" Ag- Tonic" is as much a theory as it is a reality. The challenge, which resulted in “ Ag- Tonic”, was to supply all plants with a balanced diet of necessary elements along with the materials that would allow the plant to repel insect and avoid infections by disease. In 1991, there were several foffi1ulas that came close, but each seemed to be lacking in compounds, that left the plant weak or borderline stressed. There are many individuals, either independently or in conjunction with some University or College, that were experimenting with different elements and the effects of that element on various plants. Each research project established a set of results that were comparable with other similar experiments. The problem was that I could not get these individuals to work together to experiment with a complex combination of minerals and vitamins. Each replied that they were only working with "this element" or "this combination of elements" and that they were not interested in testing such a complex combination of elements! End of conversation!

Research in hand; I sought out a lab that specialized in liquid plant nutrients that were not sodium based. I chose a liquid formula to allow the plants to be fed through the leaves, as most soil, whether in a pot or in an outdoor situation, is locked up with excess salt. This is the result of repeated use of sodium-based fertilizers. With this statement, the “Experts” usually subject me to harsh attacks, all claiming that "their" brand of fertilizer does not contaminate the soil with "salt"! Let me cite an example: "The growers of orchids all suggest using a 30-10-10 or a 10-30-30 fertilizer, depending on whether you are growing the plant or forcing the plant to bloom. Large growers have perfected their own special "brand" or "formula" which they sell to all other growers. After purchasing some of their "brand name" fertilizer, I noticed that there are no special instructions for removing the excess "salts" that accumulate in the root medium. This would lead one to believe that those excess "salts" are not a problem for your orchids, yet, in the numerous publications on growing orchids, it is stressed that each orchid should be "flushed" with excess amounts of water to remove that same "salt" buildup. If you don't flush the pots every 30 days, your plants may (and probably will) die (according to the growing infoffi1ation). It doesn't take a rocket scientist to arrive at the conclusion that "if you use sodium-based fertilizers, you could harm, or even kill, your orchids! Wouldn't this also indicate that your plants may be under stress (due to the excess salts) all the time you are trying to care for them properly'? Who is mis-guided'? We are! We are being lead to believe that using sodium-based fertilizers on our plants is the right thing to do, when; in fact, we may be doing them more harm than we will ever know.

My question was: How can I grow plants, with accelerated growth, vitality, disease and insect ~ resistance, without using sodium-based fertilizers'? " Ag- Tonic" was born!

AG- TONIC is a blended liquid, designed to supply your plants, whether it be your greenhouse plants, lawn, garden, or grain field, with a complete diet of very essential elements.

" Ag- Tonic" is based on two very old and established ingredients, being seaweed and fish emulsions. The liquid seaweed used in Ag- Tonic is the finest organic concentrate available. Reports from the Department of Horticulture, Clemson College, S.C. have shown that seaweed produces plant hormones, which have an important effect on root development and general plant growth. Reports show that the uptake of several trace elements are greatly increased when seaweed is used as a foliar spray. Other benefits include (1) resistance to cold (2) quicker generation of seed (3) stimulation of growth (4) better flowering and fruit set.

For thousands of years seaweed has been used in agriculture as a soil conditioner and fertilizer. When incorporated into soil, seaweed slowly releases organic matter and trace minerals enhancing both soil structure and fertility. Through modern technological advancements, the active ingredients of seaweed can now be extracted. In this foffi1, seaweed can be applied directly to the plant as a foliar spray with the benefits of seaweed being instantly obtained. Nutrients applied through foliar feeding are 7 to 8 times more efficient than when applied directly to the soil. Under stress

conditions such as drought, the ability of a plant to utilize seaweed extract immediately will help the plant through these difficult periods.

Seaweeds are bio-accumulators of over 60 elements found in seawater. Concentrations of these elements tend to be greater than the concentrations generally found in land plants. When seaweed is put through an extraction process, these minerals are recovered in their naturally chelated form. Plants can utilize minerals in a chelated form more effectively than in an inorganic form. For these reasons seaweed extracts are valuable sources of trace minerals necessary to sustain proper plant growth.

Trace minerals contained within seaweed extract cannot alone explain the benefits derived from the application of this product. Through years of research it has been determined that seaweed extract contains not only trace elements but also plant growth hormones. These plant growth hormones are not found in large concentrations in seaweed but minute quantities of these compounds can have a significant impact on plant growth. Their role is that of signaling agents for biochemical processes, not as structural building blocks of the plant itself. Combinations of hormones can act in a synergistic manner as well. It is this collection of plant hormones combined with nutrients in their natural, chelated form, which are responsible for enhanced plant growth.

Analysis has found that the active ingredients in seaweed extract include such trace minerals as boron, molybdenum, copper, iron, zinc, manganese, silicon, cobalt and selenium; the chelating or complexing agents such as mannitol and alginic acid and plant growth hormones (auxins, gibberellins and cytokinins). In particular, seaweed extracts elicit biological responses in plants similar in nature to those of cytokinins. At very low concentrations, cytokinins are known to stimulate cell division, promote root growth, stimulate the outgrowth of lateral buds, hasten seed germination, preserve chlorophyll, retard senescence and stimulate the mobilization within the plant of various metabolites.

As an added bonus, if you have used large amounts of commercial fertilizers in the past, you may have applied large amounts of salts (known as sodium nitrates). In high salt content soils (saline) the seaweed will tie-up the sodium ion and help protect crops against damage. For hardpan soils and chemically damaged soils the seaweed will stimulate the biological action to release bound nutrients. The results are better tilth, better water retention, and healthier plants though the improvements of the action exchange capacity of the soil.

The dry, water soluble, fish used in Ag- Tonic contains 3% nitrogen and is made from ocean fish, enzymatically processed and spray dried. There are no additives; therefore it may be used in organic programs. It is a good source of nitrogen and other unidentified growth factors that help you raise healthy, good tasting, nutritious crops.

It is a pure, organic based, product that is derived from a unique process that does not destroy the essential elements. It exhibits pest control properties against white flies, aphids, borer, and some loopers, by increasing the pheromone resisting content of the sprayed plants. Most important is the fact that it is all natural. CHEMICAL FREE! ! !

ADDITIONAL INGREDIENTS OF AG- TONIC

Copper (Cu) it is an enzyme activator (causes them to function), particularly for certain protein forming enzymes; it stimulates stem development and pigment formation.

Iron (Fe) Raw material for several enzymes including those that form chlorophyll and those that help oxidize (burn) sugar for energy; also necessary for legume nitrogen fixation. Ag- Tonic uses chelated iron, instead of raw iron, to allow the plants to take the iron directly into the leaves. This allows the plants to use this iron immediately, instead of having to wait for the iron to be chelated by the micro-organisms in the soil before being usable. Chelated iron is more expensive that raw iron, but it is well worth it.

Manganese (Mn) Raw material for chlorophyll formation and sugar burning enzymes and activates several other enzymes; it helps in the process of photosynthesis.

Zinc (Zn) Raw material for several enzymes including those that form growth controlling substances; stimulates stem growth and flower bud formation.

Sulfur (S) Raw material for certain amino acids and thus for proteins; necessary for legume nodule formation; raw material for certain oil compounds that give specific odors to some plants such as onions, garlic, mustard, etc.; it is also a raw material for certain protein forming enzymes; it increases oil production in flax and soybeans.

Vitamins: Ag- Tonic contains very important vitamins that your plants need to survive stress. Tests -- have shown that the use of Ag- Tonic prevents transplant shock when applied to leaves before and right after planting. Previous testing shows that tomato seedlings, that were sprayed with "Ag- Tonic" three times prior to transplanting, showed no signs of transplant stress, and began setting new roots in 1/2 the time of that of plants not treated with " Ag- Tonic".

(Note: In 1994, we planted 1800 "Big Boy" tomatoes on May 15, and started serious harvest on July 13. That's 58 days from transplant. [compared with the 75 day maturity time that is standard for this variety] This shortened maturity time seems common amongst all plants we have tested.)

I would be safe in saying that most production or maturity rates are established and based entirely on plants that are grown under stress caused by sodium-based nitrates. We have grown plants that people have claimed to be miraculous, when, in reality, it is simply the plant growing at its real rate, promoted by being supplied with all (or most) of its required nutritional elements.

Consider seeds for a moment. Will a seed germinate quicker if subjected to a sodium-nitrate (salted) seedbed or if it is subjected to a mineral rich bed? The seed detects what is surrounding it. If the minerals and growth hormones are available, it will sprout quicker, establish roots faster, and shorten maturity time from the very first sign of life. In one specialty area, thousands of plants were lost every year because they were too small. These extremely small plants were discarded, as everyone knew that you couldn't save them. They refused to grow, even when fertilized. The problem was that the fertilizer, and the subsequent salt, was burning the roots of those tender plants. It was easier to throw them away than it was to mess with them. With "Ag-Tonic" I save every plant, no matter how small. If it has any root, it will survive. "Ag- Tonic" has nothing to burn the plant's tender roots, and it feeds the plant through the leaf, allowing the plant to build the root system that it needs to survive.

What will you see when you use " Ag- Tonic"? There is an increase in root mass, stronger stems, healthier plants that can stand stress. It assists in bloom set. This in turn increases yield. Vegetables and fruits grown with Ag- Tonic will have better shelf life. Studies in Maine have shown that seaweed can extend the growing season of plants by imparting a cold tolerance in them. This can be useful in preventing frost damage in early spring and fall.

Seaweed is a natural occurring life form that contains proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, growth regulators, and trace minerals. Since it was a living organism before harvesting, the amounts of nutrients found in it are in the correct natural order. Studies continue to explain the actual function

of the materials. To date the best explanation is that seaweed acts as a catalyst to the plant triggering its food factory and activating its biological functions. Seaweed is high in natural sugars. Studies show that natural sugar help plants convert available nutrients into readily usable forms and increases their capacity to utilize the nutriments they absorb. In soil applications seaweed activates the biological organisms and helps restore balance to the soil. Research with naturally occurring substances such as seaweed is once again becoming popular. New methods of analysis and discoveries of new growth hormone substances will make the action of seaweed better understood.

Seaweed will control red spider mites on fruit trees. It appears to have some effect on mites on other plants as well. Seaweed in combination with fish emulsions show instances of control of European corn borer, grubs, mites, leafhoppers, and aphids.

INSTRUCTIONS For Regular Feeding and Seed-Bed Care

Mix at a rate of one teaspoon of Ag- Tonic to 32 ounces of water in a spray bottle. Add two drops of dishwashing soap to help the spray stick to the leaves of your plants. Treat growing plants as often as every 3 days to bring plants back to health, then reduce treatments to once every week or two.

For Continuous Feeding after sprout

Mix one and 1/2 teaspoon of Ag- Tonic per gallon of water. Add 8 drops of dishwashing soap. Mist or dip with this mixture on a regular watering basis. Spray your plant leaves and media as if you were watering.

For best results, do not use sodium-based fertilizers while using Ag- Tonic.

SPECIAL NOTICE:

The Instructions stated above are only a suggested guideline. It is impossible to know what your climate or growing conditions are, making it impossible for us to state a hard and fast rule about treating your plants with " Ag -Tonic " .Our sincere wish is that you experiment with " Ag -tonic " until you find a mixture and application timeframe that provides you with the health and growth rates that you are happy with. You are entering into an area that you will find amazing, that of a favorite plant(s) growing at a rate you have never seen before, or a blossom that possesses more vibrant color than ever had on your plant. Suffice it to say, you will become a pioneer in plant care, rediscovering how really healthy plants grow, look and feel.

Established Facts

Do not dilute "Ag- Tonic" any weaker than the 1 1/2 teaspoons per gallon of water.

Do not use " Ag- Tonic" on the leaves of any of the "pepper" family. Peppers do not like sulfur and "Ag-Tonic" has sulfur. You can spray "Ag-Tonic" on the ground around the plants. "Ag- Tonic" will stunt and eventually kill both Peppers and Sunflowers if applied to the leaves.

© Copyright Ed Pickens 2006. All rights reserved.