Speaker: Dr. Joji Muramoto, UCANR Specialist in Organic Production, Center for Agroecology, UC Santa Cruz.
Traditionally, we understand that non-legume plants acquire inorganic nitrogen, ammonium and nitrate, in the soil as the nitrogen source. However, studies show plants can absorb organic nitrogen with or without microbial associations. Further, nitrogen availability in the soil can be enhanced via plant-soil-microbial interactions and by improving soil health. Joji’s talk will discuss an updated understanding of non-traditional plant nitrogen acquisition pathways and mechanisms.