WATER-SOLUBLE PHOSPHORIC ACID (WPA)

Sesame Stems for making WPA

TARGETED MINERAL INPUTS:    

We continue our series on Targeted Mineral Inputs for KNF. We have covered the two inputs most widely used, WCa (Water-Soluble Calcium) and WCaP (Water-Soluble Calcium Phosphate), made from eggshells and bones, respectively.          

We now examine the less commonly used and less frequently needed targeted mineral inputs, beginning with Water-Soluble Phosphoric Acid (WPA). This input has been recorded as both WPA and WP. Here we will refer to it as WPA. This input can be used as part of the Nutritive Cycle formulations or as a stand-alone input.

WATER-SOLUBLE PHOSPHORIC ACID (WPA/WP)                                                                    

SOURCE MATERIAL        Sesame Stems  

SOLVENT                         Water  

CHARACTERISTICS OF PHOSPHORUS

1. Phosphoric Acid is an important element for the life of crops, contained in every plant, a critical component of the cell nucleus, and composes the sugar-phosphate backbone of both DNA and RNA.

2. Absorbed, it is used for increasing cells when it moves to the vigorous bud, root tip, or seed fruit.

3. Phytic acid, a storage form of phosphoric acid, is the major substance in the seed. Phosphoric acid is involved in photophosphorylation and electron transport in photosynthesis. Also, phosphoric acid affects the transport of anabolites and protein synthesis.

4. The stem of sesame contains large amounts of phosphoric acid and is used in Natural Farming. Burn sesame stems into charcoal, and percolate the charcoal to extract WPA.

SYMPTOMS OF DEFICIENCY

1. WPA can easily travel within the plant and move to the vigorous new leaves first. As a result, symptoms of deficiency appear mainly on the petiole and veins of the old leaf.

2. The new leaf does not grow well, and it becomes smaller and dark green in color.

3. The growth of flowers is noticeably suppressed, naturally bearing fewer fruits.

4. The fruit skin becomes thin, and the acid content increases.

5. Eventually, the symptoms become systemic within the body, making it more difficult to recover from disease than when the symptoms appear on the exterior.

SYMPTOMS OF EXCESS

1. Known as phosphorus toxicity, it can lead to several problems, primarily by interfering with the plant’s ability to absorb other essential nutrients, especially zinc and iron.

2. Nutrient Deficiencies: the most common and direct symptom is the deficiencies of other nutrients because high levels of phosphorus in the soil can tie up or form insoluble compounds with other nutrients, making them unavailable to the plant’s roots.

3. Interveinal Chlorosis: A tell-tale sign of iron deficiency, where the leaf tissue turns yellow or pale while the veins remain green. This symptom is a direct result of excess phosphorus interfering with iron uptake.

4. Leaf Discoloration: Overall yellowing or dark, discolored appearance on the leaves may be observed.

5. Stunted Growth: The plant’s overall growth may be stunted or poor, as the nutrient imbalance hinders its metabolic processes and ability to photosynthesize effectively.

6. Leaf and Tip Necrosis: In severe cases, the tips or margins of leaves may turn brown and die, a condition known as necrosis.

7. Poor Vigor and Flowering: The plant may have a weak appearance, and its ability to flower and produce fruit may be reduced.

8. These symptoms may be confused with other nutrient deficiencies or plant diseases.

9. Unlike nitrogen, which can quickly leach out of soil, phosphorus tends to bind to soil particles and can remain in high concentrations for years

NUTRITIVE STAGES TO USE IN FORMULAS

Use during the cross-over phase, if signs of deficiency, and during fruit ripening to increase sweetness.

HOW TO MAKE WPA

Tools: clay jar, cedar bucket, or glass jar; a breathable cover (e.g., muslin); and a string or band to secure the cover.

Materials: Charcoal made from sesame stems and water. A mesh bag, such as hemp.

Environmental Conditions: This process is optimal at 23-25 °C (73- 77°F). It should be kept away from heat and direct sunlight. A stable environment with little change is ideal.

Methods:

1. To make charcoal, burn the sesame stems and put out the fire when large flames appear.

2. Put 1-2kg (2.2-4.4 pounds) of sesame stem charcoal in a hemp cloth bag, and dip it in 100 liters (22gal) of water to dissolve phosphoric acid in water (crude liquid of natural phosphoric acid).

3. This process takes about 7 days, although the time varies depending on the temperature of the surroundings.

HOW TO USE WPA

1. Dilute 0.7 liters of the crude WPA liquid with 20 liters of water when WPA is used alone.

2. Dilute WPA with water in the ratio of 1:1000 when it is used together with water-soluble calcium (WCa) or other inputs, such as a Nutritive Cycle Formula.

UTILIZATION OF WPA

1. Apply WPA during the change-over period. It promotes the differentiation of flower buds, resulting in high fertility and yield.

2. WPA improves the sugar content of fruits.

3. Apply WPA when the color of the leaves is dark green.

4. Apply WPA when the color of the leaves is light green.