Increasingly, the magical nature of ashitaba’s regeneration is fueling consumer interest in it
Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis Bok choy (or pak choi), literally translated from Chinese, means “white vegetable,” but the irony is that only the stalks near the center of the plant are white. The outer leaves are beautiful shades of light purple or green, and seem to open out like supporting ballerinas arching back to reveal the star of the show – the compact-headed, bulbous-bottomed central stalks and leaves. Like good supporting dancers, those outer leaves are
I started growing basil in my garden five years ago when I received a basil plant in my weekly CSA (Community Supported Agriculture). I then began to buy a basil plant for the next few years and transplanted into my garden. Because I love the flavor of basil and wanted more plants, I decided to start basil from seed. This has worked well. It is important that basil is not transplanted until
Artichokes are perennial plants. Artichokes prefer cool, moist summers and mild winters. The perennial artichoke plant will not survive where the ground freezes. Artichokes can be grown from seed or root divisions; they are most commonly grown from root divisions which are also called “crowns”. Sow seed indoors 8 to 6 weeks before the last spring frost. Set out root divisions or crowns in late winter or early spring, about 2 weeks before the last frost. Artichokes grow best wh