Mo, Cu and Zn - Total Cover

Molybdenum (Mo)

Plants: Supports nitrogen-fixation and nitrate conversion into plant proteins.

Copper (Cu)

Soil: Copper deficiencies can appear in boggy soils high in carbon (peat) as well as sandy soils where large quantities of nitrogen have been added.

Plants: Copper is a protein nutrient and is essential for chlorophyll production, sugar synthesis, seed and root metabolism.

People: Needed for iron transportation and the formation of haemoglobin.

Zinc (Zn)

Soil: If you have over applied phosphorous using chook manure pellets over the years, then you probably have induced a zinc deficiency. The answer is to use a foliar spray to by-pass the soil-based lockup. Zinc is important in the soil for the health of beneficial microorganisms, particularly nitrogen fixers.

Plants: Zinc is often call the energy micronutrient for plants.

People: Zinc is essential for the proper functioning of reproductive organs and for the immune system.

Link: Total Cover

Managing Micronutrients : Iron, Magnesium, Boron

Iron (Fe)

Plants: Carrier of oxygen for the essential production of chlorophyll.

People: Central elements in haemoglobin and essential in the function of hundres of enzymes and proteins.

Magnesium (Mn)

Soil: More available in low pH soil and can be tied up in soils with high calcium or phosphorous.

Plants: Strongly support seed germination, fruiting and ripening. Important for nitrogen metabolism.

People: found in mitochondria and is a key component in energy metabolism.

Animals: Needed for normal growth and bone formation. Essential is reproductive health.

Boron (B) Boost

Soil: Humus is the boron storehouse, so if you don’t have good levels of organic matter you will probably have boron deficient soils. Calcium is the “trucker of all minerals” and boron is the “steering wheel”, so calcium will not work as well when boron is lacking.

Plants: Calcium can operate to full effect only if boron is present. Boron is also very important during the reproductive stage as it regulates flowering, pollination and the fruit to flower ratio. This is particularly important in fruit trees. A foliar spray just before flowering will supply boron and all other minerals at this critical time.

Deficiency Symptoms: Hollow stems in broccoli, woody texture in strawberries, flower and fruit drop in the orchard and poor seed set are all symptoms of boron deficiency. You may also see die back on passionfruit and grape vines.

People: This mineral also impacts calcium metabolism in humans. Boron influences the release of calcium into the blood and the absorption of calcium into our bones. Boron deficiency has also been strongly linked to arthritis and it is important in red blood cell development.

Animals: Boron has been used for over 30 years for the treatment of osteoporosis and osteoarthritis in farm animals and could also be used to treat these problems in pets.

Connecting with Calcium (Ca)

Connecting with Calcium (Ca)

Soil: Calcium opens up (flucculates) the soil, improving structure and allowing roots, earthworms, oxygen, water and microbes to move freely through the soil. Calcium is a critically important nutrient for the health of all life in the soil and it is also an important key to achieving the ideal soil pH of 6.4 (where nutrients are most available).

Alkaline soil with calcium carbonate deposits 

Plants: Calcium is often referred to as the ‘trucker of all minerals” in relation to its role mobilising other nutrients. Calcium sponsors cell division and hence it promotes root, stem, and leaf growth. Calcium is also a major mineral governing cell strength and associated disease resistance. This mineral often determines the quality of your fruit and vegetables and if you are seeking a problem-free garden then it should always be a first priority to address any calcium deficiencies.

Plant Deficiency Symptoms: Stunted root systems and a lack of vegetable vigour. Blossom end rot in tomatoes, capsicums and zucchini. Internal browning or blackening of celery, potatoes and brussels sprouts.

People: Calcium is one of the major minerals linked to bone health and skeletal strength but needs to be balanced with magnesium. It is also a key player in cell function and it regulates the uptake of minerals into our cells. Just as it influences plant uptake of minerals, calcium is an electrolyte important for cellular  messaging and the electric life of cells.

Animals : Calcium is a key element in maintaining good growth and bone health in animals. It is also important for healthy hormonal function and reproduction.

Common Forms: Lime stone contains 40% calcium and the finer ground the lime, the faster the response. Builder’s lime is called calcium hydroxide and it contains 30 times more soluble calcium than limestone so it can be used for “fast food”. However, this “hot” material should always be combined with humic acid or compost to buffer the burning potential. Dolomite contains 20% calcium and 10% Magnesium. Gypsum (calcium sulphate) contains 20% calcium and 15% sulphur. Guano contains 35% calcium and 12% potassium.

Link :  Trio

Plant Health Soultions 

Minerals and Micro-organisms

Minerals and micro-organisms are the basis of soil health, plant health and human health. Minerals and micro-organisms are the very essence of satisfying, problem-free productivity in the home garden.

Soil and plant health is not just about throwing nitrogen or phosphorous about the garden to fee our plants. It is more about balancing minerals. Good humus, healthy soil, is far more than applying lawn clipping compost to regenerate your microbe workforce. An imbalance of minerals and micro-organisms will result in poor production and unhealthy plants susceptible to pests and diseases.

Mineral imbalance is usually linked to calcium  and trace element deficiency, or to an excess of phosphorous and potassium, often due to over application of chook manure fertilisers. 

We use the Life-Force system from Nutri-Tech Solutions which contains cutting edge components that have previously only be available to large scale agriculture.

The Life-Force system was essentially developed for even the most inexperienced gardener.In my early days of gardening I was continually frustrated and disappointed by the sight of straggly substandard plants, that too often succumbed to pests and disease.  Many times I gave up as it was too hard, and a waste of my time ans effort. Now that I use Nutri-Tech products I harvest nutrient dense, medicinal foods for our family. We have a chemical free, organic garden and superb food that tastes delicious.

The home garden can be our own private wellness tool. The five step, Life-Force system has given me sensational results and the tastiest vegetables we have eaten in years.