For last week she had been receiving a light foliar application of aminos/sucrose 20-30 min prior to lights on.
Plants do store nutrients in their stems, alongside their roots and leaves, acting as a vital storage and transport hub for water, nutrients, and sugars. Roots absorb water and nutrients from the soil and also store nutrients.
Leaves are the main photosynthetic organs, but they also store some nutrients. 😒 🤔
At night, when stomata shut and transpiration stops, the water is held in the stem and leaf by the adhesion of water to the cell walls of the xylem vessels and tracheids, and the cohesion of water molecules to each other. This is called the cohesion–tension theory of sap ascent.
( Pyroligneous Vinegar )
Organic Acids:
Pyroligneous vinegar contains organic acids that can dissolve phosphorus and make it more available for plant uptake.
Antimicrobial Properties:
The compounds in pyroligneous vinegar can inhibit the growth of plant pathogens and pests.
Biostimulant:
It can act as a biostimulant, promoting plant growth and development.
Soil Microorganisms:
Pyroligneous vinegar can increase the metabolic activity of microorganisms in the soil, which are important for nutrient cycling and soil health.
Adequate soil moisture is crucial for plant photosynthesis, nutrient uptake, and overall growth, which directly impacts carbon assimilation by plants.
A moderate level of soil moisture supports the activity of beneficial soil microorganisms that decompose organic matter, releasing nutrients and contributing to carbon cycling.
Optimal moisture levels enhance the processes of carbon sequestration, where carbon is stored in the soil as organic matter, effectively removing it from the atmosphere.
Plants use carbon dioxide and water to produce sugars through photosynthesis. These sugars are then used as energy and building blocks for plant growth, and can also be stored in the soil as organic matter.
The decomposition of plant and microbial residues releases carbon back into the soil and atmosphere. Soil moisture plays a crucial role in regulating this process, influencing the rate of decomposition and the form in which carbon is released.
Excessive Soil Moisture:
Reduced Oxygen: Saturated soil conditions can lead to a lack of oxygen, which can inhibit microbial activity and potentially lead to the release of greenhouse gases like methane.
Decomposition: While some decomposition occurs in saturated soils, the process can be slowed down, leading to a build-up of organic matter and potentially reducing the availability of nutrients for plants.
Insufficient Soil Moisture:
Water Stress: Drought conditions can cause water stress in plants, leading to reduced photosynthesis and carbon uptake.
Reduced Microbial Activity: Dry soils can also limit microbial activity, reducing the decomposition of organic matter and nutrient cycling.
Carbon sequestration refers to the process of capturing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) in long-term storage, like in soils and plants.
Adding carbon to soil, through practices like cover cropping and using organic amendments, does not eliminate the need for carbon sequestration, but it is a crucial component of a broader strategy to increase carbon storage in soil
Planting cover crops (like clover, beans, and peas) after the main crop is harvested helps soils take in carbon year-round, and these crops can be plowed under as "green manure" to add more carbon to the soil.
Increased soil carbon improves soil structure, water retention, and nutrient availability, leading to healthier and more productive soils.
Healthy soils with high carbon content are more resilient to drought, erosion, and other environmental stresses.
Chemical degradation and soil deterioration is a global issue, mainly caused by the wide scale application of synthetic fertilizers. Adding activated charcoal allows oxygen to be redistributed to the soil, allowing for plant roots to thrive.
Biochar: Primarily used as a soil amendment to improve soil structure, water retention, and nutrient availability, as well as for carbon sequestration.
Activated Charcoal: Widely used for filtration and adsorption, such as in water purification, air purification, and as a medicinal agent (e.g., to absorb toxins).
Key Differences: Porosity and Surface Area: Biochar generally has a lower porosity and surface area compared to activated charcoal, which is specifically engineered for high porosity and surface area.
Ion Exchange Capacity: Biochar exhibits a significant amount of ion exchange capacity, which is minimal or absent in traditional activated carbons.
pH: Activated charcoal is more alkaline than biochar, with a pH range of 9-11.
Similarities:Both biochar and activated charcoal are carbon-based materials produced through pyrolysis. Both can be used as adsorbents, but their primary applications differ significantly.
One specific form of C60, carboxylated fullerene C60[C(COOH)2]3, . Activated Charcoal increases soil fertility and plant growth rate.
Biochar:
Biochar, a type of charcoal produced through pyrolysis (heating organic matter in the absence of oxygen), is often used as a soil amendment.
To maximize its benefits, biochar is often "charged" or inoculated with nutrients and microbes before being applied to the soil.
"Charging" involves mixing biochar with organic matter like compost, worm castings, or fertilizer, allowing the biochar to absorb these nutrients and microbes.
This process ensures that the biochar can effectively hold and release nutrients to plants and microbes in the soil.
Biochar's porous structure allows it to act as a reservoir for nutrients and water, improving soil health and fertility.
Activated Charcoal:
Activated charcoal, also known as activated carbon, is a form of charcoal that has been treated to increase its porosity and surface area.
It's primarily used for filtration and adsorption, meaning it's effective at removing impurities from water and air.
The porous structure of activated charcoal allows it to bind to various molecules, including toxins and gases.
Activated charcoal doesn't require the same "charging" process as biochar because its primary function is to adsorb rather than to provide nutrients.
While activated charcoal can be used in soil applications, its primary purpose is for filtration and purification rather than soil amendment.
Biochar:
Biochar, a type of charcoal produced through pyrolysis (heating organic matter in the absence of oxygen), is often used as a soil amendment.
To maximize its benefits, biochar is often "charged" or inoculated with nutrients and microbes before being applied to the soil.
"Charging" involves mixing biochar with organic matter like compost, worm castings, or fertilizer, allowing the biochar to absorb these nutrients and microbes.
This process ensures that the biochar can effectively hold and release nutrients to plants and microbes in the soil.
Biochar's porous structure allows it to act as a reservoir for nutrients and water, improving soil health and fertility.
Activated Charcoal:
Activated charcoal, also known as activated carbon, is a form of charcoal that has been treated to increase its porosity and surface area.
It's primarily used for filtration and adsorption, meaning it's effective at removing impurities from water and air.
The porous structure of activated charcoal allows it to bind to various molecules, including toxins and gases.
Activated charcoal doesn't require the same "charging" process as biochar because its primary function is to adsorb rather than to provide nutrients.
While activated charcoal can be used in soil applications, its primary purpose is for filtration and purification rather than soil amendment.