A chemical compound composed of a metal ion and a chelating agent, usually organic such as an amino acid. Chelates bond with certain minerals to increase uptake in plants while preventing interactions with other minerals that could render minerals unavailable (lockout.)
The first “leaves” of a dicot plant that emerge when a seed is planted that serve as the nutrient source until a plant develops roots for uptake of minerals.
Stands for the Electrical Conductivity of a solution. An EC meter is helpful in determining the concentration of minerals, nutrients or salts affecting plant growth; the higher the concentration, the more conductive the solution is.
Critical to the uptake of minerals and cooling of the plant, through movement of water within the entire plant. Can also be described as loss of water through evaporation.
A naturally-occurring mineral complex that’s used to lower the pH of a grow medium.
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Hydrolite
Hydrolite is the product name for Botanicare’s exclusive silica based mineral rock also known as zeolite. Hydrolite is a natural...
A naturally-occurring mined mineral complex which will raise pH.
Colonies of beneficial fungi which live on plant roots in a symbiotic association where fungireceive carbohydrates while plant roots receive enhanced mineral absorption capability.
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NPK Issue
Issue #2 is live. The NPK issue covers a number of topics including: A Simple Guide to NPK, A beginners...
A mineral that a plant can uptake and assimilate into its tissue; a plant food.
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Organics and Minerals: Do you Really Understand What’s Going into your Garden?
Many growers give themselves labels based on the types of inputs they use in their gardens, often referring to “strict...
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Selectivity of Plant Nutrient Ion Uptake
The interactions between mineral cations and anions are well understood by chemists, but often overlooked by horticulturists when applying fertilizers...
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Silica in Hydroponics
Silica is the second most abundant element on earth and plays a vital role in optimizing plant health and yield....
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The Soil – Blog Part 2
Hey friends! Welcome back. So after the first Soil Blog post, I was all excited telling a friend of mine...
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Understanding EC/PPM: Q&A with Blue Lab
We all understand the importance of applying nutrients at the correct strength and the appropriate time to achieve successful crop...