Botanicare Liquid Karma

[Glassdub]

I use a reverse osmosis device and you definitely need to add Cal/Mag with every watering...............

Foliage Pro has both.

https://dyna-gro.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Foliage-Pro-Sht-2014.pdf

Bloom also.

https://dyna-gro.com/product/liquid-bloom/

 

[MIMedGrower]

" Liquid karma formulated by a Ph.D. plant physiologist this bio-catalyst plant stimulant has active organic compound not found in regular plant foods or supplements. These compound act as regulatory signals, activators or catalysts producing synchronized and accelerated growth under all conditions."
Or so they say but I'm skeptical.

Botanicare’s liquid karma page doesnt say that anymore.

But there was a breakdown of ingredients and effects under that statement you copied on the old page.

Some ingredients have benefits. Seaweed has growth regulators and tons of trace elements.

Humic is supposed to aid in nutrient uptake and soil loostening (but i have read the article you posted)

And there was more ingredients but i cant remember.

 

[sshz]

Foliage Pro has both.
https://dyna-gro.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Foliage-Pro-Sht-2014.pdf


It's still not organic...........which means less chance for burning and over-fertilizing. I'm not saying it's fine to use, I just want something organic.

 

[MIMedGrower]

I use a reverse osmosis device and you definitely need to add Cal/Mag with every watering...............

I didnt need any with ro water either. A complete nutrients system should not need added calcium or magnesium.

Unless you are growing in coco. Some growers seem to need it more. Has to do with the potassium content of coco.

 

[Glassdub]

Foliage Pro has both.
https://dyna-gro.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Foliage-Pro-Sht-2014.pdf


It's still not organic...........which means less chance for burning and over-fertilizing. I'm not saying it's fine to use, I just want something organic.

That's your prerogative but as suggested by many I just cut the suggested dose in half (starting at quarter) & its been working well.

 

[sshz]

Even Botanicare suggests adding more Cal/Mag if you are using R.O........ see below:

USAGE APPLICATION
Recommended application rates are listed on the product labels, pre-developed recipes, and nutrient calculator at botanicare.com. If growing in nutrient fortified potting soil or using supplements, reduce application rate by 25%. If using reverse osmosis water and or in coco coir, it’s recommended to add 5 ml of Cal-Mag Plus per gallon of water. Use with every watering.

I actually need to add between 7-10ml per gallon or my plant leaves start to taco.

 

[MIMedGrower]

Even Botanicare suggests adding more Cal/Mag if you are using R.O........ see below:

USAGE APPLICATION
Recommended application rates are listed on the product labels, pre-developed recipes, and nutrient calculator at botanicare.com. If growing in nutrient fortified potting soil or using supplements, reduce application rate by 25%. If using reverse osmosis water and or in coco coir, it’s recommended to add 5 ml of Cal-Mag Plus per gallon of water. Use with every watering.

I actually need to add between 7-10ml per gallon or my plant leaves start to taco.

Tacoing is not from calcium or mag but can be from a bit too much nutes.

See how they say drop the ec 25% if you add it. It might not be needed.

I dropped it and nothing went wrong.

Then i stopped using ro and nothing went wrong.

 

[sshz]

Wrong........it's a common symptom of not enough Magnesium. It can be caused by numerous things i.e. too much heat or humidity, a Mg deficiency, a spider mite infection, numerous other things.

 

[MIMedGrower]

Wrong........it's a common symptom of not enough Magnesium. It can be caused by numerous things i.e. too much heat or humidity, a Mg deficiency, a spider mite infection, numerous other things.

Adding more mag is a band aid. The problem should always be fixed at the source. And the problem in my opinion is usually too much calcium or nitrogen. The main ingredients in cal mag plus.

 

[sshz]

So, I've given this more thought. When I mix up my soil for potting, I start with a 3.8 cu. ft. bale of promix, add in 2 cu. ft. of perlite and 2- 2 1/2 cups of dolomitic lime. The lime is comprised of 20% Calcium Carbonate and 10% Magnesium Carbonate. I'm guessing if there are issues, it's coming from this.

My next crop in September, I'll skip adding the lime altogether and we'll see what my Cal/Mag requirements are with the change. The pro-mix already has a lime charge, I just may be adding too much overall................

 

[MIMedGrower]

So, I've given this more thought. When I mix up my soil for potting, I start with a 3.8 cu. ft. bale of promix, add in 2 cu. ft. of perlite and 2- 2 1/2 cups of dolomitic lime. The lime is comprised of 20% Calcium Carbonate and 10% Magnesium Carbonate. I'm guessing if there are issues, it's coming from this.

My next crop in September, I'll skip adding the lime altogether and we'll see what my Cal/Mag requirements are with the change. The pro-mix already has a lime charge, I just may be adding too much overall................

I agree that could be the problem. Promix measures low ph straight out of the dry bale but after watered in a week it always comes back about 6.2ph. They even warn to check new bales for over liming in case clumps made it through the screen and add too much during mixing.

 

[MIMedGrower]

Also they use calcitic and dolomite lime for short and long term buffering.

 

[TheBioMaster]

I've also never used cal/mag.....Your base nutrient should cover the two most basic and needed nutrition for plant growth. If your base nutrients does not have enough calcium and magnesium you need to get a better base nutrient.

Most growers unfortunately wouldn't know a calcium or magnesium deficiency if you slapped them in the face with one!!

Supplement additives should be things like amino acids, biological inputs, and food for the biology.

NOT things like nitrogen, calcium, etc.....it's Horticulture 101

 

[Aqua Man]

Imo some need cal mag some don't. Lighting spectrum will even make a difference. Transpiration rates, base nutrients, additives, light intensity, source water (which varies greatly) temps, ph and strain.

There is no one answer. I can say one thing under my conditions I need to add cal mag.

 

[MIMedGrower]

I've also never used cal/mag.....Your base nutrient should cover the two most basic and needed nutrition for plant growth. If your base nutrients does not have enough calcium and magnesium you need to get a better base nutrient.

Most growers unfortunately wouldn't know a calcium or magnesium deficiency if you slapped them in the face with one!!

Supplement additives should be things like amino acids, biological inputs, and food for the biology.

NOT things like nitrogen, calcium, etc.....it's Horticulture 101

You may not like this opinion being the Bio Master but i think adding these things is just hype too. There is absolutely no proof the microbes we add ever stay and feed the plant and if they do take feeding them would be counterproductive.

And amino acids are made by the plant for its own use. No proof feeding them more does anything.

Thats why all the gardening additives always say “may” help with...

 

[MIMedGrower]

Imo some need cal mag some don't. Lighting spectrum will even make a difference. Transpiration rates, base nutrients, additives, light intensity, source water (which varies greatly) temps, ph and strain.

There is no one answer. I can say one thing under my conditions I need to add cal mag.

Version one megacrop was admitted to have trouble with calcium. Thats why they put 6 or 8%calcium in version 2.

And apparently that was also mis marketed and had flaws so now they have a 2 part.

Lolol

I know you have a huge bag bro but its weird you picked this hack company. Did you ever search the thread on the other website with the owner?

 

[Aqua Man]

You may not like this opinion being the Bio Master but i think adding these things is just hype too. There is absolutely no proof the microbes we add ever stay and feed the plant and if they do take feeding them would be counterproductive.

And amino acids are made by the plant for its own use. No proof feeding them more does anything.

Thats why all the gardening additives always say “may” help with...

Something has to break down organic nutrients. I would have to say the proof is that the plants aren't starving.

Plenty of studies to show the symbiotic relationships and how myco actually penetrate the roots. Even bacteria form relationships with fungi.

Plants don't take up organic nutrients. While some claims may be exaggerated microbes absolutely are key.

 

[MIMedGrower]

I dunno, like its the plant supplement equivalent of homeopathy I suppose.

My last job in Colorado was account manager for a natural eye care company that only supplied eye doctors and naturepaths.

Out homeopathic eye drops helped return eyesight and eliminate illness in many patients that were “patient” enoigh to keep using them.

I had reports from patients and doctors of elderly cataract patients get their drivers license back. Glaucoma completely subside and macular degeneration reverse.

And in the last 20 years doctors have seen a cause of action at the microscopic level from homeopathic medicine in the human body.

I dont know what further advances have been made i left the business over 13 years ago.

I sold to over 10,000 doctors and naturepaths.

 

[Aqua Man]

Version one megacrop was admitted to have trouble with calcium. Thats why they put 6 or 8%calcium in version 2.

And apparently that was also mis marketed and had flaws so now they have a 2 part.

Lolol

I know you have a huge bag bro but its weird you picked this hack company. Did you ever search the thread on the other website with the owner?

The owner doesn't concern me. I don't base a product based on the owner. I wasn't talking about base nutes only, that's only part of the equation.

It's pretty complete none the less and I have had good results. Ferts are almost all basically the same using the same sources. I was referring to the difference in environment can equate to a difference in plant needs or ratios.

Like I was saying there is no one blanket answer as to whether cal mag is needed. Just because I need it. Be it base nutes or other does not mean someone else does

 

[Glassdub]

You may not like this opinion being the Bio Master but i think adding these things is just hype too. There is absolutely no proof the microbes we add ever stay and feed the plant and if they do take feeding them would be counterproductive.

And amino acids are made by the plant for its own use. No proof feeding them more does anything.

Thats why all the gardening additives always say “may” help with...

Yep & this was pretty much the intent of my OP in a nutshell.