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# Dealing with Plant Diseases Dealing with diseases by spraying does little more than suppress symptoms. A healthy plant can keep most plant diseases out. In response to the negative effects of using fertilizers, pesticides are used to save the harvest. The conclusion we can draw is that plants onl...

# Dealing with Plant Diseases Dealing with diseases by spraying does little more than suppress symptoms. A healthy plant can keep most plant diseases out. In response to the negative effects of using fertilizers, pesticides are used to save the harvest. The conclusion we can draw is that plants only given fertilizer will ultimately always become diseased. Fertilizer is the direct cause of the use of most pesticides. To resolve the worldwide problem of over-fertilization, the vicious circle must be broken. ## Improving the soil The question we must ask ourselves is - how can we improve the soil? The answer is surprisingly simple, but requires some explanation. Just like every other organism on the planet, a plant does not function independently. Health and growth depend on a partnership between specialist bacteria and fungi. Plants, fungi, and bacteria form a wonderful system based on trading products. ### How the system works * **Fungi and bacteria supply nutrients**: Fungi and bacteria supply nutrients from the soil that would otherwise be hard to reach. * **Plants supply sugars**: In exchange for this, the plant supplies sugars in the form of glucose. To explain this system, we will explain bacteria and fungi separately. ## Plants have a problem * **Limited root capacity**: Plants have a problem. Their fine absorption roots have a limited capacity; they only use 4 to 7% of the soil volume, and are on average no thicker than a hair. * **Short lifespan**: They do not live long, only one to three weeks. ## Plants need help As you can see, plants need external help. Plants use their absorption roots to forge a partnership. If they can't find partners, they'll die. If they succeed, it's the start of a beautiful relationship. From now on, a symbiosis can be created. ### Rhizobia bacteria Minerals are hard to mine from the soil, but rhizobia bacteria are specialized in this process, especially when it comes to releasing phosphate, which is very important for the plant. These bacteria also carry out countless other important tasks, including one which is very special. Rhizobia bacteria form a sort of natural defense system around the roots. Anything attacking the plant is kept outside by the physical presence of these bacteria. They ensure that there is no room for disease-causing bacteria. They have their own interest in this because the plant provides them with food. However, the