Humboldt County's Own Magnum (Magnesium and Sulfur Boost)
We can't recommend this product enough and here's why:
Photosynthesis is the process whereby the chlorophyll in the leaves converts sunshine and CO2 into sugars. It is the basis of ALL plant growth. The diagram shows a typical chlorophyll molecule. Note the Magnesium atom (Mg) at the very center. No Magnesium, no chlorophyll, no photosynthesis.
Magnesium supplements are probably the least “sexy” product in the hydroponic market yet Magnesium deficiency is the most common cause of poor yields besides overfeeding plants. That’s why we loaded up our Deep Fusion Series with Magnesium and for most growers the Deep Fusion Series will supply enough Magnesium to prevent deficiencies. However, some varieties have a greater demand so supplementation may be necessary. For high value crops, many growers will use Magnum as insurance.
MAGNUM is our high potency Magnesium/Sulfur boost. The Magnesium and Sulfur guarantee an ample supply for chlorophyll synthesis. Works well with all popular base nutrients.
- The primary symptom of Magnesium or Sulfur deficiency is premature yellowing or interveinal fading of leaves.
- The most common cause of Magnesium deficiency is the high Potassium levels of bloom boosters. Growers use a high PK boost for maximum flower development so a Magnesium deficiency is always a potential threat.
By the time yellowing is visible, bud development has already been affected and CO2 consumption, which depends on chlorophyll, has slowed. That affects the whole plant.
- If you are using Deep Breath to increase CO2 uptake, or you are using CO2 enrichment, the accelerated growth rate you expect to see will not happen if you have a Magnesium deficiency. Plants grown under normal CO2 will be even more impaired.
WHY CAL-MAG CAN SOMETIMES CAUSE OR WORSEN A MAGNESIUM DEFICIENCY.
Calcium and Magnesium are transported through the plant by similar pathways, so excess Calcium can actually block Magnesium transport! Remember, the Micro part of all 3 part base nutrients is loaded with Calcium. Adding a Cal-Mag can lead to problems because the higher the ratio of Calcium to Magnesium the more the transport of Magnesium is impaired. We’ve actually seen a Cal-Mag product worsen a Magnesium deficiency!
OTHER PROBLEMS WITH CAL-MAGS
Some Cal-Mags are fortified with Iron which is beneficial to plants because it helps to “green up” your plants. Unfortunately, if you are treating a Mag deficiency with a Cal-Mag product containing Iron, the plants will often temporarily green up and mask the Magnesium deficiency. You think you’ve cured the deficiency but it’s still there. Plants may look better for awhile but the yield goes down.
A lot of Cal-Mags are loaded with nitrogen (check the label) so you’re adding a “grow” nutrient right in the middle of bloom!