More Support for the K-Lite Concept

[Ray]

I recently listened to a webinar presented by Premier Tech Horticulture concerning the use of bacterial and fungal inoculants (albeit in soils – these are the people who make Pro-Mix potting media) and learned something that adds to the potential benefits of a fertilizer like K-Lite, with its low phosphorus and potassium content.

We already know that excessive potassium can preclude the uptake of other important nutrients, but apparently the use of higher-phosphorus fertilizers tends to result in the growth of very dense tissues in roots. (That is NOT to be confused with dense root systems, which are good, and are brought about by using stimulants like KelpMax.) Beneficial microorganisms have a more difficult time colonizing such tissues, so do not produce the same colony densities, nor provide the same degree of protection to the plant.

All of this probably backs up my observations that low-dose K-Lite, coupled with KelpMax and Concentric Ag's Garden Solution, yields very good growth and blooming. In fact, it appears that there is more interaction than I had previously considered:

• KelpMax certainly stimulates plant growth and branching of their root systems, but also contributes nutrients not found in fertilizers. It also provides a source of food for the microorganisms in Garden Solution.
  
• K-Lite is a good, complete source of nutrients for the plant, but it provides nutrition for the Garden Solution microorganisms as well.
  
• Garden Solution, by introducing beneficial microorganisms that colonize the plants' root systems, provides protection from pathogens through direct competition, the production of antibiotics, and predation, plus adds to the water and nutrient uptake for the plant via the fungal hyphae.

---------- Post added at 02:41 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:22 PM ----------

Let me add that the combination of pretty much any fertilizer, kelp and a live probiotic will be beneficial, but I am convinced that differences between products will lead to less-spectacular results.