Source: This post was originally published on Agresol
Rethinking Nitrogen: Dr. Christine Jones’s Path to Regenerative Soil Health
Nitrogen management is very important in agriculture and has lead to an very increasing use of nitrogen fertiliser, however it may not be necessary. We’ll be discussing the groundbreaking approach introduced by Dr. Christine Jones.
But first check out our video as we break down her “Nitrogen Solution” and explain how shifting from heavy reliance on synthetic nitrogen to embracing natural, microbe-driven nitrogen fixation can revolutionize soil health and boost farm productivity.
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The Problem with Conventional Nitrogen Fertilization
In many conventional farming systems, inorganic nitrogen fertilizers are applied to meet crop needs. However, as explained in the video, this practice is highly inefficient:
- Inefficient Uptake: Only 10–40% of the applied nitrogen is captured by plants.
- Environmental Losses: The remaining 60–90% is lost through volatilization (gassing back into the atmosphere) or leaching into the subsoil and aquifers.
- Cost and Pollution: Not only does this result in wasted input—and extra costs for farmers—it also contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, waterway pollution, and problems such as eutrophication and algae blooms.
Moreover, high doses of synthetic nitrogen tend to “clean” the soil of its microbial life. Healthy soil is built on a robust network of microbes that support natural nitrogen fixation and nutrient cycling. When these microbes are disrupted, plants lose the ability to form those critical “dreadlock-like” root structures (rhizosheaths) that facilitate a thriving microbial bridge.
Dr. Christine Jones’s Nitrogen Solution: Harnessing Nature’s Power
Dr. Christine Jones offers an alternative by tapping into the natural process of biological nitrogen fixation. Here’s how it works:
1. Recognize the Potential of Atmospheric Nitrogen
Every hectare of soil holds approximately 7,800 tons of atmospheric nitrogen in its gaseous form. While plants cannot directly use this inert N₂ (because of its strong triple bond), certain microbes can split this bond using an enzyme called nitrogenase. This enzyme, however, only functions in low-oxygen environments—conditions that can be created naturally in the rhizosheath and within soil aggregates.
2. Strengthening the Microbial Bridge
There are several pathways for biological nitrogen fixation:
- Symbiotic Fixation in Legumes: Rhizobium bacteria form nodules on legume roots, a well-known process that converts atmospheric nitrogen into a form plants can use.
- Associative Fixation in the Rhizosheath: Healthy roots exude sugars that attract free-living nitrogen-fixing bacteria. These bacteria gather around the roots—forming a “dreadlock” structure filled with microbial life—and fix nitrogen for the plant.
- Mycorrhizal Networks: Similar to the rhizosheath, fungi associated with plant roots help transport sugars (and the fixed nitrogen) between the plant and soil microbes. Mycorrhizal fungi also have their own microbiome including Mycorrhiza helper bacteria (MHB), some of which can fix nitrogen.
- Within Soil Aggregates: Aggregates create low-oxygen pockets that allow nitrogenase enzymes to function, further enabling nitrogen fixation.
By supporting these processes, plants can receive nitrogen in the form of amino acids—bypassing the energy-intensive conversion steps required if nitrogen were absorbed solely as nitrate or ammonium.
A great example of rhizosheath on some oat plants after being inoculated with a liquid vermiculture extract.
3. Reducing Synthetic Inputs Gradually
Dr. Jones advocates a measured, three-year plan to reduce reliance on inorganic nitrogen:
- Year 1: Reduce nitrogen input by about 20%.
- Year 2: Lower it by an additional 30%.
- Year 3: Cut another 30%, reaching a maintenance rate (around 5 kg N/ha) that supports biological nitrogen fixation without starving the system.
This gradual transition avoids the shock of abruptly removing nitrogen, allowing the soil’s microbial populations to re-establish and thrive.
4. Enhancing Microbial Environments
Supporting a vibrant microbial community is key:
- Minimize Soil Disturbance: Reduced or no-till practices help preserve the delicate networks of microbes, particularly the mycorrhizal fungi.
- Maintain Cover: Using cover crops and intercropping keeps the soil continuously “alive” with roots exuding sugars. Even a brief cover period can dramatically boost microbial diversity.
- Use Organic Amendments: Incorporating bio-stimulants, humic substances, or organic forms of nitrogen (such as fish hydrolysate or amino acid products) can further enhance microbial activity and improve nutrient uptake efficiency.
Why This Matters for Farmers
Switching from high-input, chemical-dependent systems to a regenerative model centered on natural nitrogen fixation offers multiple benefits:
- Economic Savings: Less fertilizer means lower costs and a more efficient nutrient system.
- Environmental Protection: Reduced nitrogen losses help mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, prevent water pollution, and maintain biodiversity.
- Enhanced Crop Health: With a strong microbial bridge, plants can achieve higher photosynthetic efficiency. This not only translates into better yields but also improves plant resilience against pests and diseases.
- Long-Term Sustainability: Building soil organic matter naturally through biological processes creates a foundation for sustainable, regenerative farming that benefits the land, the environment, and future generations.
Moving Forward with Regenerative Agriculture
We’re passionate about sharing practical strategies that help farmers transition to regenerative systems. Our regenerative agriculture consulting service can support you as you gradually reduce synthetic nitrogen inputs, enhance soil microbial diversity, and embrace the natural nitrogen solution.
If you’re ready to transform your soil and boost the productivity and resilience of your farm, check out our free 30-minute consultation, or drop us an email at info@agresol.com.au.
The post Dr Christine Jones’ The Nitrogen Solution appeared first on Agresol – Regenerative Agriculture Consulting Australia.
