Parameters for Biological Function Potassium ( K ) BENEFITS Yield potential Stalk strength Lodging resistance Winter Hardiness Protein production Carbohydrate production Sugar translocation Enzymes Cell division BEST SOURCES Potassium Sulfate ( S) K-Mag ( S-11Mg) IDEAL BALANCE 3-5% Saturation (780 x C.E.C. x %saturation)/200 = ppm COMMENTS Potassium ppm shouldn’t be below 100, regardless of CEC An excess can cause problems Beware of Potassium Chloride (0-0-60) due to excess chloride The Path to High Brix Major Cation

Parameters for Biological Function Calcium ( Ca ) BENEFITS Improve soil structure Stimulate soil microbes Stimulate earthworms Increase Nitrogen utilization Increase protein content Root & leaf growth Cell division Build cell walls Increase plant sugars Overall plant health High quality grain & fruit BEST SOURCES Limestone Kiln Dust (LKD) High-Calcium Lime (low Mg) (Ca 30-35%) IDEAL BALANCE 70-80% Saturation (400 x C.E.C. x %saturation)/200 = ppm COMMENTS Trucker of all nutrients Primary base for other molecules to react Key to successful foliar sprays Forms main channels to move molecules Intra-cell communication key (telephone) The Path to High Brix Major Cation

Parameters for Biological Function Magnesium ( Mg ) BENEFITS Key element in chlorophyll Protein production Enzymes Energy release in cells Aids Phosphorus uptake Oil formation Starch translocation BEST SOURCES Magnesium Sulfate (Mg 9%, S 12%) K-Mag ( S-11Mg) IDEAL BALANCE 12-15% Saturation (240 x C.E.C. x %saturation)/200 = ppm COMMENTS An excess can cause problems Tightens soil Hard to balance soil Ties up Potassium Reduces Nitrogen uptake The Path to High Brix Major Cation

Parameters for Biological Function Phosphorus ( P ) phosphate BENEFITS Fast & vigorous growth Good & early root growth Hastens maturity Increase Nitrogen uptake Grain development & quality Increase mineral content Higher plant sugar Energy release in cells Cell division & enlargement Photosynthesis Contained in cell DNA BEST SOURCES Mono-ammonium Phosphate (MAP) ( or ) Phosphate Rock IDEAL BALANCE P1 P1 (available): 20 – 50 ppm P2 P2 (reserve): ppm COMMENTS MAP (pH 5) more available, low ammonium DAP (pH 11) less available, hi ammonium may harm root development All minerals (except Nitrogen) enter plant attached to phosphate (train engine) Key to ADP/ATP energy to power the cell Shortage is broken energy transmission in plant, preventing growth The Path to High Brix Major Anion

Parameters for Biological Function Sulfur ( S ) sulfate BENEFITS Loosen, aerate soil More useable protein Hi quality, complete protein Make soil N more available Reduce excess soil Mg Lower soil pH Energy release in cells Part of Vitamin B1 B1 & biotin BEST SOURCES Ammonium Sulfate ( S) Calcium Sulfate (gypsum) (Ca 23%, S 17%) Potassium Sulfate ( S) Sulfate Trace Minerals IDEAL BALANCE 50 ppm or 100# lbs/acre COMMENTS Builds humus Needs to be present in 10:1 ratio N:S Helps make deep green plants The Path to High Brix Major Anion

Parameters for Biological Function Boron ( B ) BENEFITS Promote flowering & pollen Promote silk & tassel in corn Seed development Root & leaf development Cell wall formation Protein production Sugar translocation Energy release in cells Improves quality Increase Calcium uptake BEST SOURCES Calcium Borate(14% B) IDEAL BALANCE 2+ ppm or 4 lbs/acre COMMENTS “Gatekeeper” to put Calcium into a plant Weak mineral uptake without Boron Must be addressed yearly The Path to High Brix Minor Anion

Parameters for Biological Function Zinc ( Zn ) BENEFITS Contributes to test weight Increase ear size in corn Promote silking in corn Hasten maturity Chlorophyll formation Enzymes Regulate plant growth Increase plant leaf size BEST SOURCES Zinc Sulfate (35%) IDEAL BALANCE 5+ ppm or 10 lbs/acre COMMENTS Extremely important in Phosphorus uptake and use within plants The Path to High Brix Minor Cation

Parameters for Biological Function Manganese ( Mn ) BENEFITS Normal growth Photosynthesis Energy release in cells Enzymes BEST SOURCES Manganese Sulfate IDEAL BALANCE 20 ppm or 40 lbs/acre Manganese to Iron ratio = 1:1 COMMENTS Nitrogen mobility & utilization within plant The Path to High Brix Minor Cation

Parameters for Biological Function Iron ( Fe ) BENEFITS Chlorophyll production Energy release in cells Needed by Nitrogen-fixing bacteria BEST SOURCES IDEAL BALANCE 20 ppm or 40 lbs/acre COMMENTS High Iron ties up Phosphorus Watch for Iron in feeds; with high Iron in soil, expect Phosphorus tie-up The Path to High Brix Minor Cation

Parameters for Biological Function Copper ( Cu ) BENEFITS Control mold & fungi Photosynthesis Energy release in cells Enzymes Normal leaf growth Increase stalk strength BEST SOURCES Copper Sulfate IDEAL BALANCE 2+ ppm or 4 lbs/acre COMMENTS Involved with plant immune system Helps produce high quality crops with greater storability The Path to High Brix Minor Cation