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Richard · 08-16-2009, 11:20 PM

I have read that in the fruiting plants I'm concerned with, the ratio of N to P is about 50:1 to 60:1. Further, the uptake ratio of N to phosphate is said to be about 30:1, with 32:1 named specifically for a few plants (pit fruits, bananas). Anyone care to correct or clarify that?

Also, there is the practice of over-application of phosphate -- mainly because it is difficult to penetrate more than the 1st inch of the soil unless all the soil reactants are over-burdened with phosphate. This in part explains the application of high-phosphate formulas for bloom. But then of course we have the same phenomena in hydroponic culture where the reactants are negligible. So apparently there is a lot more to the story. I'm hoping one of you botanists/biologists has the answer or a good reference on the subject. Thanks!

08-16-2009, 11:20 PM	#6 (permalink)
Richard un-Retired Richard's Photo Gallery Location: Vista, CA Find me on the map! Zone: USDA 10b Name: Richard Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 9,674 BananaBucks : 994,995 Feedback: 9 / 100% Said "Thanks" 3,636 Times Was Thanked 12,537 Times in 4,719 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 1,685 Times	Re: The role of phosphate in fruiting plants I have read that in the fruiting plants I'm concerned with, the ratio of N to P is about 50:1 to 60:1. Further, the uptake ratio of N to phosphate is said to be about 30:1, with 32:1 named specifically for a few plants (pit fruits, bananas). Anyone care to correct or clarify that? Also, there is the practice of over-application of phosphate -- mainly because it is difficult to penetrate more than the 1st inch of the soil unless all the soil reactants are over-burdened with phosphate. This in part explains the application of high-phosphate formulas for bloom. But then of course we have the same phenomena in hydroponic culture where the reactants are negligible. So apparently there is a lot more to the story. I'm hoping one of you botanists/biologists has the answer or a good reference on the subject. Thanks! __________________ Back in business at plantsthatproduce.com