Corn Varieties That Can Make Their Own Fertilizer Found in Oaxaca, Mexico

Corn Varieties That Can Make Their Own Fertilizer Found in Oaxaca, Mexico

Farmers in a small area of southern Mexico knew that a variety of corn grown in the area was special. But a group of researchers believe the corn could ultimately transform the way the largest crop in America and the world is grown.

The plants in Mexico have bizarre fingerlike roots sticking out of their stalks. The roots secrete a goopy mucus, in which bacteria live.

> The bacteria take nitrogen from the air – which plants can't use – and convert it to a different form of nitrogen that they can use. The plants soak up the fixed nitrogen in the gel through the fingerlike roots.

The nitrogen is a critical nutrient for all plants; it's the primary ingredient in chemical fertilizers.

To read the full article, click here.


Archived Comments

Comments

Sign in or become a The Chocolate Life member to join the conversation.
Just enter your email below to get a log in link.

You've successfully subscribed to The Chocolate Life
Great! Next, complete checkout for full access to The Chocolate Life
Welcome back! You've successfully signed in.
Success! Your account is fully activated, you now have access to all content.
Success! Your billing info is updated.
Billing info update failed.