The Plant Movement Podcast
Welcome to The Plant Movement Podcast, the ultimate podcast for entrepreneurs, enthusiasts, and professionals in the ever growing Green Industry. The Plant Movement was founded by Willie Rodriguez and Eddie Gonzalez. This podcast brings you engaging conversations, expert insights, and actionable strategies to navigate the challenges and seize the opportunities in your business. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur, landscaper, garden center or simply passionate about the green industry, this podcast is your go-to resource for inspiration, knowledge, and success stories. LET'S GROW! Directed and Produced by Eddie EVDNT Gonzalez.
The Plant Movement Podcast
Feeding Plants Smarter: The 95% Absorption Breakthrough Changing Agriculture with Dr. Robert Cubria from Tecnafert
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In this powerful and eye-opening episode of The Plant Movement Podcast, host Willie Rodriguez sits down with Dr. Robert Cubria of Tecnafert to unpack one of the most urgent—and overlooked—crises in modern agriculture: soil degradation and the hidden consequences of conventional fertilization.
With over 17 years of research rooted in a groundbreaking university project from Spain, Dr. Cubria shares how the overuse of chemical fertilizers since the early 20th century has led to nutrient-depleted soils, water contamination, and even links to human health issues like kidney disease. But this conversation goes far beyond the problem—it’s about solutions.
Dr. Cubria dives deep into the science behind plant nutrition, revealing why traditional fertilizers are inefficient (with less than 7% absorption in many cases) and how Tecnafert’s revolutionary technology is changing the game. By engineering molecules at the nanoscale and using advanced bonding techniques, his team has achieved over 95% bioassimilation and full metabolization—while using up to 90% less product.
This episode explores:
- The real reason fertilizers fail across different soils and climates
- How molecule size and plant biology (like plasmodesmata) limit nutrient uptake
- The evolution from chemical fertilizers to chelated compounds—and beyond
- A breakthrough “smart molecule” that responds to plant signals to release nutrients at the right time
- Why current agricultural systems prioritize sales over solutions
- The role of AI and precision agriculture in the future of farming
- Soil challenges in South Florida and practical insights for growers in regions like Homestead
- How partnerships in the U.S. are working to rebuild soil health and support growers with real-time data
- The importance of education, generational change, and empowering farmers with better tools
Dr. Cubria also challenges conventional thinking around “organic” agriculture, advocating instead for a model of healthy, efficient, and scalable farming that ensures both profitability and global food security—especially as we approach a population of 10 billion by 2050.
Whether you're a grower, nursery operator, ag professional, or simply passionate about the future of food, this episode is packed with cutting-edge insights and practical takeaways.
Key Takeaway: It’s time to rethink how we feed plants—and start focusing on precision, efficiency, and long-term sustainability.
Have a challenge in your operation? Reach out—this episode is just the beginning of a bigger conversation.
Listen now and join the movement.
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