For over 75 years, Nachurs Alpine Solutions® has been the industry leader in NPK liquid fertilizer technology. We are proud to continue that tradition by introducing a new potassium-based fertilizer technology that is unique to both the ALPINE brand as well as the agriculture industry in general, and that is Bio-K® .
Bio-K is a combination of an inorganic salt reacted with an organic acid to form a potassium acetate fertilizer. In general, potassium acts the same in all plants by the following:
- formation and translocation of starches, sugars, and fats
- protein formation
- aids in enzyme actions
- helps cells maintain their internal pressure
- maintains the balance of salts and water in cells
- improves seed quality
- increases root growth and resistance to disease and drought
What makes Bio-K unique is in the origination of its organic-based carrier (anion), the acetate molecule. Acetate is a natural plant metabolite that has many important functions within the plant as well as in the symbiotic relationship between plant roots and soil microbes/mycorrhizal fungi. It provides a base in which many plant compounds are thereby formed, which includes but is not limited to the following:
- fatty acids
- auxins
- sterols
- phenolic acids
- gibberelins
- flavonoids
- amino acids
- chlorophyll
Acetate is also a very important part of signaling compounds (flavonoids, lipochitooligosaccharides, etc.) which promote plant-soil microbe relationships, enhanced defense mechanisms, and increased plant productivity.
Since the carrier portion of Bio-K is a natural plant metabolite, it is more rapidly and readily taken up by plants, which in turn leads to increased potassium use efficiency and higher productivity.
Bio-K also has a very low salt index and leaf burn potential, thus making it extremely safe for both foliar and in-furrow applications. Including Bio-K Technology in a sound, well-balanced fertility program will provide the plant with added energy (derived from acetate) which will ultimately lead to increased yield.
