FEATURESTORY
by Eric Hopper
Enzymes, Amino Acids and Plant Hormones
A
good feeding regiment will contain all the
essential elements and trace minerals needed
for healthy plant growth. In addition to
these vital nutrients, many horticulturists
choose to “super charge” their feeding programs with
non-plant food additives. These additives are not actu-
ally nutrients, but are additives which enhance plant
growth or increase efficiency in various ways. Three
of the most popular non-plant food additives used by
indoor horticulturists and greenhouse hobbyists are
enzymes, amino acids, and plant hormones.
Experience great tasting
fruits, vegetables
and healthier plants
from your garden.
Since 1982, EM-1®
Effective Microorganisms®
has been the world’s
leading product to help
improve plant soil quality.
Enzymes
In nature, beneficial microorganisms produce a
wide variety of enzymes that have been shown to ac-
celerate plant growth. There are chemical reactions
happening constantly within the soil. The role an en-
zyme plays in these reactions is unique because the
enzyme itself is not responsible for the reaction, but
rather the speed at which it occurs. In this way, en-
zymes become a biological regulatory system for many
of the chemical reactions that affect plant life.
Enzymes are highly selective catalysts made up of
amino acids, proteins, or RNA. Enzymes differ from
other catalysts in their selective nature. In other words,
enzymes only react with a specific, predetermined sub-
strate. When enzymes are formed they take on a cer-
tain shape which ensures that only specific reactions
can occur. Like other catalysts, enzymes are able to in-
crease the speed of chemical reactions by lowering the
activation energy required for the given reaction. Put
another way, when a horticulturist uses enzymes in his
or her feeding regiment, it will help accelerate the rate
at which nutrient absorption occurs.
How to Supplement Enzymes
A horticulturist can supplement enzymes into his
or her garden directly or indirectly. Using a liquid
enzyme formula that is comprised of the isolated en-
zymes is an example of direct enzyme supplementa-
tion. Supplementing beneficial microorganisms which,
in turn, increase the amount of enzymes in the me-
dium is an example of indirect supplementation. Either
method should be used in conjunction with a com-
plete fertilizer regiment.
To order visit TeraGanix.com
or call 866.319.3402
M-F 9am-5pm CST
6
available on
Amino Acids
Amino acids are organic compounds with an
amino (-NH2) and a carboxylic acid group (-COOH)
and are required for plant functions throughout the
plant’s entire life cycle. Amino acids are used for the
synthesis of cellular molecules, including chlorophyll,
enzymes, proteins and vitamins. Amino acids begin
www.GardenandGreenhouse.net
June 2017