Episode Details

Dr. Kris Nichols has conducted innovative research on soil biology, understanding how to regenerate soil health quickly. She is the founder and principal scientist of KRIS (Knowledge for Regeneration In Soils) Systems Education & Consulting Services. Dr. Nichols has also been the Chief Scientist at Rodale Institute and a Research Soil Microbiologist with the USDA.

In this episode, Kris and I discuss how to harness the power of fungi to decrease the use of synthetic fertilizers, the symbiosis between bacteria and water retention, and climate-resilient crops.

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Resources

• David Montgomery
• Judith Schwartz (Cows Save the Planet, Water in Plain Sight)
• Kristin Ohlson (The Soil Will Save Us)
• William Schlesinger (Biogeochemistry: An Analysis of Global Change)

Episode 11 - Kris Nichols - Highlights

3:00 - What are some of the highlights that have lead Kris to where she is today?

• Kris researched mycorrhizal fungi at the University of Minnesota
• Kris worked with USDA and fell back in love with agriculture, especially when seeing concepts from the lab being practically implemented

7:00 - Not being able to regenerate soil to full potential when using synthetic fertilizer

• Organisms in the soil have huge potential to resolve nutrient issues in plants
• In a lab, Kris could see this to be true - but many growers were still relying on synthetic fertilizers
• Need to put the tools in place to optimize organisms in soil (mycorrhizal fungi especially) to maximize effects on plants

10:10 - Applying soluble phosphorus fertilizers removing the need for a symbiotic relationship between plants and mycorrhizae

• Timing is very important when adding amendments - making sure the plant needs are being met when it has those needs
• Many times, plants are unable to make use of all the fertilizer applied
• Can't "outsource" the job of mycorrhizal fungi

17:10 - What other fertilizers could have a damaging effect?