SOIL NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
– SOIL HEALTH –
– REMEDIATION –
– soil SCIENtists –
– CASE STUDY –
SOIL NUTRITION.
Heritage Tree Care believes that Soil Nutritional Information is critical towards promoting a healthy and sustainable green space or garden, and that the soil requires as much attention as the plants in them. An improperly balanced soil mixture can be more of a hinderance to the wellbeing and overall health of your plants then if it the soil was simply left alone, which is why we make every effort to first learn exactly what the soil needs to thrive before we begin applying anything to it!
We’ve included a list of beneficial nutrients and supplements, along with what each one does, that can be applied to your garden and greenspaces to help balance the nutritional levels within the soil to promote fertility and growth in your plants and trees!
Need A Clearer Picture of your SOIL’S HEALTH?
Heritage can help you by providing a comprehensive breakdown of your soil’s nutritional health and makeup.
Prefer to speak with someone instead?
Give our consultancy team a call on 1800 353 053
POTASSIUM HUMATES
Potassium Humates is the potassium salt of humic acid that acts as a soil conditioner. It has been shown to reduce the need for commercial fertilizers because it improves fertilizer efficiency. Furthermore, the use of humic acid has been found to reduce the leaching of fertilizers and pesticides into aquifer and surface waters, which is very important for the health of the larger eco-system. Growers that utilise humic acids correctly will gradually reduce application macro and the need for the application of micronutrient fertilizers while also improving the overall yield and quality of crops.
FISH KELP
Fish kelp is a natural and organic blend made from fish and seaweed, typically kelp, that is used as a soil amendment or liquid fertilizer that are quite rich in nutrients such as Potassium. This liquid fertilizer also contains cytokinin’s and auxins which help stimulate plant growth and improve root development, enhancing a plants resistance to stressors like drought or disease. This organic mixture is often used to promote the growth of vegetables, flowers and lawns and is especially valued for its ability to improve the structure and microbial activity within soil without the use of synthetic chemicals.
PERLITE
Perlite is a naturally occurring volcanic glass that is white/light grey in colour and is primarily used in fertilizer mixtures due to its extremely porous nature which helps it retain moisture while preventing compaction that further assists with the flow of nutrients and water to a plant’s roots. Furthermore, Perlite is pH-neutral and sterile which makes it a very effective and safe addition to potting mixes and growing mediums.
SEAWEED
Seaweed is highly valued for its rich nutrient profile and natural growth-promoting properties. Used as a bio stimulant for plants, Seaweed contains essential nutrients such as potassium, nitrogen, phosphorus and trace elements which improve the overall fertility of soil. Seaweed is commonly used in a variety of formats, including liquid extract, powders and composted versions.
AMMONIUM SULPHATE
Ammonium Sulphate is an inorganic chemical compound that is created by reacting Ammonia with Sulfuric Acid, resulting in a white, crystalline solid that is highly soluble in water. It’s primarily used as a major source of nitrogen which is essential for the growth of plants but is also known to help reduce the pH level of alkaline soils.
MAGNESIUM SULPHATE
Magnesium Sulphate, more commonly known as Epsom Salt, consists of magnesium, sulphur and oxygen and is typically found as a white, crystalline substance that is soluble in water. Magnesium Sulphate serves as a source of both magnesium and sulphur which are critically important to the growth and development of plants.
DIATOMACEOUS EARTH
Diatomaceous earth (DE), also known more commonly as diatomite, is a naturally occurring, soft, siliceous sedimentary rock that is primarily composed of the fossilized remains of microscopic algae, whose cell walls are made of silica. Once processed, diatomite is ground into a very fine powder that is typically white or off-white in colour. The powder is frequently used as an eco-friendly pesticide. The tiny, sharp particles of DE damage the exoskeletons of insects, leading to dehydration and death. When applied correctly, it is completely harmless to both humans and animals. Additionally, DE can be used to improve soil aeration, drainage and water retention, making it useful for potting mixes.
ZEOLITE
Zeolite is a collection of naturally occurring or synthetic crystalline minerals that are composed of primarily silicon, oxygen and aluminium. These minerals have unique structures, often with a network of cavities and channels that makes them highly porous.
BIOCHAR
Biochar is a form of charcoal that is produced by heating organic material in a low oxygen environment through a process called pyrolysis. This involves the thermal decomposition of the organic material without combustion which creates a stable, carbon-rich substance. When applied to soil, Biochar improves its water retention, nutrient availability and strengthens healthy microbial activity within the soil which has a direct, positive impact, on the health and growth rate of plants.
FULVIC ACID
Fulvic Acid is a natural component found in humus, which is the organic component of soil, peat and other animal material. It is the result of the breakdown of organic matter over time and is characterized by its low molecular weight, high solubility in water and its ability to interact with various nutrients and minerals. Fulvic Acid is well known for its role in improving the nutrient uptake of plants and promoting root growth but most importantly, it helps plants manage in environments with elevated pH levels.
MYCORRHIZA
Mycorrhiza refers to a symbiotic association between fungi and plant roots. In this relationship, the fungal partner benefits from carbohydrates produced by the plant while the plant gains increased access to essential nutrients, in particular phosphorus and nitrogen. Mycorrhizal fungi effectively act as extensions for a plants root systems, enabling it to source nutrients and water from a larger volume of soil that it would otherwise be unable to reach.
GYPSUM
Gypsum is a naturally occurring mineral composed primarily of calcium dihydrate. When applied to soil in agriculture it assists with soil structure and reduces compaction, especially in heavy clay soils. Gypsum also provides calcium and sulphur, two essential nutrients used by plants which helps the cell wall structure and plays a key role in protein synthesis and enzyme activation. Unlike other forms of lime, gypsum doesn’t alter the soil’s pH levels, making it overall a very beneficial option for soils that are already at an optimal pH level.
TRACE ELEMENTS
Trace Elements, sometimes referred to as micronutrients, are minerals that are required in very small amounts but are essential for various physiological functions and overall health for plants. Common trace elements that plants need include Boron, Copper, Iron, Chloride, Manganese, Molybdenum and Zinc. The absence or unavailability of one or more of these elements will cause depressed growth and can also cause nutritional imbalances in plants and animals further along the food chain. Alternatively, an excess of any one element can have potentially devastating impacts on the health of the plant, including its outright death.
LIME
Lime is an inorganic material primarily composed of calcium oxides and hydroxides. It is made from limestone, a sedimentary rock, and comes in two main forms: Calcitic Lime and Dolomitic Lime. When crushed to a fine powder, the material can be used to help adjust and correct soil acidity levels by raising the pH levels. Furthermore, it is often used to help break up heavy clay soils in agriculture which allows for better drainage and air circulation within the soil.
Need A Clearer Picture of your SOIL’S HEALTH?
Heritage can help you by providing a comprehensive breakdown of your soil’s nutritional health and makeup.
Prefer to speak with someone instead?
Give our consultancy team a call on 1800 353 053