16 elements

[Corto Malteze]

All plants need 16 essential elements listed in 3 categories: Primary (major), Secondary, Trace (minor) elements. This sums up what they do.

Oxygen O
Carbon C extracted from air and water.
Hydrogen H

Primary "Major" elements: Used in larger quantities by the plant

Nitrogen N: central for growth, makes the protein and the chlorophyl -green color-, feeds the micro organisms

Phosphorous P: roots, important for transplanted plants, flowering, ripening of fruits, photosynthesis, breathing of plant, growth.

Potassium K: Travels in whole plant. Transports the sugars, fibre (strength), resistance to diseases and insects, contributes to start the flowering.

Secondary: Used in less quantity by plants

Calcium Ca: composes the cells and binds them together. Found on apexes. Helps with roots. For maturity of fruit.

Magnesium Mg: Central element of chlorophylle making. Contributes to maturation and sprouting of seeds. Helps plant absorb Phosphorous, Sulfur and Nitrogen. Builds the "walls" of the plant.

Sulfur S: Found in many proteins, enzymes and vitamins. Helps transport Mg, Potassium K and Calcium. Useful in making chlorphylle.

Trace elements or "Minor" elements:

Fe (Iron): for amino acids, enzymes, chloro.
B (Boron): for keeping water, for growth, for fruits
M (Manganese): sprouting, accelerates maturity,important for photosy and chloro., necessary for niotrogen metabolism and protein formation.
Mo (molybdenum): Indispensable for the plants and the micro organisms to absorb N. So necessary for the formation of proteins whose main composition is Nitrogen.
Cl (Chlorine): stimulates photosynthesis.
Cu (copper): activates several enzymes. Also serves for making chlorophylle.
Zn (Zinc): important role to make enzymes, proteins and the plant's growth hormones.

[OldPork]

Yep. Another sweet post by the Mighty Corto. There are premixed organics like Espoma Plant-Tone that ensure all these elements. BUT I don't have a whole lot of faith in them. I do use a little Plant-Tone only in the winter to revitalize my grow holes, and to make sure those trace elements are there, but nothing beats bone meal, blood meal, worm castings, and home made composts for main soil amendments.

[Corto Malteze]

Originally Posted by OldPork

Yep. Another sweet post by the Mighty Corto. There are premixed organics like Espoma Plant-Tone that ensure all these elements. BUT I don't have a whole lot of faith in them. I do use a little Plant-Tone only in the winter to revitalize my grow holes, and to make sure those trace elements are there, but nothing beats bone meal, blood meal, worm castings, and home made composts for main soil amendments.

Thanks your Porkness. I guess I have the knowledge bug about mj and plants in general. I need to get in the field soon. Today is very stormy so I can't get anything done. Might as well do some reading.

[patriofarmer]

You should add this to your sticky. Another nice one.

[Corto Malteze]

Originally Posted by patriofarmer

You should add this to your sticky. Another nice one.

Thanks. It makes things a little clearer anyway. I just added a link in the thread.