What many don’t realise is that just like humans’ plants need essential nutrients to survive and thrive.
Plants need 16 essential mineral nutrients in order to survive and while they receive Carbon and Oxygen from the air and Hydrogen from water, plants depend on soil for provision of the remaining 13. A lack of any one of these nutrients in sufficient quantities can detrimentally affect plant health, growth and yield.
Naturally derived bio-stimulants contain these much needed essential plant nutrients in their original form providing optimal absorption potential. As harvested crops remove nutrients from the soil the addition of bio-stimulant products is used to reliably replenish nutrient content and feed the plant.
Bio-stimulant application is crucial to modern day global agriculture programmes as it promotes sustainability, optimises efficacy and reduces the requirement for chemical synthetics.
Bio-stimulants provide crucial essential nutrients to promote the healthy growth and development of the plant which are in turn partially passed on to people when consumed. This means that not only has the farmer nurtured a sustainable, healthy and economically viable plant but their crop is also contributing to nurturing a healthier society and world population.
It is intrinsically important to understand the value of these 13 essential plant nutrients and consider exactly what crops derive from soils and bio-stimulants and some of the many ways in which they benefit both plants and people.
| Benefits for Plants | Benefits for People |
| Nitrogen
Vital for amino acids, proteins, DNA and RNA for growth and reproduction. Helps leaves grow strong and green by assisting with chlorophyll production. Phosphorus Assists with the growth of early seedlings, roots and flowers. Helps store and transport the sun’s energy promoting photosynthesis. Potassium Enhances tolerance to environmental stresses such as drought and disease. Required for movement of sugars and carbohydrates within plants. Calcium Promotes resistance to disease through the growth and development of cell walls. Stimulates microbial activity and nutrient uptake. Sulphur An essential component for some amino acids and proteins. Important in photosynthesis and for winter crop hardiness. Magnesium Key for photosynthesis which captures the sun’s energy for growth. Improves root formation and assists nutrient and water efficiency. Boron An essential component of cell wall formation. Important for flowering and fruiting. Chlorine Helps minimise water loss during stressful dry periods. Assists nutrient transportation within the plant. Copper Plays a major role in photosynthesis and activates several enzymes. Is closely linked to Vitamin A production and assists protein production. Iron Vital for the formation of chlorophyll and acts as an oxygen carrier. Required for energy transfer and nitrogen reduction and fixation. Manganese Aids in chlorophyll synthesis which affects photosynthesis. Regulates carbohydrate metabolism and stimulates growth. Molybdenum Helps turn nitrates into usable forms. Required for nitrogen fixation in legume plants. Zinc Used for critical early stage chlorophyll and carbohydrate production. Aids stress tolerance, growth hormones and the enzyme system |
Nitrogen
Is part of all proteins that humans consume. Food proteins supply essential amino acids that we need to produce proteins. Phosphorus Important for regulating calcium and building strong bones. Plays a key role in molecules involved in energy transfer in the body. Potassium Helps control heart rhythm, build proteins and use carbohydrates. Central to blood pH balance and supports normal growth. Calcium Required to build and maintain strong bones and teeth. Plays a role in nerve transmissions and muscle contractions. Sulphur Necessary for insulin production and part of an important antioxidant. Helps keep hair, skin and nails strong and healthy. Magnesium Supports muscle and nerve function and keeps your heart beating regularly. Builds strong bones and needed for energy production. Boron Contributes to healthy bone development and cell membrane maintenance. Alleviates arthritic symptoms and facilitates hormone action. Chlorine Regulates the balance of fluids in the body. Necessary for the absorption of vitamin B12. Copper Essential for the immune and nervous system and skeletal health. Supports iron metabolism and the formation of red blood cells. Iron A key component of haemoglobin in red blood cells. Needed to maintain healthy cells, skin, hair, and nails. Manganese Regulates blood sugar and enhances the absorption of calcium. Helps the body form connective tissue and bones. Molybdenum Helps the liver break down drugs and toxins. Prevents the dangerous build-up of sulphites in the body. Zinc Helps the immune system fight o invading bacteria and viruses. Plays a vital role in cognitive development and cellular growth |
As bio-stimulants are a reliable, precise and efficient way to nourish the soil and supply essential nutrients to plants, they enable farmers to produce more food on existing land and feed the world’s growing population.
Author: Louise Boyle