In the Lensli Academy we regularly inform you about practical situations that we encounter in the sector, we talk about insights gained in practice, we give you cultivation tips and we share our knowledge about other interesting substrate-related matters.
Academy – Phosphate
Did you know… Phosphate is vital for plants?
It plays a role in a wide range of biological processes; from energy production to genetic stability. The management of phosphate, both in the soil and in the plant itself, is therefore an important aspect for optimal growth.
Phosphate, a form of the element phosphorus, is an essential nutrient for plants. It plays a crucial role in various biological processes that contribute to the growth and development of plants. Phosphate plays an important role in the formation of the root system of the plant. In addition, it provides energy for various plant processes and is involved in the formation of DNA. A plant also needs phosphate for the formation of seeds.
Phosphate in substrate
Phosphate can be added to the substrate in mineral or organic form. Most substrate raw materials do not contain phosphate. A standard dosage with a compound fertilizer is therefore always recommended. A compound fertilizer contains N (nitrogen), P (phosphate) and K (potassium).
Lensli advises to always add a minimum dosage to the substrate. The most commonly used NPK is 14-10-18 + spores. Special dosages are also available for cutting soils and young plants, such as the plant starter 10-52-10, to ensure that there is a good starting amount for the roots.
DCM mixes or ECOR-FOS are widely used as an organic phosphate source.
After a few weeks, the grower's fertilization should take over. Additional fertilization is almost always necessary if a coated fertilizer is not used.
Phosphate in the plant
A phosphate deficiency is almost always manifested in severely inhibited growth. Attempts are sometimes made to inhibit the growth of the plant with low values. The risk of insufficient phosphate intake then only increases. However, successes have also been achieved with this in bedding plants.
In addition to growth inhibition, phosphate deficiency can also be recognized by purple discoloration and necrosis spots on the leaves. In cuttings or young plants this can be recognized by the underside of the leaves, which then turn purple (Anthocyanin formation).
Our advice is to always first take a soil sample to assess whether such a symptom is actually caused by phosphate deficiency. An excess of phosphate almost never occurs. It can be recognized by poor growth and blocked zinc absorption or zinc deficiency.
Phosphate, as a main element, is therefore vital for plants. It plays a role in a wide range of biological processes, from energy production to genetic stability. The management of phosphate, both in the soil and in the plant itself, is therefore an important aspect for optimal growth.
Do you have questions or would you like to know more about this subject? Please contact your Lensli account manager or our Substrates Technical Product Manager Nick Vollmer by email n.vollmer@lensli.com or telephone +31 (6) 51269415.
We are happy to talk to you.