Organic Fanatic Collective

[jaykush]

i agree with you relik for the most part, i say go for it V, im always down for that kind of stuff. only thing that stands out to me.

"However some may state that this thread should remain an info-only thread"

i mean its not like its hard to find the info, most of them are huge articles or long posts.

i thought of this as the place for us to post info, post plants/nugs and shoot the shit or whatever comes our way.

hell if i had plants going id be posting along as they go. thats what this place is for.

 

[vonforne]

So, two maybes. I'm a maybe also. I had to ask what all of you thought before I went any further. Suby....where are you. Minds I also.....

 

[vonforne]

Here is something that goes along with MI's post.

Terms

By legal definition, the term fertilizer refers to a soil amendment that guarantees the minimum percentages of nutrients (at least the minimum percentage of nitrogen, phosphate and potash).

An organic fertilizer refers to a soil amendment derived from natural sources that guarantees, at least, the minimum percentages of nitrogen, phosphate, and potash. Examples include plant and animal by-products, rock powders, seaweed, inoculants, and conditioners. These are often available at garden centers and through horticultural supply companies.

These should not be confused with substances approved for use with the USDA National Organic Program (NOP). The USDA NOP , with its "USDA Organic" label, allows for the use of only certain substances. The Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI www.omri.org) approves brand name products made with ingredients from the “National List” for use with the NOP (see www.ams.usda.gov/nop and click “NOP Regulations” and then “National List Information”). Many of the organic fertilizers listed here will meet NOP standards (based on the National List). Growers participating in the NOP should consult with their certifier to ensure compliance for organic certification.

The term soil amendment refers to any material mixed into a soil. A mulch refers to a material placed on the soil surface. By legal definition, soil amendments make no legal claims about nutrient content or other helpful (or harmful) affects it will have on the soil and plant growth. In Colorado, the term compost is also unregulated, and could refer to any soil amendment regardless of active microorganism activity.

Many gardeners apply organic soil amendments, such as compost or manure, which most often do not meet the legal requirements as a fertilizer but add small amounts of nutrients.

Organic products require the activity of soil microorganisms before nutrients are available for plant uptake. This period is known as the release time. Microorganism activity is dependant on soil temperatures greater than 50 degrees F in the presence of sufficient soil moisture. Dry and/or cold soil conditions will delay the release of nutrients from these organic sources. This period refers to how long these products are available if applied to the soil. Use this information to time the application of the product.

Application refers to different products being applied in various ways. Some may be tilled in (worked into the soil with a machine or hand tool), others may be applied as a foliar spray (mixed with a surfactant and sprayed in a fine mist on the leaf surface while temperatures are below 80 degrees F), and some may be injected into a drip or overhead irrigation system (fertigation with a siphon mixer). Application rates in this fact sheet are generalized and based on some manufacturers’ recommendations. Over or under fertilization may occur using these recommendations.

See soil and fertility resources at tp://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/crops/pubcrop.html for information on how to take a soil sample, interpret soil test results, guidelines for fertilizing vegetables, and best management practices for N and P fertilization.
Plant By-Products
Alfalfa Meal or Pellets

Alfalfa meal or pellets are often used as animal feed. Primarily they are used to increase organic matter in the soil but do offer nutrients and a high availability of trace minerals. They contain trianconatol, a natural fatty-acid growth stimulant.
Table 1. Alfalfa meal or pellets
Typical NPK analysis 2-1-2
Release time 1-4 months
Pros Available at feed stores
Cons May contain seeds
Application Till in 2-5 pounds per 100 square feet
Corn Gluten Meal

Corn gluten meal materials have a high percentage of nitrogen. It carries a warning to allow 1 to 4 months of decomposition in the soil prior to seeding because its allelopathic properties inhibit the germination of seeds. However, there is no danger to established or transplanted plants. This product is also marketed as a pre-emergent weed control for annual grasses in bluegrass lawns.
Table 2. Corn gluten meal.
Typical NPK analysis 9-0-0
Release time 1-4 months
Pros Very high nitrogen
Cons Germination inhibitor, some is GMO
Application Till in 20-40 pounds per 1000 square feet
Cottonseed Meal

Cottonseed meal is a rich source of nitrogen. Buyers should be aware that many pesticides are applied to cotton crops and residues tend to remain in the seeds. Pesticide-free cottonseed meal is available.
Table 3. Cottonseed meal.
Typical NPK analysis 6-0.4-1.5
Release time 1-4 months
Pros High nitrogen
Cons Pesticide residues, most is GMO
Application Till in 10 pounds per 100 square feet

Soybean Meal

Used primarily as an animal feed product. Available bagged at many feed stores.
Table 4. Soybean meal.
Typical NPK analysis 7.2.1
Release time 1-4 months
Pros High nitrogen, available at feed stores
Cons Almost half of the conventionally grown soy is GMO
Application 8 pounds per 100 square feet


Animal By-Products
Bat Guano - High N

Bat guano (feces) harvested from caves is powdered. It can be applied directly to the soil or made into a tea and applied as a foliar spray or injected into an irrigation system.
Table 5. Bat guano - high N.
Typical NPK analysis 10-3-1
Release time 4+ months
Pros Stimulates soil microbes
Cons Cost
Application Till in 5 pounds per 100 square feet or as a tea at 3 teaspoons per gallon of water
Bat Guano - High P

See the description above. The difference is that it is processed for high phosphorus content.
Table 6. Bat guano - high P.
Typical NPK analysis 3-10-1
Release time 4+ months
Pros Stimulates soil microbes
Cons Cost
Application Till in 5 pounds per 100 square feet or as tea at 3 teaspoons per gallon of water
Blood Meal

Blood meal, made from dried slaughterhouse waste, is one of the highest non-synthetic sources of nitrogen. If over-applied it can burn plants with excessive ammonia.
Table 7. Blood meal.
Typical NPK analysis 12-0-0
Release time 1-4 months
Pros Available at feed stores
Cons Can burn. Expensive at garden centers
Application Till in 5 to 10 pounds per 100 square feet
Bone Meal

A well-known source of phosphorus, bone meal is steam processed and widely available at feed stores and in garden centers. If purchased at feed stores, P is expressed on the label as elemental phosphorus and is 2.3 times higher than numbers shown on garden center labels for phosphate (i.e., 12 percent phosphate is the same as 27 percent phosphorus). However, recent research has shown that P from bone meal is only available to plants in soils that have a pH below 7.0.
Table 8. Bone meal.
Typical NPK analysis 3-15-0
Release time 1-4 months
Pros Highly plant available form of phosphorus
Cons Cost
Application Till in 10 pounds per 100 square feet
Feather Meal

Sourced from poultry slaughter, feather meal has fairly high nitrogen levels but is slow to release the N.
Table 9. Feather meal.
Typical NPK analysis N varies 7-12 percent on process
Release time 4+ months
Pros Long term fertilizer
Cons Cost versus speed of N release
Application Till in 2.5 to 5 pounds per 100 square feet
Fish Emulsion

Infamous for its foul smell, emulsions are soluble, liquid fertilizers that have been heat and acid processed from fish waste.
Table 10. Fish emulsion.
Typical NPK analysis 5-2-2
Release time 1-4 months
Pros Adds needed micronutrients
Cons Some have foul smell
Application Mix 6 tablespoons per gallon of water
Enzymatically Digested Hydrolyzed Liquid Fish

Enzymatically digested hydrolyzed liquid fish may be using enzymes to digest the nutrients from fish wastes instead of using heat and acids. This retains more of the proteins, enzymes, vitamins and micronutrients than emulsions.
Table 11. Enzymatically digested hydrolyzed liquid fish.
Typical NPK analysis 4-2-2
Release time 1-4 months
Pros More nutrients than emulsions
Cons More expensive than emulsions
Application Mix 5 tablespoons per gallon of water
Fish Meal

Fish meal is ground and heat dried fish waste.
Table 12. Fish meal.
Typical NPK analysis 10-6-2
Release time 1-4 months
Pros N and P source
Cons Heat processed
Application Till in 5-10 pounds per 100 square feet
Fish Powder

Fish power is dried with heat and turned into water-soluble powder. It is a high source of nitrogen. Many can be mixed into solution and injected into an irrigation system.
Table 13. Fish powder
Typical NPK analysis 12-0.25-1
Release time Immediate to 1 month
Pros Adds micro-nutrients
Cons Heat processed
Application Till in 1-2 oz. Per 100 square feet OR Mix at 1 tablespoon per gallon of water
Compost, Manure and Biosolids Based Products

For information on biosolids, worm casting, manure, and compost, refer to the following fact sheets:

7.741, Organic Soil Amendments;
7.742, Using Manure in the Home Garden; and
7.743, Using Compost in the Home Garden.

Rock Powders

Those that are relevant for use in Colorado soils supply phosphorus. Those that serve as a potassium source (greensand, feldspar, potassium sulfate, biotite, etc.) are not necessary as Colorado soils are naturally high in potassium. Similarly, it is not necessary to add calcium (gypsum, lime, etc.) due to naturally high calcium levels in Colorado soils and arid conditions.

If you annually apply manure and/or compost to your garden to add nitrogen, you should have sufficient levels of phosphorus in your soil. If you apply manure or compost to your garden based on P needs, you might have an excess N supply. Excess N can lead to poor flower/fruit development and increases water pollution potential from N leaching from the soil.

Generally plant or animal sources are the best value for phosphorus in the home garden. Recent CSU research concluded that no rock P (regardless of mesh size) is available for plant use unless the soil pH is below 7.0
Colloidal Phosphate (Soft Rock Phosphate)

This product is made by surrounding clay particles with natural phosphate. Total phosphate is about 20 percent while available phosphate is about 2 to 3 percent. This is why you can apply large amounts of colloidal phosphate, as it will release slowly over the years (usually more available the second year than the first). For home gardeners the cost/return is adequate to apply colloidal phosphate at rates to supply phosphorus for this season's crops. This product does add micronutrients to the soil.

Micronized (passing through 1000 mesh screen [1000 wires per square inch]) sources may be more available than regular soft rock grinds in soils with a pH below 7.0.
Seaweed

Kelp is the most common form and is valued not for its macronutrient (N, P, and K) contributions but for micronutrients, trace minerals, amino acids and vitamins plus growth hormones that stimulate plant cell division.

Kelp is often mixed with fish products to enhance growth.

Three processes are available: extracts (as kelp meal or powder); cold-processed (usually liquid); and enzymatically digested (liquid). Ranked in quality of content and plant availability they are (highest to lowest); 1) enzymatically digested; 2) cold-processed; and 3) extracts.
Kelp Meal

Kelp meal, a product of the ocean, is used primarily as a trace mineral source. It is often combined with fish meal to add N-P-K value.
Table 14. Kelp meal.
Typical NPK analysis negligible
Release time 4+ months
Pros Adds micronutrients
Cons Insignificant NPK value
Application Till in 1 pound per 100 square feet
Kelp Powder

Kelp powder is similar to kelp meal but ground fine enough to put into solution and applied as a foliar spray or injected into an irrigation system.
Table 15. Kelp powder.
Typical NPK analysis 1-0-4
Release time Immediate-1 month
Pros Adds micronutrients
Cons Insignificant NPK value
Application Mix ¼ to ½ teaspoon/gallon of water
Liquid Kelp

Usually cold processed, liquid kelp will have higher levels of growth hormones than extracts. Some may also be enzymatically digested, making the growth hormones even more available to the plants.
Table 16. Liquid kelp.
Typical NPK analysis analysis negligible
Release time Immediate-1 month
Pros Adds micronutrients plus helps plant with stress
Cons Insignificant NPK value
Application Mix 1-2 TBS/gal of water for foliar or mix at ¼ - 1¼ tsp/gal/100 ft2 and inject

1D. Whiting, Colorado State University, Cooperative Extension consumer horticulture specialist and Colorado Master Gardener coordinator; C. Wilson, Extension horticulture agent, Denver County; and A. Card, Extension agriculture/4-H agent, Boulder County. 11/05.

Colorado Master Gardener training is made possible, in part, by a grant from the Colorado Garden Show, Inc.

Nugshot

 

[Smurf]

I wouldn't mind viewing some progress pics along the way, epecially since the beans from MOD are of a new hybrid. Scored some myself, as a freebie. (Kalistroyer originally thought the germ rate was 40 - 60%, but 14 of 15 have cracked for me so far, then I put them into peat pots)

Personally I'm keen to see how they turn out vonforne, especially with the 2 very distinct genetics, but then I'm the newbie here, so not sure if my approval even counts.

 

[jaykush]

forgot i had this, was reading notes earlier.

C. 3c. Long-Brewing Compost Tea

Compost teas that start aerobic, move into the anaerobic ranges, and because they are brewed long enough, return to aerobic fall into this category. They contain aerobic bacteria, and put-to-sleep anaerobic bacteria. Beneficial fungi, protozoa and nematodes have been pretty much destroyed by the anaerobic phase, although if the brew didn’t actually go anaerobic, then the beneficials may still be present.

These brews may contain some remnant anaerobic smells and materials. The diversity of food resources has clearly been increased, but the question remains what bacteria exactly were grown? Beneficials, or detrimentals? Disease-suppressors, or disease?

Disease-causing organisms often prefer, and grow better, in reduced oxygen condition. But if the brew went quite anaerobic, then the diseases were killed too. How low is low enough? When do the “bad guys” die, and when do the really bad guys, like Clostridium botulinum, start to grow? We don’t know.

What mix of foods results in the fermentative bacteria or fungi winning, versus the human pathogens? Is stirring vigorously at 12, or 16 hours going to select for the good guys enough to maintain the good guys? Or do you need to stir at 8, 12 and 24 hours? No one really knows. (If you do, please let me know, I’d like to see your data).

Most Biodynamic brews fit this LBCT definition, except Biodynamic preps do not always use compost. The preparations are plant teas, which means plant material is placed into water, stirred and the biology on the leaf surfaces grows using the sugars, proteins, carbohydrates, cellulose, and more recalcitrant (hard-to-decompose, quite complex and thus hard to attack) kinds of substrates.

Does that mean plant teas have no benefit? Of course NOT. If beneficial organisms are on the plant surfaces (and usually roots are included in the plant teas), the beneficial organisms will grow and increase in numbers or biomass during the brew cycle. Which good guys? It depends on the same factors as actively aerated compost depends – temperature, mixing, aeration, foods added, the age and stage of the plant (and therefore the actual foods added), etc.

But, in these LBCTs, no aeration other than occasional stirring is added. That means, if there are organisms present on the plant material, or in the compost if this is truly compost tea, the brew is very likely to go anaerobic for some period of time.

But for how long? And how low did oxygen go? And when did the growing organisms begin to run out of food, so that their oxygen use rate slowed? When did their metabolism slow down enough that oxygen began to diffuse back into the water faster than the organisms were using the oxygen?

By the end of a LBCT brew, the tea should no longer stink in any way, which means the tea has returned to the aerobic condition. The things that may kill your plant have been re-cycled back into bacteria biomass. Sorry, no fungi left in a brew that went anaerobic. The beneficial fungi are, for the most part, aerobic.

The time, or the conditions to allow conversion from aerobic to anaerobic and back again are not documented at all for these kinds of teas. That means that sometimes positive effects have been observed using these kinds of teas, but other times the teas have had no observable effect, and sometimes these teas kill plants. I’ve killed quite a number of plants using anaerobically produced tea, and while I have not published this data (it is hard to publish negative results), lack of publication does not mean it doesn’t happen.

That is why compost tea has been regarded as witchcraft, or voo-doo, or snake oil for all these years. The results have been too variable to make sense of what is going on. When sometimes great results occur, sometimes nothing, and sometimes really bad things happen, no one is inclined to put much trust in the results.

But, the Biodynamic approach controls many of the factors involved in tea making, IF THE PRACTIONER PAYS ATTENTION TO WHAT STEINER SAID. I’ve watched a number of biodynamic brews being made where part, or just about all of Steiner’s advice was ignored. If people don’t understand WHY something was required by science, they may ignore it. But then typically the results aren’t what you would want, or they do not give you the benefit you should be able to get.

The bottom line is, we need to put more effort into understanding these types of tea. But for now, until the work is done, either do what Steiner said, exactly, or use AACT. We are really getting a handle on how to guarantee that AACT is consistent, and beneficial, each time. Without an oxygen probe, and the time to monitor properly, FCT and LBCT remain of questionable benefit.

 

[Relik]

This may seem trivial to you guys, but this afternoon I went to the garden center and, surprise! They now sell liquid kelp! First time I ever see this stuff in my town, before I used to collect the seaweeds from the beach, then had to rinse them well, etc... I guess I'll have more free time when I go to the beach lol...

I also found rose cuttings, they come from New Zealand, and there's a lot of different ones. A happy gardener is me

Peace

 

[Suby]

Hey V go ahead man just keep it to the essentials like I stated in my PM.
Nice additions everyone.


On a side note, peat pellets have no business in a grow, ever, I'll show you why later in a pic.

Suby

 

[vonforne]

Thanks Suby. I will keep it simple here. All of the details will be posted in another thread with a link.

And I'm looking foward to your "peat pellet" post. I sometimes use these and now I'm curious as to why you do not use them.


Update:

The DG's are doing great. I'm real happy with the germ rates. MOD has put out a great genetic cross. IMO. Here are a few pics of the babys.





After a 24 hr. soak in a Seaweed solution I had tails showing before they were placed in the paper towels.


Bud shot day 39

 

[Smurf]

Yes Suby, you've also got me wondering what all the commotion is about. But before I am found guilty of a crime, let me re-assure you that this was the first time in quite a few years ......... Ignorance is no excuse ...... sentenced to 50 lashes !!!

Trivial quick tip: before using a brand new stone in teas and nute reservoirs leave them to soak in the intended solution for 15 mins. (Before connection to air pump)

Nice bud vonforne.

 

[Suby]

nice girls V...watch the stretch there young padawan lol...

I need my camera to show you about the PP, i'm too stoned now lol.

 

[vonforne]

But Master Suby, Master MOD said there would not be much stretch.

 

[jaykush]

they do look a bit stretchy whats the lighting.

suby.....stoned ass

 

[Suby]

Death to Peat pucks, or pellets, etc...

Death to Peat pucks, or pellets, etc...



After I harvest I like to take the rootmass and let it dry out completely, it makes them easier to break up and the roots are quickly broken down.
After tugging on the main stem I noticed something odd, these clumps breaking out, it's the original peat pellet from when i cloned them.

It is officially the end for peat pellets in my garden.
Just look at the pick, the roots are clearly restricted from the compacted peat pellet, this is never the key to a thriving rootmass, PP are compressed and are made of very fine peat which is easily compacted.
What we are after is roughness, air pockets to promote agressive shoots and an oxygen rich soil full of pockets and no restriction.
I even took the netting off this time just to make sure, I've seen some shoots get blocked by it sometimes.

My pet mix for seedling has varied over time, as of recently I have been using 1/3 perlite, 1/3 vermiculite/, 1/3 peat with nothing else but plain water.
It's a very light mix, excellent for quick rooting.

This next pick is of a mum i'm bonsai training, she'll get a root trim soon then alittle new soil.
I trimmed a few of her leaves..with the Shop Vac lol...

Suby

 

[Smurf]

ORGANIC PESTICIDES

ORGANIC PESTICIDES

Gee wiz Suby, YOU had me worried there for a while!
I thought you had discovered some sort of pre-historic disease in the peat that had been laying dormant for the last millennium !!!

 

[Smurf]

ORGANIC PESTICIDES

ORGANIC PESTICIDES

G’day FOC, I’ve compiled some really easy to make, 100% organic pesticides, some of them I’ve been using for over 10 yrs now, but the good thing is that they are safe to use and they work! Give it a go..... you'll be pleasantly surprised with the results.

Aphids
Ants frequently nurture plant pests such as aphids, scale insects, mealy bugs, feeding on their sweet honeydew. Sticky barriers made of non-drying organic glues can be used to protect all plants from ants.
If the infestation is slight you can squash them between your thumb and your finger.
Or use a high-pressure jet of water to hose them off the plants. If you choose to squirt them with a stream or jet of water they will often fall to the ground and die where they land. They will not climb back up your plants. Aphids are a lazy insect !!!
Alternatively, plant onions, garlic or nasturtiums beneath plants prone to aphid attack to deter this pest.
As a last resort use a soap spray, a eucalyptus oil spray or a vegetable oil spray. Or dab with cotton wool soaked in methylated spirits or isopropyl alcohol.

Garlic spray
To make a safe, general garlic spray, soak 85 grams of chopped garlic in 2 tablespoons (40ml) mineral oil (paraffin oil) for 24 hours. Dissolve 7 grams of soap in 600ml of water. (I use a cheese grater) Slowly add the soap to the garlic and stir well. Strain the liquid through a fine gauze (stocking or sock) and store in a china, glass or plastic container (not metal). Dilute 1 part mixture to 50 parts water for general use. Label the container. Good against aphids, caterpillars, flies and snails.
You can also add cayenne pepper to this mix but has a tendency to give your herb a peppery taste if it’s used during flower. I like using the garlic spray on my plants outside because it masks the distinct sweet aroma of the weed. Deterring any unwanted visitors. Even if you don’t have an insect problem, you can still spray around the immediate area (not on them) gaining the full benefit of the masking effect.

Hot water spray
Many soft-bodied insects are killed by a simple spray of hot water (between 45 degrees Celsius and 55 degrees Celsius). This will not harm most foliage. Shake off any excess water if the plant is saturated.

Milk spray
Milk is lethal to red spider mites and mildew. A milk spray can be used on plants such as fruitless tomatoes (That’s what my Indian neighbour calls mj ) vegetables and herbs.
To prepare your milk spray, mix equal parts milk and water. The spray needs to be repeated every few days to eradicate the growth cycle of spider mites.

Soap spray
A soap spray will kill caterpillars, thrips, scale insects, mites, whiteflies and aphids. It does this by paralysing its victim, which then eventually dies of starvation. By killing aphids and scale insects, soap spray also controls sooty mould.
For this spray start off with soft soap, that is, soap that is neither a detergent nor contains caustic soda (no perfumes either). Mix together soap and water until you have a frothy milky solution. Allow the spray to dry on the leaves, then rinse the leaves clean the following day. Spray every 2-3 days for two weeks. (Depending on your circumstance). If your plants are drought or heat stressed, or weakened in any way, use a more dilute solution.

Eucalyptus oil spray
Eucalyptus oil, like many essential oils, kills scale insects, aphids, earwigs, slugs, slaters, whiteflies, mites and many other pests. It is a non-residual spray, best applied around seedlings (not on them) and at the base of plants.
To make the spray, combine 1 teaspoon of eucalyptus oil with 500 ml of soapy water. Generally speaking a solution of about 2% eucalyptus oil in water is considered a good general-purpose insect spray. You can repeat the spray every three days.

Always spray first thing in the morning or in the cool of the night. Same goes for grow rooms.......... lights out for maximum effect. There are ways of getting around this.
All ingredients used here may be purchased from your local drug store, chemist or supermarket. When I couldn’t be bothered, I sometimes buy ready to use crushed garlic from a fodder store that supplies (horse) stables. Better value for my $.

Commercial pesticides, herbicides, soil sterilants and fungicides can pose an unnecessary danger to your health and the environment. There is almost always an alternative to using these products.

Start of 3rd wk in bloom

 

[vonforne]

they do look a bit stretchy whats the lighting.

suby.....stoned ass

40 watt grolux floros, the light was a 3 inches but I have moved it down. When I left for work they were still in the seed. just shot up there in the time I was at work.



Good post Smurf.

 

[mysta177]

Ohh yea I cant belive I never seen this thread. Must of been high...lol a subscribe on my list.

 

[Suby]

Hey Smurf good article, I think alot of people will be looking into that.

As for the peat pucks no it's nothing dramatic, but i do believe they hinder root production which IMHO is very bad.

V i was just busting you balls, I've been caught off guard with sprouts many times lol.

Mysta welcome to the OFC.

Suby

 

[jaykush]

you don't like peat pellets! man i friggin love those lil things. cloning or seeds there the best. i really never ran into the problem you got suby, every time before i ALWAYS break them up real good to let the roots grow better and move more freely and never water on the pellet ( + mj likes to be fed away from the stem and encourages roots to grow out and search for water) so it doesn't happen anyways.

V i like these 1ft long 15 watt flouros for seedlings, they can touch with no problems so the light can be an inch above the soil when you plant them. hell you don't even need fans if there out in the open. they produce little to no heat.

great post smurf, gotta love the easy fix.

 

[vonforne]

A couple months ago one of our posters (Sproutco) put up a link to this stuff. It is OMRI certified. I recieved some samples and used it. I was very satsified with it. It is a good replacement for Epsom salts which is not OMRI.










What is K-Mag?
K-Mag brand of fertilizer, langbeinite, potassium magnesium sulfate, and double sulfate of potash and magnesium all refer to the unique 3-in-1 combination of highly available sulfur, potassium and magnesium source. Present in the water-soluble sulfate form, these three plant nutrients are essential for plant growth and are vital to profitable crop production.

Where does K-Mag come from?
K-Mag is mined and processed near Carlsbad, New Mexico, from the world's largest and purest deposits of langbeinite ore. Langbeinite, an evaporite mineral, is one of the most soluble salts in the ocean. Millions of years ago, in part of what was an isolated lake of ocean water, langbeinite was one of the last minerals to be precipitated as the water evaporated over time. As a result, ore beds are now located about 1,000 feet below the earth's surface.

What is the chemical analysis of K-Mag?
The chemical analysis of K-Mag is 21-22% potassium (K20), 10.5-11% magnesium (Mg), 21-22% sulfur (S), 2.5% chloride (Cl) maximum, and 0.14% water (H20).


What is the difference between K-Mag Granular and K-Mag Premium?
Both products are totally water-soluble, typically have less than two percent chloride, do not affect the soil pH and are blend sized. K-Mag Granular is a natural crystalline mineral which has an SGN of 240 and a UI of 30. K-Mag Premium is a very uniform sized granulated product with an SGN of 247 and a UI of 45.

What is the advantage of the low chloride content of K-Mag?
Many crops have a low tolerance of high chlorides in the soil and in fertilizers. Sensitive crops, such as tobacco and many fruits and vegetables, have lower quality and shorter shelf life when excessive chloride is present. Using K-Mag, especially when high rates of potassium are required, provides a low chloride source of potassium. In many cases, the quality of the fruit and vegetables are enhanced, while tobacco has a much higher quality cured leaf.

Is a neutral pH an important characteristic of K-Mag?
K-Mag is a neutral salt and does not affect the soil pH, regardless of the amount applied. Many fertilizer materials do contribute to the acidity of the soil. Since most crops grow best in soils that are slightly acid to slightly alkaline, a neutral salt such as K-Mag does not contribute to reducing the soil pH below the desired range.

Is K-Mag water soluble?
Using the standard chemical analytical procedures for determining the solubility of fertilizer compounds, K-Mag has been determined to be 100% water soluble. Two primary factors determine the solubility of a compound: the chemical nature of the compound and its particle size. Due to the chemical nature of K-Mag, it is slightly slower rate of solubility. Yet, it is 100% water soluble.

Is K-Mag abrasive to application equipment and what can I do about it?
Due to the density of K-Mag (K-Mag Granular - 94 lb/ft.3, K-Mag Premium - 83 lb/ft.3 to 67 lb/ft.3 for muriate of potash), it is somewhat abrasive to equipment used for high speed application when it is the only material being applied. However, when K-Mag is blended or mixed with other fertilizer materials, the abrasiveness is minimized.

What is the difference between Mg and MgO in K-Mag?
The magnesium content of K-Mag is expressed as 11% in elemental magnesium (Mg) and about 18.5% when expressed as magnesium oxide (MgO). From the early days of chemical analysis, the traditional way of expressing chemical content was to do so in the oxide form, e.g., MgO. Mathematically, the 11% of magnesium in K-Mag is 66% greater when the weight of oxygen (O) is added to the Mg. This does not change the amount or percent of elemental magnesium (Mg) present. MgO is simply another mathematical way of expressing the same thing.

What is the difference between S and SO4 in K-Mag?
Sulfur (S) and sulfate sulfur (SO4) differences are explained just like Mg and MgO. The sulfur (S) content of K-Mag is 22%. When it is expressed in the oxide form, oxygen's presence increases the sulfate sulfur content to between 63-66% as SO4. As with magnesium, the actual content is not changed by using different mathematical methods of expressing it.

What are the advantages of K-Mag as a fertilizer source?
• A naturally-occurring mineral
• Contains a unique 3-in-1 combination of potassium, magnesium and sulfur
• Essentially chloride-free at 2.5% maximum o Sulfate source of all three nutrients
• Neutral salt that does not change the soil pH at any application rate
• 100% water soluble
• Blends or mixes well with most common fertilizer materials
• K-Mag Granular is classified as "acceptable" for use in certified organic crop production
• Economical when two of the three nutrients are needed
• Very economical when all three nutrients are needed
• Low salt index

Can K-Mag be used when soil Mg levels are high?
K-Mag can be added to soils high in magnesium, if there is justification for applying potassium and sulfur in the sulfate form. The typical range for K-Mag application rates is 200 to 600 pounds per acre. At these rates, 21 to 66 pounds per acre of actual Mg is being applied. This amount is trivial in soils that are testing 500 to 1,000 pounds per acre already. Also, high levels of magnesium are not toxic to plants. In rare cases, a problem may potentially exist when the magnesium soil test level exceeds that of calcium.

What is the difference between K-Mag and gypsum?
While K-Mag contains three essential plant nutrients, gypsum contains only two, calcium and sulfur. Calcium is typically present in adequate quantities in most soils to meet the plant's nutritional needs. Both nutrient sources are in the sulfate form and are neutral salts, which do not affect the soil pH.

When are K-Mag and dolomitic lime used?
K-Mag works best to supply sulfur, potassium and magnesium when the soils are deficient or the fertilizer is desired for other reasons. Dolomitic limestone, which contains 12% or less magnesium in a form that is not water soluble, is applied to soils when the soil pH is lower than desired. K-Mag can be used any time magnesium is needed. Dolomite provides magnesium only when applied to raise the soil pH. The magnesium availability to the crops is slow and only at the same rate that the lime reacts to raise the soil pH. Therefore, K-Mag is recommended on low pH soils along with dolomite, so the crop will have a readily available source of magnesium before the dolomitic lime releases magnesium.

Are K-Mag and elemental sulfur equal sulfur sources?
K-Mag has three nutrients in the sulfate, water-soluble form and does not affect the soil pH. Elemental sulfur is not water soluble. Soil microorganisms must digest the sulfur to convert it to a soluble, crop available form, which is a slow process. Sulfur from K-Mag is readily available, while sulfur from elemental sulfur is slowly available to the crop. Another characteristic of elemental sulfur, in many cases a strong disadvantage, is the strongly acidifying effect on the soil pH. Elemental sulfur has a high sulfur (S) content at about 90%.

How does K-Mag compare with potassium sulfate?
K-Mag and potassium sulfate are similar in chemical nature. Both are water-soluble, neutral salts in the sulfate form and have a low salt index. Potassium sulfate contains two essential plant nutrients, potassium and sulfur (50% K2O and 18% S). It does not contain magnesium.

Do the nutrients in K-Mag leach?
Once K-Mag has dissolved in soil moisture, the three nutrients are subject to the typical behavior of the individual nutrients and the soil processes. In most soils, the sulfur in K-Mag will move much like nitrate nitrogen (NO3). Only in very sandy soils do potassium and magnesium leach to a limited degree. In less sandy soils that contain more clay (usually CEC greater than 5), little or no leaching losses will occur from K-Mag applications.

Can K-Mag be used in fertigation?
K-Mag is not normally recommended for use in fertigation or general application through an irrigation system. Although K-Mag is water soluble, its rate of solubility is slower than muriate of potash. Also, there are usually small traces of naturally-occurring phosphates in water. In many cases, phosphate fertilizers are added to irrigation water. Magnesium in water with even small amounts of phosphates present may react and form a gel that will clog nozzles of the irrigation equipment.

Most crops require more potash than sulfur. How do I get a proper fertilizer blend using K-Mag?
Generally, K-Mag is not used as a source for the total potash requirement. For most field crops, K-Mag will be recommended at a rate to supply most, if not all, of the magnesium and sulfur fertilizer requirements. Then, muriate of potash (KCl) would be used to provide the remaining potash needed. In high-cash-value crops - where quality is critical for marketing, chloride sensitive crops are grown, or when low salt index is required - K-Mag can be used in combination with potassium sulfate or potassium nitrate to provide the remaining potash.

I am not aware of a sulfur need. How do I determine if K-Mag should be utilized to provide sulfur?
All plants need sulfur. Typically, the wide range of crops actually use 15 to 50 pounds per acre of sulfur (S) depending on the type of crop and yield. Experience is the best indicator for sulfur fertilizer need. Sandy soils, low in organic matter in high rainfall areas, will invariably be low in sulfur. Because sulfur availability is impacted so greatly by environmental conditions, many universities and research organizations make a blanket recommendation for sulfur of 10 to 20 pounds per acre. The degree of soil deficiency and crop need help to define the amount of K-Mag to apply to meet the sulfur requirement. Soil testing for sulfur is not as reliable for predicting sulfur availability throughout the growing season as for other nutrients. Plant tissue analysis can be helpful in building an experience base.
What are the other sources of magnesium?

Material Magnesium Percent Water Soluble
K-Mag 11% Yes
Magnesium Sulfate 10-16% Yes
Dolomitic Limestone 6-12% No
Magnesium Oxide 56-60% No
Magnesium Hydroxide 40% No


What is the function of magnesium in plants?
Magnesium is one of the 16 essential plant nutrients for plant growth and development. It is the central atom in the chlorophyll molecule and is responsible for the plant leaf trapping sunlight. Energy transfer is the central function of plants. Lighter soils with low cation exchange capacity may not hold adequate magnesium where it is needed. Soils derived from parent materials void of magnesium also may be deficient. In these situations, a readily available, water soluble source of magnesium may be needed.

The deficiency symptoms can be identified as follows:
• Weak stalks with long-branched roots
• Leaves curved upward along margins
• General loss of green color seen in bottom leaves
• Leaf veins remain green as discoloration occurs between veins
• Pre-harvest fruit may drop

What is the function of sulfur in plants?
One of the 16 essential elements for plant growth and development, sulfur is used by all plant tissue for protein synthesis and is a component of some of the amino acids that are the building blocks of proteins. Soil tests for sulfur are not always reliable. Sulfur exists in several oxidation states in the soil. Only sulfate (SO4) is available to plants, so soil test correlations are difficult since its mobility in the soil is similar to nitrate nitrogen. Sulfur recommendations often are based on crop removal data. Some state crop specialists suggest an application of 20 pounds per acre annually as a standard practice. If alfalfa or another high-quality, high-oil crop is grown, a rate of 30 pounds per acre annually is needed. In plant tissue, a 1:1 phosphorus-to-sulfur ratio is required. When the nitrogen-to-sulfur ratio is greater than 15:1 in plant tissue, low sulfur levels are indicated.

Deficiency symptoms include the following:
• Young upper leaves tend to turn light green to yellow
• Small spindly plants with short slender stems develop
• Plant and fruit maturity is delayed

What are the rates of K-Mag needed for most crops?
The typical application rates for K-Mag in most crops is 200 to 600 pounds per acre. However, exceptions to this range may occur depending on special circumstances. than that of muriate of potash (KCl). Nutrients of K-Mag will be in the form available to the crop in a matter of days when the soil moisture and temperature are suitable for plant growth. All of the K-Mag applied will be dissolved and its nutrients will be in the available form for the plant to use during the growing season.

Why use K-Mag instead of ammonium sulfate?
The agronomic advantage of ammonium sulfate as a sulfur source is that it's highly acidifying and lowers the soil pH. In high pH soil, ammonium sulfate may provide a useful function in addition to providing sulfur as a nutrient. However, this is a strong disadvantage in most cropping situations. When soils are inherently acidic or low in pH, using ammonium sulfate intensifies this situation. K-Mag features none of these negative characteristics.

Can K-Mag be used to protect cattle from grass tetany?
Researchers have determined that the condition is linked to a shortage of magnesium and calcium in forages. However, their work shows that grass tetany is more than simply a magnesium deficiency. Without sufficient phosphorus, grass tetany may result even if soil magnesium is adequate. Phosphorus promotes the uptake of magnesium and calcium as its levels are increased and the two nutrients move to the leaves. In a three-year research study of phosphorus influence on phosphorus, potassium, calcium and magnesium concentrations in ryegrass and Coastal bermudagrass, applied phosphorus increased tissue magnesium concentrations. Applying phosphorus and magnesium may not completely alleviate the potential for grass tetany, but applications of both nutrients may help correct the problem. The first step in preventing grass tetany is to use a balanced fertility program, which starts with a soil test. Establish the fertility status of the soil and then determine the desired yield level. Apply a water-soluble fertilizer such as K-Mag to provide the needed magnesium.

Can K-Mag be used in certified organic crop production?
K-Mag Granular is readily accepted by most certified organic crop organizations as an acceptable product since it is a naturally-occurring mineral and is mined and processed without chemical alteration. California is one of several states with strictly enforced certification organizations; and K-Mag Granular has been designated as acceptable in that state. Other state organizations without certifying agencies follow the designation by California.

What crops are best suited for using K-Mag?
K-Mag is suited for use with anycrop, providing one or more of the three nutrients contained in K-Mag are deficient or low in the soil. In addition, specialty crops or high-cash-valued crops are particularly suited because of the importance of quality in the harvested portion of the crop. The sulfate, low-chloride form of these nutrients is important in imparting quality as well as quantity to the harvested portion of the crop when they are needed.