Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Note: High-quality soil will enhance the biological activity of the product. Results may vary depending on soil quality.

About Mineral MAX AG

  1. What is Mineral MAX AG Nutrient Biostimulant?
    Biostimulants were developed with the concept that plants are not isolated entities. They develop in a complex ecosystem involving interactions with 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 utilization. They awaken soil biology and enhance the ability of plants 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 energize 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, potentially reducing the need for external fertilizers. This can lead to greater crop yields and reduced environmental impact. Biostimulants can also trigger the natural defenses inherent in plants, helping them to better 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 Nutrient 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.
  2. How is Mineral MAX AG 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 algae mineral is prepared by using low-temperature heating for soft pasteurization of the product. We use the most bioavailable forms of the nutrients that we add to Mineral MAX AG and shear the resultant material to the smallest possible particle size.

About Blue -Green Algae

  1. 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 also has similar features to primitive bacteria in that they lack a plant cell wall. Bacteria have no nuclei, 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.
  2. What is the composition of algae?
    All aspects of this are found in the Nutrient Profile document (under the Documents menu item).
  3. 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 the rice paddies and increase the rice yield by 20% – 200%. Algae have been harvested for centuries and plowed into the land as an excellent fertilizer, mulch, and a substance to increase the water-holding capacity in the soil.
  4. What are the intrinsic factors?
    Intrinsic factors are what 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.

How to Use Mineral MAX AG

  1. How does Mineral MAX AG work?
    Mineral MAX AG is a biostimulant that 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 and provides nourishment to both environments. Carbon and sugars are sent from the plant roots to the soil. The soil breaks up the harder materials such as minerals, vitamins, and enzymes. This action solubilizes these nutrients and provides plants with minerals through the roots. The nutrients in Mineral MAX AG tend to recycle themselves as they are released into the soil. Water retention is increased by this process and plants/crops will require less water and additional fertilizers. Overwatering will cause water to sheet off when soil can not uptake the excess water. The efficiency of Mineral MAX AG and less water use may be surprising in a delightful way!
  2. How often should Mineral MAX AG be applied?
    It can be applied 1–2 times per week or as needed. Even applying it once every few weeks will promote plant growth. Each farm and garden should find the optimal level for their particular needs.
  3. 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 their particular needs.
  4. How should Mineral MAX AG be applied?
    Mineral MAX AG can be applied by hand-watering, foliar spray, overhead sprinklers, aqua or hydroponics, drip, soak, and any other readily absorbable irrigation method that benefits plants and their roots. 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 of water. Tubing can be placed on the drum and applied directly to trees using gravity for dispensing. Remember to test and control the concentration to suit your particular needs. Shake well before applying the solution.
  5. What should I do if there is some sediment 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.
  6. 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 more shallow roots to uptake nutrients. The method described in Question #10 using a 50-gallon drum with tubing and gravity for dispensing is also a good application method for trees.
  7. What is the shelf life of Mineral MAX AG?
    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.
  8. How does the mineral cycle work?
    Beneficial microorganisms harvest nutrients from the soil. These nutrients are in a crystalline form and plants can not access them, Bacteria and fungi produce enzymes that break down these crystallized structures which releases the nutrients that were contained in the structures. Plants can not absorb these nutrients. Bacteria and fungi release enzymes that break down these structures and the nutrients inside the structures are released. Bacteria and fungi readily absorb these minerals and they are made available to plant roots. Plants produce simple sugars during the photosynthesis process. They inject these sugars into the soil which feeds the bacteria and fungi that break down nutrients that plants absorb. Plants utilize Mineral MAX AG by absorbing the nutrients in the mineral-rich formula into their roots. This provides a continual replenishment of nutrients to plants and soil. For additional information on the soil and plant interaction and replenishment cycles, please check out some of the websites listed on our Links page and the articles listed under the Articles navigation button such as “Soil and Rhizosphere.”
  9. What is the relationship between Mineral MAX AG 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 the subsoil activity. However, Mineral MAX AG works with soil and plants no matter what condition either are in.
  10. What are the differences between using Mineral MAX AG Biostimulant and an NPK (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium) fertilizer?
    NPK fertilizers directly supply essential nutrients for plant growth. Heavy dosing with minerals is not the only method of getting these and other nutrients to plants and soil. We believe that a better method of getting nutrients to plants and soil is one that 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.

    Mineral MAX AG contains blue-green algae which uptakes nitrogen from the air. Icelandic kelp and blue-green algae supply high quantities of minerals, amino acids, and natural growth hormones to soil. Icelandic kelp also provides potassium. Mycorrhizal fungi break up nitrogen and phosphorus in the soil and help “solubilize” them so that plant roots can uptake these nutrients. Plants uptake these and other nutrients through their expanding and growing (both laterally and vertically) roots. The plant roots provide sugars, carbons, and enzymes to the soil. This process encourages the soil to collect weathered rock and 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 a part of this process because feeding plants and soil is a seamless process that occurs. We can then observe the results.
  11. Is there toxicity in Mineral MAX AG?
    Please see the Product Analysis link under Documents in our main navigation menu on this website for the Fertilizer Analysis and the Environmental Analysis reports as performed by AgroLab.

    As stated by William Barry 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. There is a premium grade of Blue-Green algae that is a food, but it is not to be confused with Mineral MAX AG nutrient biostimulant.

Benefits and Results

  1. What are the benefits of Mineral MAX AG?
    Both Blue Green Algae and Icelandic Kelp contain large amounts of proteins (amino acids), plant growth hormones, minerals (macro and micro), vitamins, lipids, RNA, beta carotenes, phytocyanins, and rapidly utilized complex carbohydrates. The humates and carbon help provide a home for microbes and reduce water use. All these ingredients encourage healthy plants and soil. Being a biostimulant, Mineral MAX AG stimulates natural processes to enhance nutrient uptake, nutrient use efficiency, and tolerance to abiotic stress This leads to improved root and plant growth, hardier starts, and stronger plants.
  2. What results will I observe?
    Your results will be unique to the way that Mineral MAX AG is used and the concentration amount. Our Testimonial pages show the results that some farmers and gardeners have obtained. Do a test on two groups of plants using the same type of plants with similar conditions. Provide one group with Mineral MAX AG and observe the growth differences! We always appreciate a testimonial and a photo or two of how Mineral MAX AG has improved plants and crops. This provides a deeper understanding for everyone.
  3. Does Mineral MAX AG 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 the improvements that we see above the soil!
  4. Can Mineral MAX AG 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. 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!
  5. Can Mineral MAX AG 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.
  6. How will Mineral MAX AG improve the quality of crops and increase the yields?
    For fruits and vegetables, the yield is large, 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 which gives 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 how to best use our product.
Mineral MAX AG Nutrient Biostimulant Components