Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Note: High-quality soil enhances the biological activity of Mineral Max AG. Results may vary depending on soil quality.
About Mineral Max AG Prestorative™
What is Mineral Max AG Prestorative™ Biostimulant?
Biostimulants were developed with the concept that plants are not isolated entities. They create a complex ecosystem with interactions between multiple organisms. The EPA’s definition of biostimulant is the following: “Plant biostimulants are products containing naturally occurring substances, microorganisms, or their synthetic equivalents that, when applied to seeds, plants, or the rhizosphere, stimulate natural processes to enhance nutrient uptake, nutrient efficiency, tolerance to abiotic stress, or crop quality and yield.”
Biostimulants are a catalyst for plant growth and nutrient absorption. They awaken soil biology and enhance plants’ ability to uptake nutrients. They promote root development and increase the surface area available for plants to absorb nutrients and water. This accelerates nutrient uptake. Biostimulants stimulate the beneficial soil microorganisms that break down nutrients. This leads to greater nutrient availability in the rhizosphere (the soil region surrounding plant roots) and greater nutrient availability to plants. Plants can use nutrients more effectively, resulting in greater crop yields, reduced environmental impact, and possibly reducing the need for external fertilizers. Biostimulants can also trigger natural defenses inherent in plants, helping them to withstand stresses such as drought.
Fertilizers directly supply nutrients to plants. Biostimulants activate the innate abilities of plants and soil to absorb nutrients, manage stress, thrive, and grow. Mineral Max AG with Prestorative™ Technology fortifies and enhances the soil to prevent its decline.
Mineral Max AG Biostimulant is composed of wild blue-green algae (Aphanizomenon flos-aquae or AFA) selectively harvested from Klamath Lake, Oregon. We add the following potent nutrients to the formula: Humates (Humic and Fulvic acids and other Humates), Icelandic Kelp, Azomite® (Volcanic micronized grade), Biochar Carbon derived from coconut shell, and a small amount of D-Limonene for scent.
Humic and Fulvic acids enhance nutrient availability and improve soil structure.
Seaweed extracts, such as kelp, increase water retention.
Inorganic compounds such as carbon and silica help strengthen plant cell walls and encourage growth.
How does Mineral Max AG Prestorative™ work?
Mineral Max AG with Prestorative™ Technology works at the root zone level, enhancing the soil’s ability to retain and recycle essential minerals. Its technology mobilizes naturally occurring nutrients, strengthens root absorption, and improves soil structure and microbial activity.
As a biostimulant, Mineral Max AG enhances the interrelationship between plants and soil. The nutrient transfer between plant roots and the subsoil rhizosphere allows nutrients to go back and forth between roots and soil, providing nourishment to both environments. The nutrients in Mineral Max AG tend to recycle themselves as they are released into the soil. This process increases water retention and decreases the amount of water and fertilizers needed by the soil and crops.
How is Mineral Max AG Prestorative™ processed?
The blue-green algae that form the base of Mineral Max AG are selectively harvested from Klamath Lake, Oregon, through the collaborative efforts of local harvesting experts. It is organically processed in a certified organic facility. This rare alga mineral is prepared by using low-temperature heating for soft pasteurization of the product. We use the most bioavailable forms of the nutrients to add to Mineral Max AG and shear the resultant material to the smallest possible particle size.
What are the intrinsic factors?
Intrinsic factors are contained within the nutrients that compose Mineral Max AG. Amino acids are Intrinsic factors that make up a large part of the composition of blue-green algae and Icelandic kelp. Growth hormones, which support plant health and vitality, are also examples of intrinsic factors contained within the Mineral Max AG nutrients. See Mineral Max AG Ingredients and Plant Growth Regulators under Articles on the main navigation menu. See our Mineral Max AG Ingredients Chart below.
What is the shelf life of Mineral Max AG Prestorative™ ?
This product has a long shelf-life; it is good for several years. The Humus Complex, Carbon, and D-Limonene enhance the product and extend its shelf life. Store it in a cool, dry place.
Is Mineral Max AG Prestorative™ environmentally friendly?
Yes. Prestorative is formulated with sustainable, non-toxic ingredients and supports soil biodiversity, reducing reliance on synthetic inputs and minimizing environmental impact.
Is Mineral Max AG safe for all crops?
Yes, Prestorative™ is formulated to be safe for all types of crops, including vegetables, grains, fruits, and specialty crops. It works synergistically with existing nutrient programs.
Please see the Product Analysis link under Documents in our main navigation menu on this website for the Fertilizer Analysis and Environmental Analysis reports performed by AgroLab.
Is there toxicity in Mineral Max AG?
William Barry states in his book Aphanizomenon Flos Aquae: The Astonishing, Magnificent & Delightful Algae, there is no toxicity in blue-green algae. Microcystins, Daphnia, and Anabaena are not harvested with the beneficial AFA in Klamath Lake. Mineral Max AG was formulated for plants only and is not meant for human or animal consumption. A premium-grade Blue-Green algae that is a food does exist, but it should not be confused with Mineral Max AG Prestorative™ biostimulant.
How does the mineral cycle work?
Beneficial microorganisms harvest nutrients from the soil. These nutrients are in a crystalline form that plants can not absorb. Bacteria and fungi release enzymes that break down these structures, releasing the nutrients inside. Bacteria and fungi readily absorb these minerals and make them available to plant roots. Plants absorb these nutrients and the minerals in Mineral Max AG through their roots.
Plants produce simple sugars during photosynthesis. These sugars and carbon are sent to the soil via plant roots. The sugars and carbon feed the bacteria and fungi in the soil, which in turn break down soil nutrients for plants to absorb. The soil breaks up the harder materials, such as minerals, vitamins, and enzymes. These actions solubilize nutrients and provide plants with minerals. This allows for a continual replenishment of nutrients to plants and soil.
For additional information on soil-plant interactions and replenishment cycles, please check out the websites listed on our Links page and the articles listed under the Articles menu main button, such as “The Rhizosphere & Subsoil Biology.”
What is the relationship between Mineral Max AG Prestorative™ and quality compost for fertilizing?
A good, well-mixed compost lays an essential foundation for plant health and growth. The condition of the soil and the plants growing in it affects water retention, soil pH, and texture. Mineral Max AG can be added to compost to enhance soil biology. The synergy between good compost, soil, and Mineral Max AG biostimulant helps subsoil activity. However, Mineral Max AG fortifies soil and plants regardless of their condition.
Green manure, made from thoroughly chopped organic material such as rye, vetch, oats, peas, mustard greens, buckwheat, and clover, and tilled into the soil, can enrich the soil. It is best to use your homegrown materials to make green manure, or if that can’t be done, make sure to check the sources of the organic materials used.
What are the differences between using Mineral Max AG Prestorative™ and an NPK (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium) fertilizer?
NPK fertilizers directly supply essential nutrients for plant growth. Heavy mineral dosing is not the only method to get these and other nutrients to plants and soil. We believe that a better method of getting nutrients to plants and soil provides and encourages native processes. Biostimulants promote enhanced germination and root development, leading to increased vigor and greater stress resistance in plants. As a biostimulant, Mineral Max AG enhances plant growth and development by stimulating natural processes in plants, roots, and soil.
Blue-green algae is one of Mineral Max AG’s primary ingredients. Blue-green algae can uptake nitrogen from the air. Icelandic kelp and blue-green algae contain high amounts of minerals, amino acids, and natural growth hormones that are available to the soil. Icelandic kelp also provides potassium. Mycorrhizal fungi break down nitrogen and phosphorus in the soil and help “solubilize” them, which plant roots absorb. Plants absorb nutrients through their roots, which are expanding (both laterally and vertically). The plant roots provide sugars, carbon, and enzymes to the soil. This process encourages the soil to collect weathered rock, decomposed plants, and other materials, including a host of nutrients to “exchange” with plants. In this way, there is a kind of communication that goes back and forth from plants/roots and soil. Mineral Max AG can be part of this exchange as it supplies plants and soil with nutrients seamlessly. We can then observe the results.
Can Mineral Max AG Prestorative™ replace fertilizers?
Prestorative™ is designed to enhance fertilizer efficiency, not necessarily replace all fertilizers. It improves nutrient availability and uptake, thereby reducing fertilizer requirements while maintaining yields.
Can Mineral Max AG Prestorative™ be combined with other Mineral Max AG products?
Absolutely. Prestorative™ is fully compatible with Mineral Max AG’s nutrient products, biostimulants, and soil conditioners (coming soon) for integrated soil health programs.
Where can I get Mineral Max AG Prestorative™?
Prestorative is available through Mineral Max AG distributors and authorized partners. Contact us for a local supplier or for guidance on starting a pilot program.
Prestorative™ Soil Restoration Technology
What is Prestorative™ Technology?
Prestorative™ is Mineral Max AG’s proprietary Pre-Decline Soil Restoration Technology designed to revitalize soil health, restore nutrient balance, and optimize plant growing. It is the system and methods used to elevate soil to its full potential by enhancing natural soil functions and improving crop resilience. Ensuring proper soil biology is the primary step in Prestorative™ Technology. Mineral Max AG Prestorative™ is one of the tools used in the strategy to optimize and restore soil.
The Prestorative™ Technology system was developed to assist farmers and other commercial interests in optimizing soil to grow better crops, attain greater yields, use less water and fertilizer, and achieve sustainable farming practices. Soil optimization produces better results. Prestorative™ Technology services may include using soil amendments, consultations with agronomists and soil experts, lab testing, and field testing.
The product, Mineral Max AG Prestorative,™ can be used by home gardeners and large commercial growers. The Prestorative™ Technology system has been developed to assist commercial growers and farmers with improving their soil to its maximum potential.
Is there research backing Mineral Max AG Prestorative™?
Yes. Prestorative™ has been tested in field trials across multiple soil types and crops, demonstrating consistent improvements in nutrient uptake, soil structure, and crop yields.
Two of the primary ingredients in Mineral Max AG are sustainably harvested Blue Green Algae and Icelandic Kelp. They contain large amounts of biologically active vitamins, proteins (amino acids), plant growth hormones, minerals (macro and micro), chlorophyll, lipids, RNA, beta carotenes, phytocyanins, and rapidly utilized complex carbohydrates, which provide essential nutrients to plants and soil.
How to Use Mineral Max AG Prestorative™
When should I use Mineral Max AG Prestorative™?
Prestorative™ is most effective when applied before signs of soil decline or nutrient stress appear, hence “Pre-Decline” technology. It can also be used in seasonally stressed soils or following heavy cultivation.
How should Mineral Max AG be applied?
Soil drenching, fertigation systems, foliar sprays (for rapid uptake in some cases), hand-watering, overhead sprinklers, aqua or hydroponics, drip, soak, and any other readily absorbable irrigation method that benefits plants and their roots. The methods and rates to use depend on soil type, crop, and growth stage.
The furrow (trench) irrigation method can also be used for watering and applying Mineral Max AG. Another good application method for nurseries is to add 1/2 gallon of Mineral Max AG to a 50-gallon drum filled with water. Tubing can be placed on the drum using gravity to dispense the mixture directly to trees. Remember to test and control the concentration to suit your particular needs. Shake well before applying the solution.
How much should I use?
Use 1 ounce per gallon when applying to seedlings and starts. 1.5 ounces per gallon is for general use. We recommend 2 ounces per gallon of water for flowering and fruiting flora. That being said, some farmers/gardeners have obtained great results using twice these amounts. As stated above, each farm or garden should find the optimal amount to use based on its particular needs.
How often should Mineral Max AG be applied?
It can be applied 1–2 times per week or as needed. Even once every few weeks will promote plant growth. Each farm and garden should find the optimal level.
Can Mineral Max AG be used on trees?
Yes. Water around drip lines 1 or 2 times per week; continue as needed. This allows the shallower roots to uptake nutrients. The method described in Question #10, using a 50-gallon drum, tubing, and gravity, is also a good application method for trees.
What should I do if sediment is left at the bottom of the otherwise empty container?
Mix with the required amount of water to make a liquid. This mixture can be applied directly to crops.
Benefits and Results
What are the benefits of using Mineral Max AG Prestorative™?
Mineral Max AG galvanizes natural processes to enhance nutrient uptake and efficient use by plants and soil, strengthen roots and increase root absorption, increase yields and improve crop quality, resulting in hardier plant starts, greater stress resistance, and more resilient soil over time. This reduces the need for chemical fertilizers and supports sustainable and regenerative farming practices.
What results will I observe?
Your results will be unique based on how Mineral Max AG is used. Factors that can influence results include concentration amount and application frequency. Our Testimonial pages demonstrate the results farmers and gardeners have obtained. Do a test on two groups of the same plant(s) under identical conditions. Provide one group with Mineral Max AG and observe the growth differences! We always appreciate a testimonial and a photo or two showing how Mineral Max AG has improved plants and crops. This provides a deeper understanding for everyone.
How quickly will I see results?
Some improvements in plant vigor, root growth, and soil structure can be seen within weeks. Full soil restoration benefits typically develop over 1–3 growing cycles, depending on soil condition.
Does Mineral Max AG Prestorative™ improve root growth?
Absolutely! Results show more growth in plant roots and hairs. Mineral Max AG delivers nutrients to plants through their roots. The results noted on the Testimonials pages show that root growth improvements are as profound as improvements that we see above the soil!
Can Mineral Max AG Prestorative™ help with all kinds of crops, including large & specialty crops in all gardening and farming systems?
Yes, it can be used on all crops: vegetables, blueberries, strawberries, fruit trees, hemp (CBD), cannabis, orchids, bananas, cane sugar, ferns, rice, potatoes, onions, flowers, herbs, etc. Fruit trees, especially young ones, have shown dramatic improvements after Mineral Max AG applications. We are currently gathering data on the effectiveness of Mineral Max AG on larger projects. Some results can be seen on our Testimonial pages for specific crops. Test it for yourself and see the results!
Can Mineral Max AG Prestorative™ help “sick” plants?
See the testimonial pages and photos which illustrate ongoing improvements in crops and plants, and how they were restored and are now thriving. We have seen numerous examples of improvements in unhealthy plants.
How will Mineral Max AG Prestorative™ improve crop quality and increase yields?
Fruit and vegetable crops have demonstrated increased yields, and the produce is juicy and flavorful. Other plants experience enriched growth, improved terpene activity, and have greater aromatic properties. Quality nutrients yield better taste. Plants become more robust and durable, giving them greater resistance to insect infestation, drought, and many other issues that may arise. When plants are at the fruiting, budding, flowering, or nut-producing stage, using 2–4 ounces of Mineral Max AG per gallon of water might be best. We suggest that you experiment and monitor the results. Please let us know what you discover so we can fine-tune our understanding of the best use of our product.
About Blue-Green Algae
What are AFA Blue-Green algae?
Blue-green algae (or cyanobacteria) are organisms that live in freshwater or brackish environments, depending on the strain. AFA were the first organisms to achieve photosynthesis, allowing them to absorb light and convert it into nutrients. AFA are similar to primitive bacteria in that they lack a plant cell wall. Bacteria don’t have a nucleus, can fix nitrogen, and can convert minerals into food. Interestingly, they contain complex sugars similar to glycogen (a stored form of glucose used for energy) on their cell membranes.
What is the composition of algae?
All aspects of this are found in the Nutrient Profile document (under the Documents menu item).
How has Blue-Green algae illustrated improved biology?
According to William Barry in The Astonishing, Magnificent and Delightful Algae, page 8, “Oxygen is not the only gas produced by the algae. The blue-green algae (Cyanophyta or cyanobacteria) produce oxygen, CO2, and nitrogen. Because they are so efficient at nitrogen fixation (taking nitrogen out of the soil), blue-green algae have been inoculated into rice paddies, resulting in rice yields increasing by 20% – 200%. Algae have been harvested for centuries and used on land for excellent fertilizers and mulch, and to increase water retention in soil.
