Satisfactory plant growth requires all nutrients being simultaneously available and in sufficient quantity. The 6 “macronutrients” are those needed in the largest quantities. Of these, the 3 most important ones are the NPK fertilizers – nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K). The “trace elements” are also needed but only in small amounts.
Generally speaking, nutrients can only be rapidly absorbed by plant roots if they are in the form of mineral “ions”. An “ion” is an atom or group of atoms which has gained or lost one or more electrons, and therefore carries a positive or negative charge. This “charge” enables ions to either repel or attract other ions. Ions with a positive charge (+) are called “cations” and are attracted to a root hair containing negative (-) ions called “anions”. In this way, nutrients are brought close to root hairs so they can be absorbed.
“Inorganic nutrients” or “salts” supply nutrients in the mineral ion form. Provided pH is within the acceptable range, they are readily available for root uptake. These will often be listed in the derivation statement on nutrient labels.
Where “inorganic nutrients” (i.e. salts) come from: Inorganic nutrients are sourced from seawater and mineral deposits. The unwanted and nuisance salts are removed by a process called fractional crystallization. Hence they are “synthetic” only in the sense that they are purified by man-made processes.
For more see page 35 of the FloraMax Hydroponics Manual.
VegaFlora A+B is a professional 2-part nutrient that meets the demands of commercial cropping in hydroponics, soil or coco coir.
