What's the function of Nitrogen (N) in plants?Nitrogen (N) is among the vital elements needed for the survival of living things. It being an abundant common element on earth, it forms approximately 78% in the earth's atmosphere. Nitrogen is chemically reacted with other compounds such as ammonia, nitric acid, organic nitrates and cyanides to form unique compounds with totally different chemical and physical properties. Since plants cannot use or take nitrogen directly from the atmosphere, uptake is through nitrogen forms that include...
What's the Function of Potassium (K) in Plants?Potassium is a paramount macro-element for overall survival of living things. It is an abundant mineral macronutrient present in both plant and animals tissues. It is necessary for the proper functionality of all living cells. Potassium is relatively abundant in the earth's crust making up to 2.1% by weight. Potassium is mined in the form of potash (KOH), sylvite (KCl), Carnallite and Langbeinite. It is not found in free nature. Why is Potassium Important to Plants? Potassium is an indis...
Why Monopotassium Phosphate is a Great Choice for Plant HealthMonopotassium Phosphate, an eco-friendly fertilizer makes for strong roots when your plants need it most. Jumpstart your harvest this season with our 100 percent water soluble and heavy metal free Monopotassium Phosphate plant fertilizer that helps establish firm roots early in the growing season to ensure your crops are full and healthy. Our Monopotassium Phosphate fertilizer contains 52% phosphorous and 34% potassium and is a highly efficient and effective form of fertilizer that feed...
Fertilizing Your Organic GardenOrganic fertilizers generally come from plants, animals, or minerals. Soil organisms break down the material into nutrients that plants can use. Some organic fertilizers contain significant amounts of only one of the major nutrients, such as phosphorus in bone meal, but they often have trace amounts of many other beneficial nutrients. In addition, some gardeners add organic material that improves soil structure and supports soil microorganisms, which helps make nutrients available more quickl...
What's the Function of Magnesium (Mg) in Plants?You may have more in common with plants than you think. Much like us, plants need a wide range of nutrients to stay healthy and we’ve mentioned time and time again about magnesium’s importance to our own wellbeing. But magnesium is also a critical macronutrient for plant growth and health. It is a key element of the chlorophyll molecule – essential for photosynthesis. Magnesium gives leaves their green hue and activates most plant enzymes needed for growth while contributing to protein synthe...
Fertilizer Toxicity vs. Nutrient Deficiency: Spotting the Difference in Your PlantsFertilizer toxicity and nutrient deficiency are common plant conditions with very different causes that can both destroy a crop while looking exactly the same. What is fertilizer toxicity or nutrient deficiency? How can you tell if either of these are happening to your plants? Here's what you need to know about fertilizer toxicity, nutrient deficiency, and how to figure out which of these conditions is affecting your plants. What is Fertilizer Toxicity in Plants? Fertilizer toxicity, som...
How to Prep Your Garden For Healthy Root GrowthAny self-respecting gardener would tell you how important the roots of a plant are. After all, just because you can't see them, doesn't mean that they aren't one of the main sources of your plants well-being. Keeping roots healthy is a vital part of looking after your plants and this short guide should help you identify the difference between healthy and unhealthy roots, and how you can treat poor root health. Why Do Roots Matter? Roots exist to take in water and nutrients from t...
The Benefits of Chitin for Healthy PlantsChitin might be the ingredient behind most crustacean meals available for soil health and plant resilience. However, you will find overrated sentiments about chitin or crustacean meals. Also, not all brands that offer fertilizer containing chitin are reliable. The best crustacean meals suit farmers seeking organic fertilizer options. They feature extra ingredients, besides chitin, to balance soil pH, stimulate soil microbes and microbial communities, protect from diseases and more. Here's...
What's the Function of Phosphorus (P) in Plants?Phosphorus (P) is part of the nuclei acid structure of plants which is responsible for the regulation of protein synthesis. Phosphorus plays a major role in the growth of new tissue and division of cells. Plants perform complex energy transmissions, a function that requires phosphorus. The value of phosphorus in your garden cannot be stressed enough. One of the benefits of phosphorus in plants is proper development of the roots and hastening of maturity. Why Do Plants Need Phosphorus? All li...
What's the Function of Calcium (Ca) in Plants?Most people don't realize just how important Calcium is to their plants. However, for plants to grow and remain healthy, there are specific nutrients they need — and Calcium is one of the more important ones. This is why it's important to use a good Calcium fertilizer to maintain the necessary Calcium levels for your plants. The Function of Calcium in Plants The nutrients plants need are categorized into three different categories — main nutrients, micro nutrients and trace elements....
The Role of Root Health in Your Plants and How to Improve ItTake care of your plants and your plants will take care you. Get more enjoyment from your flowers and plants while increasing crop yield, when you take proper care of their root systems using an organic fertilizer. A common mistake made by new gardeners is to overlook the health of the root systems of their plants. Root systems are like the foundation of a house or building. Just as a poor foundation can lead to a structure tumbling down, an unhealthy root system leads to the "tumbling do...
The 5 Fertilizers That Will Also Encourage Soil HealthOne key element that is often overlooked in gardening is healthy soil. You can feed your plants all the nutrients you want, but if your soil health is lacking, your plants won’t reach their full potential. What’s the easiest way to combat this? By feeding your soil of course! Our soil is comprised of tiny microorganisms and beneficial bacteria that work together to contribute to your plant’s health by providing a healthy foundation for root growth and nutrient uptake. The healthier your soil,...
What Are the Effects of Iron on Plant Growth?What is Iron? Iron, the 26th element in the periodic table, is one of 16 vital elements that are necessary for plants to grow and be healthy. While most people may think of iron as the tough, rust-prone material in their cast iron skillets, actually iron comes in various forms. Plants can make use of some of them, but in many types of soil, plants need a little help to be able to get the iron they need. What is the Function of Iron in Plants? Where plants are concerned, iron is a micronutrie...
Should You Add Fertilizer to Your Compost Pile?"What are you using for compost?" "That compost pile is coming along nicely." "I never start planting without a compost pile." Whether you've been planting for years or you're tilling rows for the first time, composting and fertilizing never fail to come up in conversations about the ins and outs of gardening. But what exactly is composting? Is the talk of fertilizer simply hype? If you've ever wondered about compost or fertilizer and what they can do for y...
What is the Role of Manganese and Potassium?Plants which produce fruit with a high concentration of carbohydrates require a great deal of potassium for carbohydrate transport into the fruit. The fruit functions as a storage organ for sugars, and consequently, also becomes a storage sink for potassium. High carbohydrate fruit such as tomatoes or potatoes need a generous supply of potassium to fill fruit. Potassium is usually readily absorbed, but sometimes crops struggle picking up potassium from the soil. This can be due to a variety ...
What is the Function of Sulfur (S) in Plants?In a past article about minerals in soil, we discussed proper soil nutrition and explained that plants take essential nutrients from the soil in order to thrive in their environment. One of these nutrients — a macronutrient to be precise — is sulfur, which healthy plants take in larger amounts from the soil. In this piece, we'll talk about what exactly sulfur does for plants and what to do in the event of a sulfur deficiency. How Does Sulfur Affect Plant Growth? Buy Organic Sulfur Powder...