I heard some biologists on the garden talk with mr grow it talk about the importance of a widely varied biodiversity and its affects on
terpenes production, something to do with how different plants have different relationships with different strains of bacteria and how the more diverse the more terpene rich a plant becomes.
Here it is:
Its so true that you can grow organic and end up with dead bud if you cant manage to get a healthy soil for your plants and your microorganisms. My first organic grows were not bad but compared to now after years of trying different ammendments and liquids is much better, still a lot to learn though like the mineral balance but I think vermiculite helps a ton with that without having to make difficult calculations. Im very surprised they talked about all the goodies that organic has that synthetic doesnt like aminos, vitamins, organic carbs, enzymes phytohormones and she fails to mention kelp (maybe I didnt hear her mention it?) which has all of the beforementioned, no need to buy overpriced supplements like the guy suggested and I thought she would bring kelp there. Insect frass is overpriced in Spain but I have considered it before but I think I have more than enough with the supplements I use already.
Vermiculite doesn't directly alter soil mineral balance in the sense of adding or subtracting minerals. Instead, it improves soil structure and aeration, which indirectly affects how plants can access nutrients.
Here's how vermiculite benefits plant nutrition:
- Improved Aeration:
Vermiculite creates air pockets in the soil, allowing for better oxygen flow to plant roots. Healthy roots are essential for nutrient uptake.
- Water Retention:
Vermiculite can absorb and hold water, preventing it from draining away too quickly. This ensures plants have access to moisture, which is crucial for nutrient transport.
- Cation Exchange: <<<<<----------MOSTLY THIS
Vermiculite has a positive charge and can attract and hold positively charged ions like potassium, magnesium, and calcium. It can then release these nutrients to the plant roots as needed.
While vermiculite itself doesn't provide a significant source of nutrients, its impact on soil structure and water availability helps plants thrive and access essential minerals already present in the soil.