The rules for chemical fertilization programs were started in the 1960’s and are still followed by many today, 60 years later. These rules, then as now, are wrong. In the 60’s we had very little awareness or understanding of soil microorganisms. Their value did not exist nor were they recognized. Subsequently the big drivers in fertilization were Nitrogen (N), Phosphate (P), and Potassium (P). NPK. These minerals came from high salt sources and were generally fast release, especially Nitrogen.
We were taught to over apply because most of the NPK would leach away from the roots or volatilize into the atmosphere. An example is turfgrass, which was assumed to need 5 -6 lb of chemical Nitrogen per 1,000 sq ft per year. Remember up to 80% of applied chemical Nitrogen is leached away from the plant and never used. The plant does just fine with 1 -2 lb of Organic slow-release Nitrogen plus all the Nitrogen-fixing bacteria that exists in healthy soils.
What really drives plant health is Oxygen, Carbon, Microbes and Minerals. Yes, N-P-K are important minerals but so are all the other minerals, many of which are needed in small amounts. Small amounts don’t mean they are insignificant. Plants need a rich array of minerals, up to 52 to be healthy. Less than that will cause malnourishment which then leads to disease and pest insects.
Oxygen is needed in greater amounts than Nitrogen and will primarily come from soils that are friable and not compacted. Soils rich in microbial life will make soils friable. Second, what is needed is carbon, lots of carbon to feed the microbes. With oxygen and carbon, in a clean, non-contaminated soil site, you get a rich array of beneficial microbes. These microbes then mine the soil for minerals that they and the plants need. With proper minerals infused, the plants are well nourished and are healthy.
The microbes, minerals and plants all work together to produce primary and secondary plant metabolites. These metabolites are absolutely critical to plant health. The plant metabolites will include vitamins, antioxidants, anti-inflammatories, stress inhibitors, disease defense and protection from pest insects.
All this happens if we take good care of our soil and never apply poisons like chemical fertilizers or chemical pesticides. Love Mother Nature and she will love you back.
Mike Serant
Mike is the owner + master formulator of MicroLife Organic Biological Fertilizers in Houston TX.
