Enzyme Reactions are Specific
Much like a puzzle piece, enzymes take on a certain shape to
ensure only particular reactions will occur. The place on the
enzyme where the reaction occurs is called the active site. This
active site is like a keyhole and will only bind to a specific
mineral or substrate that fits perfectly. The enzyme remains
unchanged throughout the entire reaction process. After the
reaction has occurred and the resulting chemical reactions
have taken place, the enzyme is ready for a new reaction.
Increasing the Rate of Reactions
Like other catalysts, enzymes can increase the rate of
chemical reactions by lowering the activation energy
required for the given reaction. In other words, the pres-
ence of enzymes is what makes particle reaction happen at
a faster rate. This is one of the reasons why enzyme formu-
las and products that indirectly add enzymes to a grow
medium have become so popular among horticulturists. By
supplementing specific enzymes or microorganisms that
produce enzymes, horticulturists ensure they are maximiz-
ing the rate at which nutrient absorption can occur while
helping protect the plants from pathogens.
Temperature and pH Effect on Enzymes
“
It is the enzymes
released by
mycorrhizae that
help make some of the
hard-to-capture nutrients —
such as organic nitrogen,
phosphorus, and iron — available.”
Enzymes, and the microorganisms that produce them, do not
do well in extreme temperature conditions. Extremely hot or
cold conditions will have a negative effect on enzymes and
microorganisms. Many prepackaged soils are inoculated with
beneficial microorganisms in the hopes they will produce
the enzymes needed to accelerate chemical reactions in the
soil. However, when a soil is shipped or stored in hot or cold
conditions, the microorganism population can be negatively
affected, thus adversely affecting their ability to produce bene-
ficial enzymes. Some soil manufacturers have rectified this by
adding moisture protectants in prepackaged soils to preserve
the valuable microorganisms and the enzymes they produce.
The pH of a soil or medium has little effect on the enzymes
themselves as they can withstand a wide pH range. However,
the pH of a soil or medium will limit a plant’s ability to uptake
particular nutrients. Although the enzymes will still be able
to carry out their functions, the plant itself may not be able to
reap the rewards because of a pH range falling outside the
range for nutrient absorption.
Supplementing Enzymes in the Garden
A horticulturist can supplement enzymes into a garden
either directly or indirectly. There are specific enzyme
formulas containing isolate enzymes. These are an example
of direct enzyme supplementation. In some cases, an
enzyme formula is comprised of a single isolated enzyme
or a combination of multiple enzymes. Most of the isolated
enzyme formulations are targeted at a plant’s root zone and
aid in breaking down dead root matter while reducing the
likelihood of pathogens, such as root rot.
Maximum Yield
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