I see a whole lot of people on here swearing that any bottled nutrients are terrible for microbial life
I was hoping to shed a little light on this.
Because a nutrient source comes in a bottle, it does not make it inherently bad practice to use. The hang up lies in the subtleties.
Any fertilizer that has been broken down with chelations (organic or synthetic acids used to break down non soluble organic matter into its soluble form)as well as anything with a high npk will hinder your microbial life just like adding synthetics.
Synthetics: Two main reasons to avoid any synthetic fert and the main reason bottled nutes get their bad name
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1, it has been broken down into soluble form for the plant already. This means the plant has access to readily useable npk, and has no use to keep producing root exudates which is what attracts fungus and bacteria to your root system in the first place.Without a exudates (fungus' source of carbon) and some non soluble organics your micro life will starve.
2, synthetic fertilizers have high salt counts. The higher salt levels will create osmotic shock to bacteria as it leaches its moisture out of the cell walls into the higher concentrations of salts. This will kill the soil web real quick.
Bottled organics: This is where things turn a lil more grey. Bottled organic nutrients are NOT inherently bad, and if used correctly they can actually up your TLO game from water only in regards to final product. Again, anything that contains chelation, organic or not, is going to be bad. Essentially its the same effect as synthetic #1. Too much soluble food and the symbiosis of root/microbes is hindered.
However, there are liquid ferts out there that will enhance your biomass rather than deter it. Makes sure you use very low phospherous count. We want to feed the microbes, not hinder. High phospherous in soluble form is very bad for fungus and mycoryzhae. The key here is using your bottles in low doses for teas and allowing things to cook. The added npk in your teas are for the microbes, not your plant. I use a .2-.3-.7 liquid organic additive for my tea. Works wonders especially in longer flowering girls.
Conclusion: dont let those water only snobs form your opinion for you
When feeding your microbes, a little goes a long ways... plenty of fantastic additives in dry and liquid form out there, it may take some time and research to figure out what will compliment your mix.
ANYTHING HMRI listed is a good start. After that contacting companies to find out if any chelation (key-lay-shun) has been used. If so, this is not a great product for TLO organics and your soil food web.
Any input from reputable sources welcome
