Big Bloom is essentially worm castings, bat guano, seabird guano, kelp, and some phosphorous and potassium salts. The composition of guano and worm castings is very complex, but both contain a very complete array of trace minerals eg, molybdenum, copper, etc. But there are some differences. Guano can be very high in nitrogen, which castings typically are not. This is because bats and birds eat insects, which are basically protein nuggets. Digestion of protein yields nitrogen. But from a chemical point of view, what is remarkable about these organic nutrient sources, as opposed to synthetics like Miracle Gro, is that the nitrogen is in the form of uric salts, nitrate salts, as well as ammonium oxalate. These are superior forms of nitrogen to plain ammonium hydroxide (the form often used in fertilizers). Why? The answer is interesting.

Plant roots take up minerals and other nutrients one molecule at a time. And most of the molecules being absorbed are in a form where they carry an electric charge, negative or positive. Such a species of molecule is termed an ion. For example, ammonium ion is NH4-, water liberates H+ and OH-, Nitrate is NO2-, Sulfate is SO4-, etc. But at the level of the root cell membranes that do the absorbing, each type of ion exists within a "pecking order" so to speak. Some ions will flow in rapidly, AT THE EXPENSE OF OTHERS. This is critical. Miracle Gro knows this, and they also know that ammonium ion is taken up faster and more efficiently than any other. So they load the fertilizer with ammonium ion. The result of this is a very rapid and noticeable greening and growth spurt. But this is akin to shooting heroin as opposed to drinking poppy tea. There is a price to pay for this trick. Ammonium ion is so robust at the root level that it precludes absorption of other very important ions, Ca+, Mn+, even H+ which is essential for proper metabolism. So they jam a whole bunch of that in there too, in forms that are taken up rapidly. So you are basically pumping the plant up with the equivalent of super Human Growth Hormone mixed with steroids and some clean Bolivian flake for good measure. In the end you will have a green monster, but it may lack the ability to fight disease, repair wounds, properly form fruit, and on and on. Doesn't matter if its a zinnia in a flower pot I guess, but for agriculture it's terrible.

The ionic forms of N,P,K and all the others found in castings and guano are a perfect balance for proper, orderly and timely uptake. Depending on what the worms are fed you can have a very rich smorgasbord of ionic species and trace elements. There are also many other organic molecules important for plants (humins, fulvins, ulmins, fatty acids, glomalins, and many many others. Many of these compounds are formed in the guts of birds, bats and worms as they digest. I have used Big Bloom for years with the Salvia species I study, and there is no question that it is a superior fertilizer for constant feeding. Two years ago I started growing all of my Salvia in Ocean Forest and fertilize only with Big Bloom. The plants have dramatically improved in health and trichome production (Salvia has trichomes similar to Cannabis and these are filled with essential oils and aromatic terpenes).

I'm not trying to be a shill for Foxfarm, as I'm sure there are many other brand nutrients out there with similar properties. But in my experience, both as a biochemist and as a grower, organic ferts and soil mixtures based on worm castings and guano are the only way to go. And we haven't even discussed the effects on the aroma and taste of the bud. Save that one for later.
Chromophore Reviewed by Chromophore on . Will 150w HPS outperform 372w of T5HO? Well, I'm going to Find out! Only really applies to me and my particular grow, but a worthy effort anyway. A couple day's ago I put two under the T5's, and two under the HPS. I think the HPS at 150w is about 18,000 Lumen?...and the T5's are pushing 35,000 Lumen. I will throw a couple pics up when the "wakeup" tonight, should be interesting anyway. Predictions? Rating: 5