The Biosphere Blog

Last week we explored why nitrogen is an essential macronutrient in plants, by looking at the molecules it appears in, and the biochemical processes relying on those molecules. From that we could better understand where and why nitrogen deficiencies and… more »

Macronutrients are those a plant requires in high concentrations. There are six of these: nitrogen (N), potassium (K), phosphorus (P), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), and sulfur (S). Plants receive these nutrients either as standalone ions or as part of… more »

Nitrogen drawdown is the loss of nitrogen to plants in the presence of high amounts of carbon, resulting in slower growth and in extreme cases, deficiencies. Drawdown occurs when large amounts of high-carbon materials such as sawdust or wood chip are… more »

So far we’ve covered two essentials for life: water (for its flowing and carrying properties over a wide temperature range), and photosynthesis (for turning light energy into food which then flows up the food chain in an ecosystem). But no… more »

This earlier post lists the most important nutrients plants require to grow, flower and fruit. But barring a full laboratory soil or leaf analysis, most people only become aware of any deficiencies when their trees show poor growth and development. By… more »

As last week’s post stated, manufactured fertilisers are reliably the same with every batch, and the same measured applications can be relied on to deliver the same amounts of nutrients every time. Manures, in contrast, are a natural product and… more »

Last week’s discussion of three differing fertilisers briefly mentioned that manures and manure-based products should not be thought of as complete fertilisers able to supply all nutrients in adequate amounts — and commercial suppliers of these do… more »

Last week we went over the six macronutrients and six micronutrients (trace elements) all plants need for good health. There are a variety of fertilisers put out by garden product companies with the backyard fruit-grower in mind. These have been… more »

The Jujube Tree Growth Cycle Jujube trees go through many stages over a yearly cycle. As they leave dormancy around August/September, the sap begins to flow, buds erupt, and leaves grow. Roots grow and branches appear. Flower buds begin appearing about… more »