What Nutrients help Boost Your Soil?GREENSAND
Another amendment that supplies potassium is greensand, which is the powdered natural mineral iron potassium silicate, often called glauconite. Although this rock powder might contain about 20 percent potassium, much of it is locked up in its mineral structure, so only a small percentage is released each year. The rate of release depends on soil conditions, with increasing temperature, moisture, acidity, and organic matter all increasing the rate. This amendment is also valued for its micronutrients, which are elements necessary for plant health required in miniscule amounts.
From Mary's Heirloom Seeds,
"Greensand is a mined mineral rich in soil conditioning glauconite
- Contains potash and other minerals from natural marine deposits
- Excellent soil conditioner
- Carrying a formulation of 0-0-0.1
GYPSUM (not something I add to my soil)
Not every amendment helps plants grow by supplying nutrients; a number of them work in indirect ways. Take gypsum, a mined mineral that is nothing more than calcium sulfate (plaster of Paris). Although gypsum does supply plants with the nutrients calcium and sulfur, it is usually applied to improve drainage in clay soils high in sodium, which prevents aggregation of clay particles. The calcium in gypsum displaces the sodium, allowing the clay particles to clump together into larger units through which water more readily drains. Because gypsum has no effect on soil pH, it can supply calcium with no change in acidity. Limestone could supply calcium, but it decreases soil acidity.
Sulfur is another amendment that can improve the physical condition of soils. Sulfur works best in soils that are high in sodium and calcium but where the calcium is tied up because it is insoluble. Soil microorganisms convert sulfur to sulfuric acid, which dissolves insoluble calcium, and can then displace the sodium to improve the soil in the same way gypsum does. That conversion of sulfur to sulfuric acid means that sulfur can also be used to make soils more acidic.
*I use Coffee Grounds to acidify my soil*
Rock phosphate is a naturally mined mineral that supplies phosphorus, another major plant nutrient (the “P” in N-P-K). You might find rock phosphate in three forms: colloidal phosphate, soft rock phosphate, and hard rock phosphate. Like greensand, these minerals release a small percentage of their phosphorus each year, the colloidal phosphate a bit faster than the others. These rocks also contain micronutrients.
ALFALFA MEAL: Available in our VEGAN All-In-One
Alfalfa meal is nothing more than ground alfalfa leaves and stems. As a legume, the alfalfa plant absorbs nitrogen from the air. Thus, its foliage is a significant source of nitrogen when added to soil. As the meal decomposes, it releases nitrogen as well as smaller quantities of phosphorus, potassium (its analysis is 2.5-1-1), and micronutrients. Alfalfa also contains the plant hormone triacontanol, which can boost plant growth.
SOYBEAN MEAL: Available in our VEGAN All-In-One
Nitrogen is the third major plant nutrient (the “N” in N-P-K), and one way to supply it is with soybean meal. This amendment is often specifically recommended as a nitrogen food for plants needing acidic soils. In such soils, the breakdown of raw soybean meal to usable nitrogen proceeds only to the point of putting it in a form enjoyed by such plants. In fact, soybean meal (or cottonseed meal, which is nutritionally equivalent but usually more expensive) can be used to feed any plant, and it does so in sync with plant growth, so one feeding can last the whole season. Be careful, though: Used excessively, seed meals can burn roots, overstimulate plant growth, and take on the aroma of a dead animal
From Mary's Heirloom Seeds,
"Azomite rock dust is a naturally mined volcanic rock composed of over 70 minerals and trace elements that are essential for optimal plant health. The rock formation in Utah from which Azomite is mined was formed when volcanic ash merged with sea water an estimated 30 million years ago. This mixture of volcanic ash and sea water created a unique source of trace minerals and elements that moist soils are void of. Just like humans, plants require many minerals to reach peak health and vigor. Re-minerlaize your soil with Azomite and your plants will thank you and reward you!"
- Give Plants the Vital Minerals They need to Thrive
- Great soil additive for all plants
As your plants grow they are using up nutrients from the soil. It is VERY important to replace those nutrients on a regular basis. Here are a few simple graphics to help you decide if you need more nutrients in your soil.
Remember, if you wait until your plants are showing deficiencies then you've waited too long! If you have additional questions please feel free to ask.
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