Quote:
"What we discovered through the experiments that are reported in this paper is that there's not simply the plant-available pool and the pool of calcium in the silicate minerals, but there's also an intermediate pool of calcium contained in the common calcium phosphate mineral called apatite, which previously hadn't been recognized as being available to plants," says Blum.
Trees do not take up calcium directly from this source; instead, they rely on fungi that live symbiotically on tree roots.
Previous research had shown that these ectomycorrhizal fungi send out projections (hyphae) that release organic acids and penetrate mineral particles.
The acids dissolve the mineral material around the hyphae, releasing essential nutrients such as calcium, phosphorus and potassium. Blum's study was the first to show that the trees are using calcium that the fungi have obtained in this way.
|
Appetite For Apatite: Rock-Eating Fungi Help "Mine" Minerals
This "apatite:-
seems to be a gemstone. Dolomite has to be cheaper??
I got the pic from this site
Apatite meaning
Strangely the "New -Age" information given seems to see a connection with calcium!
Quote:
Rough Natural Blue Apatite
approx 1" - 1 1/2"
Blue Apatite
Apatite is most often seen in blue, but also can be found in brown, pink, yellow, green (from Spain called asparagus stone) and a rare variety of violet.
Apatite is an inspirational stone. It develops psychic abilities and spiritual attunement. Use it to aid communication and self-expression.
* Encourages extroversion
* Dissolves alienation
* Draw negativity from oneself
* Stimulates creativity and intellect
* Clears confusion
Healing properties of Apatite
Apatite heals bones, aids absorption of calcium, helps cartilage, bones, teeth and motor skills. Relieves arthritis, joint problems. Overcomes hypertension
|
Apatite meaning
Quote:
Microbe Diet Key To Carbon Dioxide Release
ScienceDaily (Aug. 5, 2008) — As microbes in the soil break down fallen plant matter, a diet "balanced" in nutrients appears to help control soil fertility and the normal release of the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
Quote:
|
As microbes in the soil break down fallen plant matter, a diet “balanced” in nutrients appears to help control soil fertility and the normal release of the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. (Credit: Composite photo by Stefano Manzoni)
|
When plants drop their leaves, stems and twigs, this organic matter slowly becomes part of the soil as a result of decomposition, which is facilitated by bacteria and other microbes. This process adds plant nutrients to the soil and releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
Duke University scientists found the proportion of nitrogen to carbon in this organic matter determines how much nitrogen becomes available to plants in the soil and how much carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere. Their study also yielded a universal mathematical formula that can predict the decomposition process anywhere in the world.
. . .
"A diet rich in carbon causes microbes to release more carbon into the atmosphere in the form of carbon dioxide as they strive to maintain the healthy balance between nitrogen and carbon in their diet," Manzoni said.
|
Microbe Diet Key To Carbon Dioxide Release
It would be nice if some of our Hypography members clever at sums, could get this formula and stick it in the "sums' thread???
