Parameters for Biological Function

Major Cation

Potassium (K)
BEST SOURCES
Potassium Sulfate (0-0-50-17S) K-Mag (0-0-22-22S-11Mg)

BENEFITS
Yield potential Stalk strength Lodging resistance Winter Hardiness Protein production Carbohydrate production Sugar translocation Enzymes Cell division

COMMENTS
Potassium ppm shouldnt be below 100, regardless of CEC An excess can cause problems Beware of Potassium Chloride (0-0-60) due to excess chloride

IDEAL BALANCE
3-5% Saturation (780 x C.E.C. x %saturation)/200 = ppm

The Path

to

High Brix

Parameters for Biological Function

Major Cation

Calcium (Ca)
BEST SOURCES

BENEFITS

Improve soil structure Limestone Kiln Dust (LKD) Stimulate soil microbes High-Calcium Lime (low Mg) (Ca 30-35%) Stimulate earthworms Increase Nitrogen utilization Increase protein content COMMENTS Root & leaf growth Cell division Trucker of all nutrients Build cell walls Primary base for other molecules to react Increase plant sugars Key to successful foliar sprays Overall plant health Forms main channels to move molecules High quality grain & fruit Intra-cell communication key (telephone)

IDEAL BALANCE
70-80% Saturation (400 x C.E.C. x %saturation)/200 = ppm

The Path

to

High Brix

Parameters for Biological Function

Major Cation

Magnesium (Mg)
BEST SOURCES

BENEFITS

Key element in chlorophyll Magnesium Sulfate (Mg 9%, S 12%) Protein production K-Mag (0-0-22-22S-11Mg) Enzymes Energy release in cells Aids Phosphorus uptake COMMENTS Oil formation Starch translocation An excess can cause problems Tightens soil Hard to balance soil Ties up Potassium Reduces Nitrogen uptake

IDEAL BALANCE
12-15% Saturation (240 x C.E.C. x %saturation)/200 = ppm

The Path

to

High Brix

Parameters for Biological Function

Major Anion

Phosphorus (P)
phosphate
BEST SOURCES

BENEFITS

Fast & vigorous growth Mono-ammonium Phosphate (MAP) Good & early root growth (11-52-0 or 10-50-0) Hastens maturity Phosphate Rock Increase Nitrogen uptake Grain development & quality COMMENTS Increase mineral content Higher plant sugar MAP (pH 5) more available, low ammonium Energy release in cells DAP (pH 11) less available, hi ammonium Cell division & enlargement may harm root development Photosynthesis All minerals (except Nitrogen) enter plant Contained in cell DNA attached to phosphate (train engine) Key to ADP/ATP energy to power the cell IDEAL BALANCE Shortage is broken energy transmission in P1 (available): 20 50 ppm plant, preventing growth P2 (reserve): 50-100 ppm

The Path

to

High Brix

Parameters for Biological Function

Major Anion

Sulfur (S)
sulfate

BENEFITS
Loosen, aerate soil More useable protein Hi quality, complete protein Make soil N more available Reduce excess soil Mg Lower soil pH Energy release in cells Part of Vitamin B1 & biotin

BEST SOURCES
Ammonium Sulfate (21-0-0-24S) Calcium Sulfate (gypsum) (Ca 23%, S 17%) Potassium Sulfate (0-0-50-17S) Sulfate Trace Minerals

COMMENTS
Builds humus Needs to be present in 10:1 ratio N:S Helps make deep green plants

IDEAL BALANCE
50 ppm or 100# lbs/acre

The Path

to

High Brix

Parameters for Biological Function

Minor Anion

Boron (B)
BEST SOURCES

BENEFITS

Promote flowering & pollen Calcium Borate(14% B) Promote silk & tassel in corn Seed development Root & leaf development Cell wall formation COMMENTS Protein production Sugar translocation Gatekeeper to put Calcium into a plant Energy release in cells Weak mineral uptake without Boron Improves quality Must be addressed yearly Increase Calcium uptake

IDEAL BALANCE
2+ ppm or 4 lbs/acre

The Path

to

High Brix

Parameters for Biological Function

Minor Cation

Zinc (Zn)
BEST SOURCES
Zinc Sulfate (35%)

BENEFITS
Contributes to test weight Increase ear size in corn Promote silking in corn Hasten maturity Chlorophyll formation Enzymes Regulate plant growth Increase plant leaf size

COMMENTS
Extremely important in Phosphorus uptake and use within plants

IDEAL BALANCE
5+ ppm or 10 lbs/acre

The Path

to

High Brix

Parameters for Biological Function

Minor Cation

Manganese (Mn)
BEST SOURCES
Manganese Sulfate

BENEFITS
Normal growth Photosynthesis Energy release in cells Enzymes

COMMENTS
Nitrogen mobility & utilization within plant

IDEAL BALANCE
20 ppm or 40 lbs/acre Manganese to Iron ratio = 1:1

The Path

to

High Brix

Parameters for Biological Function

Minor Cation

Iron (Fe)
BEST SOURCES

BENEFITS

Chlorophyll production Energy release in cells Needed by Nitrogen-fixing bacteria

COMMENTS
High Iron ties up Phosphorus Watch for Iron in feeds; with high Iron in soil, expect Phosphorus tie-up

IDEAL BALANCE
20 ppm or 40 lbs/acre

The Path

to

High Brix

Parameters for Biological Function

Minor Cation

Copper (Cu)
BEST SOURCES
Copper Sulfate

BENEFITS
Control mold & fungi Photosynthesis Energy release in cells Enzymes Normal leaf growth Increase stalk strength

COMMENTS
Involved with plant immune system Helps produce high quality crops with greater storability

IDEAL BALANCE
2+ ppm or 4 lbs/acre

The Path

to

High Brix