Nutrients are generally broken down into two groups and they are primary nutrients and trace elements. Primary nutrients consist of Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium, and these are the main elements that nutrient bottles will indicate on the labels. For example you may have seen a nutrient that was created for the growing phase that is NPK ratio 5-2-2 and a flowering nutrient that were 2-7-8. These numbers are reflections of the Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium present in that particular nutrient.
Nitrogen
During the growing stage, Nitrogen helps plants grow healthy green leaves and stems. It is within the leaves that chlorophyll is present that acts as a platform to allow photosynthesis to occur. The more production of chlorophyll-rich leaf tissue there is, the quicker the plants can exchange carbohydrates and oxygen.
Phosphorus
Phosphorus regulates protein synthesis, cell development, and developing new tissue, also responsible for growing stems and strong branching. Roots also require Phosphorus in order to grow the most prolific roots and have the most advanced start.
Potassium
Potassium is used during the growing phase to allow plants to grow stronger and become more resistant to drought, disease, pests, and also used in conjunction with Nitrogen and Phosphorus along with all the other trace elements is a complex equation as plants grow.
The best way to ensure that your plants have the adequate amounts required during the growing phase, it is recommended to start with a growing medium that is organically rich and can be supplemented with liquid nutrients. Compost is naturally high in Magnesium and is particularly useful when growing O.G Kush varieties that tend to be extra-heavy on Magnesium uptake. A well-composed organic growing medium will be efficient in trace elements also, which are just as vital as primary nutrients to the plants.
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