Impressive Dynamic Accumulators
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The term dynamic accumulator (DA) generally refers to plants that ‘mine’ nutrients from the subsoil, bringing those nutrients into their plant material. As those plant materials then decompose, those nutrients are released into the surrounding* soil, acting as natural fertilizers for nearby plants. *If needed, the nutrient-rich plant material can be relocated to be used as mulch, or added to compost, or used to make compost teas.
Many plants can offer great benefits to their neighboring plants (pollen sources, groundcover, shelter, etc.), but in order to properly qualify as dynamic accumulators (DA), a few criteria could be considered:
- that the plants accumulate beneficial nutrients in their tissues at concentration levels higher than those found in the surrounding soil, and at ~twice the average of other plants studied
- that the plants draw nutrients from the subsoil, rather than shallower depths
By these criteria, researchers found a number of plants that they considered to be dynamic accumulators (DA). Based on the research and keeping in mind that plants can perform differently across diverse scenarios, here are a few of my favorite plants that are native to the east, north-central Midwest:
First, our native dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) is an impressive, perennial accumulator of nutrients across her leaves and roots, including phosphorus (P), potassium (K), boron (B), calcium (Ca), chlorine (Cl), iron (Fe), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), sodium (Na), sulfur (S), and zinc (Zn). Of these, dandelion is considered a DA of B, Ca, Cl, Fe, Na, and Zn. Dandelion also offers us an incredible source of nourishment, with all parts being edible and nutritious, and some additionally, offering therapeutic benefits.
An additional native plant with notable mineral-accumulating properties is amaranth or pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus). Amaranth accumulates P, K, Ca, Fe, Mg, Na and Zn in her leaves which, if left to decompose in the soil, will deposit those nutrients for the benefit of surrounding plants. She is chiefly considered a DA of P, K, Ca, Fe, Mg and Zn. If you wish, the tender leaves of this annual plant make a good raw or cooked green, and the seeds can be dried and ground into flour.
Another notable, native plant that accumulates several nutrients is lambs quarters (Chenopodium album), accumulating P, K, Ca and Fe in her leaves, with P, K and Ca being high-enough to classify this very special, annual plant as a DA for those. The nutritious leaves of lambs quarters are edible as are the seeds, which can be dried and ground into flour, or enjoyed similarly to quinoa.
Another remarkable, native plant that is a star-accumulator is perennial nettle (Urtica dioica), drawing nitrogen (N), P, K, B, Ca, Cl, Fe, Mg, Mn, molybdenum (Mo), Na, sulfur (S), selenium (Se), silicon (Si), and Zn into her leaves, carrying the more-official DA-classification for N, Ca, Mg and S. With her leaves high in helpful minerals as well as vitamins, nettle can also be enjoyed as a nourishing cooked green or as tea. It might help to wear gloves when harvesting the leaves to avoid the discomfort of the “stinging hairs” (the stinging properties disappear upon cooking).
An additional, noteworthy native is wild thicket bean (Phaseolus polystachios). This perennial vine accumulates N*, P, K, B, Ca, Fe, Mg, Mo, Na, S, Se, Si and Zn across her fruit and leaves, and is being heralded specifically as a DA of P, K, Ca, Fe, Mg, Mo, Si and Zn. The beans are also edible when cooked, but note that (as with most legumes) while many minerals do accumulate in various parts of these plants, the highest numbers tend to accumulate in the beans, so if all beans are harvested for consumption, less of the mined nutrients will be returned to the soil. *In this case, the nitrogen is “fixed” from the atmosphere via a symbiotic relationship with root-nodule bacteria.
There are also, many additional native plants that accumulate a variety of minerals from the soil – many collecting a smattering of several nutrients while also offering nourishment to us – like perennial plantain (Plantago spp., DA of Ca), biennial Queen Anne’s lace (Daucus carota, DA of K and Na), and the annuals purslane (Portulaca oleracea, DA of K, Ca, Cl, Mg and Na) and chickweed (Stellaria spp., DA of Cl, Fe and Mg), plus many more.
While dynamic accumulators can offer many benefits, it is important to select plants that are most suitable to your situation and environment. Combining them with additional ecologic methods can help improve biodiversity and result in even healthier outcomes.
Note: Some research reports and databases show varying results, but as we work in good faith with plants and the land to improve conditions for All, I believe success will come.
Sources:
– Phytochemical and Ethnobotanical Database by botanist James A. Duke, Ph.D
– Dynamic Accumulator Database and USDA Analysis, sponsored by Unadilla Community Farm and Northeast SARE