The Science Behind Optimal Plant Health

Across the globe, increased attention and interest is being placed on overall health and wellness. Trends have shifted from simply ‘looking’ good to ‘feeling’ good. Being fit, strong and active, both physically and emotionally, is a growing priority for us all. With the rampant spread of diseases such as cancer, the value of health cannot (and is no longer) underestimated. Plant health echoes this conversation. Plantgesondheid volg hierdie gesprek na.

Healthy strong plants will always be prized over weak, struggling ones. As with human health, continued research and significant developments are continuously being made in plant science. As knowledge of the many growth processes increases, so too does the research and development on tailoring products to maximise each step.

So what have we learned and what do we as gardeners need to know about plant health?

In nature, plants predominantly need water and sunlight to survive. They are reliant on nutrients within the soil, air and water for nutrition, and grow as best they can within their environment. As such, nutrient-rich soils support enhanced growth when compared to sandy poor soils – hence earlier discussions and emphasis on the importance of soil health.

Mankind has been supplementing plant nutrition since the beginning of time. Early Egyptian, Roman and Babylonian records suggest minerals and manure have enhanced farm productivity since ancient times. Gardeners are well aware of the benefits of supplementing nutrition. Some of us are more knowledgeable than others and, as with most things in gardening, everyone experiences success and failure at some stage.

As responsible gardeners, it’s important to embrace an integrated, holistic approach to plant health, supplementing nutrition with products that are sustainable and effective, with no negative effects on your soil, your plants and your family.

Macroelements and microelements