I’ve been reading some of Dr. bugbee’s reseach and he published this:
“The essential nutrients can be put into 3 categories based on how quickly they are
removed from solution. Group 1 elements are actively absorbed by roots and can be
removed from solution in a few hours. Group 2 elements have intermediate uptake rates
and are usually removed from solution slightly faster than water is removed. Group 3
elements are passively absorbed from solution and often accumulate in solution.
Table 1. Approximate uptake rates of the essential plant nutrients.
Group 1. Active uptake, fast removal
NO3, NH4, P, K, Mn
Group 2. Intermediate uptake
Mg, S, Fe, Zn, Cu, Mo, Cl
Group 3. Passive uptake, slow removal
Ca, B
One of the problems with individual ion monitoring and control is that the
concentration of the group 1 elements (N, P, K, Mn) must be kept low to prevent their toxic
accumulation in plant tissue”.
So the N,P,K,and Mn can be used up in a few hours according to him, would the addition of silicon slow this process? I do find the 321 to be a bit of a tip burner and it seems to happen after they drink up a bunch of ppm. Maybe silicon would help with that.
