No one will argue against the importance of soil management. Healthy topsoil stimulates the growth of tougher, more fruitful plants from root to shoot. Yet the degradation of topsoil through commercial over-farming has created a global crisis, one that threatens the nourishing compounds found in favorable soil. Though regenerative agricultural practices aim to prevent that catastrophe, there’s still a chance that you’ll find fewer essential nutrients in future growing seasons.
What do those key nutrients and minerals provide for your crops? And what should you expect if you’re not using soil nutrient management techniques to encourage the uptake of scarce compounds? Here are some answers to both questions – and some insight into how the Ascophyllum nodosum in Acadian Kelp™ seaweed can help.
Calcium
High-functioning metabolism is the base of fruitful crops. If your plants are unable to transform food into energy, they’ll falter. Calcium helps transport nutrients to cells throughout the plant and support a variety of enzyme functions.
The challenge is that even though calcium is abundant in a variety of minerals in the soil, most of it is found in insoluble compounds that will not leach into the soil for vegetation to use. That’s why, whether you’re relying on what’s available or providing supplements, seaweed can offer bioactive compounds to make calcium absorption easier.
Magnesium
Photosynthesis not only requires the appropriate amounts of sunlight, water and CO2 to create food for plants, but also robust amounts of chlorophyll. Magnesium is a central ingredient in chlorophyll and contributes to efficient plant metabolism.
Though nutrient-rich topsoil often contains the necessary amounts of magnesium for healthy photosynthesis and metabolism in plants, industrial farming practices depleted this macronutrient. This magnesium deficiency is one of the many causes of chlorosis spreading throughout crops, with yellow replacing green across the surface area of plants’ leaves.
Not only does Acadian Kelp™ seaweed provides magnesium to malnourished plants, but other organic compounds in our formulation encourage root systems to expand, enabling them to find and use any preexisting amounts of the macronutrient already in your soil.
A Range of Micronutrients
Not every nutrient is required in large quantities. Micronutrients deliver exceptional value in small doses. If even the barest requirements are not met, essential functions from photosynthesis and respiration to enzyme production and pollen germination will struggle.
- Manganese – This micronutrient is multifaceted. Photosynthesis, pollen germination, respiration, root cell elongation and pathogen immunity all rely on manganese for optimal performance.
- Zinc – Another essential component of chlorophyll, zinc keeps plants green and growing when abundant in the soil. Any deficiencies can result in leaf discoloration and diminutive plants.
- Iron – A variety of enzymes and pigments depend on iron. In fact, it’s vital for reducing nitrate and sulfate to healthy amounts, preventing the possibility of nutrient burn – or worse.
- Boron – This micronutrient contributes to the structure of your crops. When enough is available, cell walls and membranes excel at their support and protection functions within the plant. Without boron, plants struggle with cell replication and fertility.
- Copper – Numerous enzymes rely on copper for their formation, as do many of the pigmentations and flavors of some fruits and vegetables. A little goes a long way with plant nutrient requirements, but any deficiency can lead to necrotic spots, smaller leaves and inhibited branch growth.
Are you ready to enhance your soil nutrient management techniques? Our seaweed can do the trick. Contact Acadian Kelp™ to find out more!
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