Trace Elements: Third Party Verification
In January 2023, Growers Mineral, Corp. revealed photographs in both The Growers Solution and the Growers Calendar showing the value of the trace element content in Growers Mineral Solutions (GMS). These photographs were obtained while researching the effect of trace elements on the total root mass of the corn plant as well as the soil microbiology biomass volume occurring in the soil where the root mass was found by experimentation. Those experiments showed how the presence of trace elements helped to significantly increase both root volume and biomass volume in the soil.
The result of this research complements the discussion that occurs with human immune system functions and their relationship with certain trace elements. These discussions always lead to where the human food chain fits into the effectiveness of the human immune system. Growers Mineral, Corp. has maintained since 1955 that a correct balance of minerals in feed stuff was absolutely critical for improving the health of the consumer animal. So, it was very interesting to read an article in Lancaster Farming (January 31, 2024) where Jill Clapperton, scientist for Rhizoterra, gives credit to plant health being related to trace elements.
According to Clapperton, when insects start to feed on a plant, the plant sends a signal to its neighbors to protect themselves. This is probably accomplished through the use of volatile organic compounds (VOC). Then the plants build up lignin and other substances in their leaves that are unpalatable to insects. This process requires trace elements.
The article states: "It's really our job to make sure that those micronutrients are there and available to them so that if they have to armor up, they can, Clapperton said. As it happens, fungicides are loaded with trace minerals that help with the delivery of the active ingredient, and Clapperton thinks these micronutrients are doing more than farmers realize. 'I'm convinced that sometimes when we see advantages of a fungicide, it's not from a change in the disease pattern, but actually the nutrition that's being provided by the fungicide itself,' she said. In lieu of a fungicide, she said farmers might in some cases try applying humic acid with a foliar fertilizer adjusted to a neutral pH."
Once again, Dr. V.A. Tiedjens is receiving third party verification.
This is an excerpt from the Summer Growers Solution (2025) written by Jim Halbeisen, Director of Research.
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