Roots absorb ions (and small amounts of some very small molecules non-specifically) through protein channels. Most channels are specific for a particular nutrient ion or water. The channels are narrow, 1 ion at a time. Foliar feed, only some ions are absorbed/effective.
Additions to root environment could change ion absorption. Maybe improve micro nute balance in plant, etc. Maybe control microorganism growth. Maybe chelation. Roots make and secrete chelates into soils. But nothing extra needed if grow is up to normal Ag specs. Some growers produce excellent tomatoes, cukes, etc, some have junk.
Plants respond to plant pheremones, terpene compounds. Some trees, attacked by insects, produce a different terpene profile that is less palatable to the insect. These terpene/pheremones can trigger the same response in nearby trees without insect damage. Why not produce them all the time? Insects develop/evolve resistance to all pesticides, natural or artificial. Some are produced to attract insect predators. Generally not a significant increase in terpene production.
Plants do not absorb amino acids. Biochemical pathways evolved to use ions as building blocks.
"but providing certain amino acids throughout the plants life cycle means the plant spends its energy elsewhere. It acts as a cofactor to supercharge the enzymatic process."
Hogwash. Enzymes are folded chains of amino acids. Cofactors are metal ions and complex molecules. Cofactor (biochemistry) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
If anyone can, explain the chemical mechanism for a magic growth booster.
Here goes nothing.....
Agriculture production is a very intensive business and is related to better quality and better yield leading to better profitability.
Every Farmers dreams to achieve this goal. However to achieve this goal with advancement of technology, use of fertilizer and pesticides is not adequate. Now is the time to look at Bioenergetics and Biochemical aspects of plants, to achieve the goals of Farmerss.
Every plant like any organism needs certain components for growth over and above soil, sun, rain and air. The basic component of living cells is Proteins, with building block material, Amino Acids. Proteins are formed by sequence of Amino Acids.
Plants synthesize Amino Acids from the Primary elements, the Carbon and Oxygen obtained from air, Hydrogen from water in the soil, forming Carbon Hydrate by means of photosynthesis and combining it with the Nitrogen which the plants obtain from the soil, leading to synthesis of amino acids, by collateral metabolic pathways. Only L-Amino Acids are part of these Proteins and have metabolic activity.
The requirement of amino acids in essential quantities is well known as a means to increase yield and overall quality of crops.
The application of amino acids for foliar use is based on its requirement by plants in general and at critical stages of growth in particular. Plants absorb Amino Acids through Stomas and is proportionate to environment temperature.
Amino Acids are fundamental ingredients in the process of Protein Synthesis. About 20 important Amino Acids are involved in the process of each function. Studies have proved that Amino Acids can directly or indirectly influence the physiological activities of the plant.
Amino Acids are also supplied to plant by incorporating them into the soil. It helps in improving the microflora of the soil thereby facilitating the assimilation of nutrients.
Foliar Nutrition in the form of Protein Hydrolysate (Known as Amino Acids Liquid) and foliar spray provide readymade building blocks for Protein synthesis.