The correct use of PK products is a hotly debated topic, and there is no unanimous answer for
every situation. It’s widely accepted that phosphorus and potassium are used in fluctuating
quantities for different developmental functions within the plant at each stage of growth.
During the earlier and later stages of floral expansion, crops have a slightly increased demand for
phosphorus and potassium, which aids in root growth, flower set and fruit bulking.
Recent research also indicates an increase in Iron (Fe) is beneficial in the middle stages of flower,
check out the House & Garden Top Booster for PK +Fe. Most leading international hydroponic
nutrient companies have accurately calculated nutriment regimes providing for the correct
ratios throughout the different stages of growth. This is why it’s best to use the complete range
of nutrients as a regime.
It’s always advised to follow appropriate feed charts with a ‘less is more’ approach, and learn to
read what your plants are telling you as they develop.
So how do we acquaint PK products alongside the bio-stimulants in common bloom boosters?
By ensuring you’re providing adequate nutriment including delicate adjustments to the NPK
ratio, you’re giving your plants the best chance to reach their genetic potential. However by
including various organic or synthetic ingredients, we can begin to manipulate the genetic
potential of the plant in our favour.
Organic bio-stimulants are rapidly gaining popularity with both soil and hydroponic growers. As
we increasingly understand the interactions between organic nutriments, the plants rootzone
and mycorrhizal/bacterial life, new products are giving growers increases in both quantity and
the quality of their yield.
Ingredients such as amino acids, enzymes, guanos, and complex sugars can be successfully used
in almost any situation as they naturally and gently encourage increased floral growth through
various physiological changes in the plant. Check out BIO DIESEL Bat Guano for an excellent
example!
Amino acids incite enzyme production and promote the natural breakdown of nutrients within
the medium for increased plant consumption. These organic bloom boosters may also include a
variety of biological by-products such as compost tea, worm juice, rock phosphate or naturally
occurring plant hormones. Globally these practices are proving more sustainable and giving
farmers impressive results without hazard to the plant or their environment.
As organics break down into their medium and interact with the plant in a more natural fashion,
they also encourage greater beneficial bacteria, trichoderma and mycorrhizal activity. It’s worth
discussing with your local hydroponic retailer about the base ingredients and supplier of organic
bloom boosters, as some brands tend to lack quality control in the manufacturing process.
WWW.STEALTH-GARDEN.COM
27