The symbiotic relationship between plant root systems and beneficial bacteria and fungi is widely recognised by many horticulture growers. It is now understood that there are extensive interrelationships between micro-organisms and plant roots. It is known that crops like lettuce, grown in recirculating NFT systems, eventually accumulate large populations of pathogens such as Fusarium, Pythium spp and Verticillium spp. They cause destruction of roots and leaves, leading to plant death. However, surfacants are not registered in New South Wales for use in hydroponic nutrient solutions, with the exception of Agral 500.
Surfactants mimic the hormone oestrogen.
When they get into the aqueous environment, they contaminate marine and riverine animal species causing males to lose their ability to produce testosterone, thereby having a feminising effect. This problem has been clearly demonstrated in the Florida Everglades where alligators are failing to reproduce. Medical scientists know that our intestines are full of millions of bacteria, which are responsible for many of the reactions that occur during digestion. They assist us in assimilating the nutrients in our food. It is now recognised that as we age, it is harder to maintain the population of friendlies in our gut.