Location: Northern Great Plains Research Laboratory
Title: Phytochemical links between healthy soil, plants, animals, and humansAuthor
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Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only Publication Acceptance Date: 1/24/2020 Publication Date: 1/24/2020 Citation: Clemensen, A.K. 2021. Phytochemical links between healthy soil, plants, animals, and humans. Meeting Abstract. 1. Interpretive Summary: Technical Abstract: All plants produce both primary and secondary metabolites. Primary metabolites are universal throughout the plant kingdom and affiliated with the growth of plants. Secondary metabolites are incredibly diverse and have various roles in ecological systems. The production of secondary metabolites in plants enhances their ability to defend against herbivores and pathogens, increases their ability to protect against UV-light and temperature extremes, while also acting as attractants for pollinators. Furthermore, plants exude these metabolites belowground to modify the rhizosphere, influencing nutrient assimilation. How may expanding plant diversity and subsequent biochemical diversity enhance the sustainability of agriculture systems? Research involving the ecological importance of plant secondary metabolites in plants, and their nutritional potential for foraging animals and humans will be reviewed. The influence of plant secondary metabolites in the soil and subsequent land management implications will be highlighted. Increasing our understanding of plant secondary metabolites and their potential role in agroecosystems will expand our ability to enhance agricultural sustainability. |
