Plant Nutrition and Growth

There are approximately 17 elements that are all important to complete a plant diet.

Simplistic NPK (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium) are the main nutrients plants need to grow, however, more nutrients and elements are needed for healthy plant growth including microbial life, humus, and trace minerals. These trace minerals are also critical for stock health.

Plants require energy to grow, therefore the energy content in fertilisers is important. Energy is created in the soil by the interaction between nutrients and the cycling role of micro-organisms.

Poor microbial life reduces the organic life in the soil, yielding more toxic by-products. This leads to a pattern of needing synthetic fertilisers to provide plant fertility needs not being met by the soil. In a healthy, high functioning soil ecosystem, the need for synthetic fertilisers is greatly reduced and can be eliminated altogether.

Calcium is a nutrient of prime importance and relates directly to microbial activity, soil tilth, soil drainage, and overall soil performance.

MACRO-Nutrients

MICRO-Nutrients

For more in-depth information search the internet for:

• What nutrients are needed to grow healthy plants?
• The importance of soil micro-organisms and nutrient cycling