The preferred pH level for growing for most plants is 6-7 with a C:N ratio (Carbon to Nitrogen) of 25:1 to 30:1. Alpaca compost is within both of these ranges naturally.
The pH value of soil is one of various environmental factors affecting plant growth and health. Soil pH value is an indicator of soil acidity or alkalinity which directly affects nutrient availability. The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, with 7 as neutral. Numbers lower than 7 indicate acidity. Numbers higher than 7 indicate alkalinity.
pH balance can affect the availability of nutrients in the soil and the ability for plant roots to absorb the nutrients. If soil pH values are above or below the required ranges of a plant, you may have stunted growth and nutrient deficiencies. In highly acidic soils, aluminum and manganese can become more available and subsequently toxic to the plant. Also, too low of pH values of calcium, phosphorous and magnesium are less available to the plant. At pH values of 6.5 and above, phosphorus and most of the micronutrients become less available.
Values above 7.5 cause iron, manganese, copper, zinc and boron to be less available to plants. pH values below 6 cause the solubility of phosphoric acid, calcium and magnesium to drop. The soil target ranges we seek are a pH between 6 and 7 and an EC (Electrical Conductivity) of 1 to a low range 2. The lowest you should seek is a pH 5.8. Beyond this point heavy metals in the plants can create toxicity issues and problems are likely to occur. Keep in mind many factors influence both pH and EC in the soil depending on the nutrients, water source and other environmental factors.
Microbes that drive the composting process require optimum conditions of temperature, moisture, oxygen, and carbon: nitrogen (C:N) ratio. It is important to have the right balance of moisture and air for the microbes to process the manure. The C:N ratio should be between 25:1 and 30:1 and alpaca compost naturally stays within this range. If the C:N ratio is too high (excess carbon), decomposition slows down. If the C:N ratio is too low (excess nitrogen) you will end up with a stinky pile. When microbes work properly, the compost temperature will be between 120 and 160 degrees F. The compost is aerated to regulate temperatures resulting from a lack of nitrogen.
Chemical and organic fertilizers indicate their nutrient content with three bold numbers on the package. These numbers represent three different compounds: Nitrogen, Phosphorous, and Potash (Potassium), which we can also describe with the letters N-P-K. The three numbers listed on fertilizer labels correspond to the percentage of these materials found in the fertilizer. Nitrogen helps plant foliage to grow strong and is the plant nutrient most often in short supply in the soil. Phosphorous helps roots and buds grow and develop. Potassium (Potash) is important for overall plant health.
Usually the N-P-K ratio of organic fertilizers is typically lower than that of a synthetic fertilizer. This is because by law, the ratio can only express nutrients that are immediately available. Most organic fertilizers contain slow-release nutrients that will become available over time. They also contain many trace elements that might not be supplied by synthetic fertilizers.
Utilizing Green Buddz Fertilizer composition has the perfect balance of plant nutrients creating strong, healthy plants for indoor and outdoor pot growing as well as with hydroponics.
This is the best natural fertilizer you will ever use.