Origin of the nutrients

Mineral nutrients

Mineral nutrients are one of the most widely used nutrients by growers all over the world. The formulas of this type of nutrients have the exact amount of nutrients that plants can absorb and digest without requiring the presence of bacteria or microorganisms to break down the matter. 

Mineral nutrients are directly absorbed by the plant and allow the grower to have almost total control over the amount of nutrients and trace elements absorbed by the crop. This can be convenient to avoid over-fertilisation and over-feeding.

Mineral nutrients are produced in a laboratory, so they are not of natural origin. In many cases, environmentally conscious growers avoid the use of these products, which can interfere with the natural organoleptic properties of many plant species, but can also leach from the soil into the groundwater, having a greater impact on the environment. 

Organic nutrients

Organic nutrients are those made from natural products, in other words, nutrients made from organic materials. This type of nutrients is slow release, because unlike mineral nutrients, it needs the presence of micro-organisms in the substrate to break down the nutrients so that the plants can absorb them.

This type of nutrients is not polluting at all, as its origin is totally natural and leaves no trace in the environment. The organoleptic properties of the plant species grown will not be affected either, as organic nutrients do not contain any chemical residues that affect the aroma of the plants. All this, while favouring the presence of micro-life in the substrate.

However, as they are slow release, it will not be possible to have such a strict control of the nutritional contribution applied to the crops unless we have a lot of experience in the application of organic nutrients. As a result, nutrient deficiencies or excesses may occur if symptoms of these problems are not detected early. However, if you follow the manufacturer's crop tables, this problem should not necessarily occur. 

Chemical nutrients

Chemical nutrients come from non-renewable raw materials or are obtained by chemical processes using raw materials such as petroleum, sulphur, coal or phosphate ore. Like mineral nutrients, chemical nutrients release nutrients very quickly, so they can be absorbed by the plant almost immediately and it is possible to monitor the amount of nutrient the plants receive in almost real time. 

They have the disadvantage that they can gradually damage the organisms that live in the substrate, but on the other hand they are especially effective in sterile substrates that do not have base nutrients, as well as in hydroponic crops. 

In Experiencia Natural it is possible to find the best selection of organic, mineral, chemical and mixed nutrients on the market. You can browse through this section to find them all.