The PathThe Path to to High BrixHigh BrixThe PathThe Path to to High BrixHigh BrixFoundation Foundation

Parameters for Biological FunctionParameters for Biological Function

Plant Sap pHacid / alkaline balance

HIGHER than 6.4probable anion shortages

Nitrogen, Phosphate, Sulfur

IDEAL: 6.4 = optimum growth, production & health

LOWER than 6.4probable cation deficienciesCalcium, Magnesium,

Potassium , Sodium

OVER 8.0 odds of insect trouble = 100%

Low sap pHLow sap pHhigh fungal disease potentialhigh fungal disease potential

UNDER 4.5fungal infection is 100% probable

High sap pHHigh sap pHmore insect damage potentialmore insect damage potential

The PathThe Path to to High BrixHigh BrixThe PathThe Path to to High BrixHigh BrixFoundation Foundation

Parameters for Biological FunctionParameters for Biological Function

Electric ConductivityElectric ConductivityEnergy available for plant growthEnergy available for plant growth

Quantity and Mobility of ionsQuantity and Mobility of ionscation & anion = electron mobilitycation & anion = electron mobilityperfect to see overview of nutrients available perfect to see overview of nutrients available to a cropto a crop

Soil Electric Conductivity (EC)Soil Electric Conductivity (EC)below 200below 200 ergs / microsiemenergs / microsiemeninsufficient energy for electrical-chemical reactions insufficient energy for electrical-chemical reactions necessary for healthy growthnecessary for healthy growthover 1000over 1000 = too high = too high

IdealIdeal200-600200-600 in soil in soilover 2000over 2000 in plant sap in plant sap

Soil Type CEC80 bu 5100 bu 7120 bu 9140 bu 11160 bu 13180 bu 16

Corn Yield CECSandy 3-5Silt Loam 10-15Heavy 20-25

The PathThe Path to to High BrixHigh BrixThe PathThe Path to to High BrixHigh BrixFoundation Foundation

Cation Exchange CapacityC.E.C.C.E.C.

Measure of stored nutrients

Ability to release nutrients to plants

Soil potential for crop production“capacity”

“exchange”

“cation”

= adsorption

Parameters for Biological FunctionParameters for Biological Function

= electron donors

= quantity of energy & nutrients

The PathThe Path to to High BrixHigh BrixThe PathThe Path to to High BrixHigh BrixFoundation Foundation

Base Saturation%

exchangeable cationsPotassium (K)

Magnesium (Mg)Calcium (Ca)Sodium (Na)Hydrogen (H)

X

Parameters for Biological FunctionParameters for Biological Function

PotassiumMagnesium

CalciumHydrogen

3-5%12-15%70-80%

0-5%

5-8%25-40%55-60%

0-10%

ideal

= 100%

common++

+-

The PathThe Path to to High BrixHigh BrixThe PathThe Path to to High BrixHigh BrixFoundation Foundation

Parameters for Biological FunctionParameters for Biological Function

biologically availablebiologically availablemeasured with LaMotte soil testsmeasured with LaMotte soil tests

ConductivityConductivity 200 uS200 uSonly microbiology only microbiology

can maintain these conditionscan maintain these conditions

Calcium / Magnesium: 7 / 1broad-leaf vs. grasses

3000 lbs : 429 lbs

Calcium / Phosphorus: 7 / 1Growth: bud, root, flower, seed

Bones: alkaline reserve

Phosphorus / Potassium:2 / 1

174 lbs : 167 lbs

NH4 / NO3 40 lbs / 40 lbs

Sodium / Potassium : 1 / 5

Major Mineral Major Mineral BalancesBalances

The PathThe Path to to High BrixHigh BrixThe PathThe Path to to High BrixHigh BrixFoundation Foundation

Parameters for Biological FunctionParameters for Biological Function

GeologyGeology BiologyBiologyphysical chemicalphysical chemical organic habitatorganic habitat

Organic Matter & CompostOrganic Matter & CompostHumic Acids & BiocharHumic Acids & BiocharCarbon / Nitrogen ratioCarbon / Nitrogen ratioNitrogen fixationNitrogen fixationBio-InoculantsBio-InoculantsBacteria / Fungi ratioBacteria / Fungi ratioSoil Food WebSoil Food WebMycorrhizaeMycorrhizaeEarthwormsEarthworms

GeologyGeology

Parameters for Biological FunctionParameters for Biological Function

The PathThe Path to to High BrixHigh BrixThe PathThe Path to to High BrixHigh BrixFoundation Foundation

BiologyBiology

Parameters for Biological FunctionParameters for Biological FunctionEnergy Flow in Nature