The product must be gentle. The industry constantly talks about low salt fertilizers for a reason. Ironically the salts are actually some of the nutrients we desire, but these salts also can have negative consequences pulling water away from areas of application, and exposing crops to potential seed germination problems and also eventual root burning or injury. Even though some seeds and plants are more tolerant of salts from fertilizers there are measurable losses from even the lowest salt rated products. An important feature of the QLF’s 7N – 21P – 3K Starter is that it utilizes a unique orthophosphate in a solution called MKP (monopotassium phosphate), which delivers nutrients from a very concentrated P&K fertilizer source effectively and safely. Bundling and buffering this concentration of high-quality chemistry with a carbon source derived from sugar cane molasses further ensures that safe delivery of a nutrient package to the soil and new seedlings. This approach in most cases is gentle enough to use on multiple ranges of sensitive seeds and different crops.
The starter must have the right balance of nutrients from a complete NPK analysis. Most agronomists agree a higher percentage of phosphorus relative to nitrogen and potassium is preferred to start a young plant. In addition to providing good nitrogen and potassium sources, the L-CBF 7-21-3 MKP blend safely places a concentration of soluble phosphorus where you need it. Placement of quality phosphorus is critical because phosphorus does not move well in soil, especially cold and wet conditions, which unfortunately tends to be what most planting conditions farmers try to manage. Biology also suffers and legs behind in these conditions and that’s why a benefit from the 7% sugar levels in L-CBF 7-21-3 MKP starter is realized, providing an energy and carbohydrate boost to the soil biology in the eventual root zone. Pair this liquid carbon-based approach with a balanced ortho and polyphosphate package and we create more efficient nutrient utilization by the plants with less chance for phosphorus loss to tie up in the soil. The right balance of nutrients and ingredients contribute to the most important characteristic of this liquid starter—fostering a relationship with biology.
The total fertilizer package needs to work with biology. Moving minerals through a carbon biological cycle is the preferred pathway for nutrient efficiencies. Basically, the benefits of working with your biology to get more out of your chemistry are becoming more of an industry focus. Several mechanisms have been discovered and understood in recent years, supporting the importance of biological roles in nutrient recycling. The biological components in L-CBF 7-21-3 MKP do more than just feed soil bugs. Ultimately promoting a healthy plant with the ability to share more root exudates supports and sustains our soil biology needs.
From the product features highlighted in this article, L-CBF 7-21-3 MKP embodies all of the key characteristics of a quality liquid starter fertilizer; gentle, balanced, and promoting life. The proven benefits are easy to find; better healthy starts, larger roots and more seedling vigor, and weighed results of early crop performance showing more biomass and nutrient accumulation, all contribute to the supporting yield data that typically carries all the way to the finish—return on investment. QLF Agronomy carefully blends all unique ingredients into a concentrated convenient user-friendly package.