As the manufacturers of North America’s #1 selling horticulture enzyme formula, we have noticed that although a lot of people know they should use enzymes, they don’t necessarily know what exactly enzymes do for their growing and why they should use them. So we put together a little brief on the who, what, why, when, where, and how’s of enzymes.
Let us know how you use enzymes and what your successes have been!
What are Enzymes?
Enzymes are proteins, made up of amino acids that act as catalysts – they facilitate, energize, and speed up biochemical reactions. Their rate of reaction can be several million times faster than if left un-catalyzed. Put simply, enzymes help break down larger molecules by acting as a catalyst, which allows the micro-organism to complete the task at a faster rate.
How do Enzymes work?
Enzymes are not alive nor are they consumed when they catalyze a biochemical reaction. When the biochemical reaction is over, the enzyme is ready to bond to another substrate unit again. Given the right conditions, the enzyme can catalyze the same reaction time and time again. However, enzymes are highly specific - only when the right enzyme finds the right substrate, does a biochemical reaction occur. No other material or process will be altered or affected with the right enzyme formula.
Where do Enzymes work?
Formulated correctly, enzymes for use in agriculture act as a catalyst that accelerates the speed of natural root zone reactions. It provides a cleaner more vigorous root zone by accelerating the break down of organic debris that may otherwise rot and provide a welcoming environment for root rot to take hold. If you already have root rot in your system, the right enzyme formula can assist in reversing the damage and prevent further development, although it will not act as a cure.
Aside from the root zone, the right enzyme formula will also work through your grow system. In this way, it can act as an equipment cleaner, keeping your system clean and reducing the risk of any buildup blocking your system.
Why use Enzymes?
Enzymes are used in most industries to make some of your favorite things like: tastier beer, softer cloths, better cheeses and juices, and more efficient detergents. In plants, cellulase breaks down cellulose into simple sugars that help stimulate microbial growth. This accelerated reaction unlocks essential nutrients for your plant and increases nutrient uptake in your system. A less clean and vigorous root zone could ultimately kill your plant or, at a minimum, severely impede your plants ability to absorb water and nutrients resulting in poor growth and lower yields.
When to use Enzymes?
Enzymes can be used with every growth stage! Just add the recommended dose of an enzyme product with every watering or nutrient change out. For best results, implement a gradual reduction of all nutrients starting 3 weeks from harvest. On the last week before harvest, flush your system and only feed your plants water.
Who uses Enzymes?
Enzymes are used by everyone from amateur growers who need a little bit of insurance on their growing environment to professional commercial growers who need to maximize quality and yield. The right enzyme formula is suitable for anybody because it can be used in any growing media and system, regardless of the size of your operation … Happy Growing! 