Vegetables/Herbs
Minimum Nutrient Recommendations Using Organic and Natural Plant Food Sources:
Key Nutrients:
More potassium (K), nitrogen (N) and calcium (Ca) are removed from the soil by the plant than any other nutrient. Over 60% of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) taken up by the plant is utilized by the fruit.
Nutrient Uptake:
Nitrogen (N) – It is needed at early stages of development to encourage good strong seedling and plant development. Peak requirement is just before flowering.
Phosphorus (P) – It is required early in the plant’s development to ensure good root growth and flowering.
Potassium (K) – It is needed in greater quantities than N — highest demand is during flowering and fruit bulking.
Calcium (Ca) – It is needed in relatively large quantities. In many situations, it is equally as important as N. Since only 5% of Ca is found in fruit and 95% in the vegetative parts of the plant, the need for Ca is also high during vegetative growth.
Magnesium (Mg) – It is also important, though it is needed at lower rates than Ca. Peak uptake is around flowering.
Sulfur (S) – It is needed throughout the growing period and for fruit development. This nutrient is critical for optimum N utilization.