Grant: Engage Grants Program

The research project aims to formulate two nutrient media suitable for the two main stages of plant*developmental cycle, the vegetative stage and the flowering stage. Plants require nitrogen, phosphorous and*potassium as primary macronutrients where each of them plays key roles in important chemical pathways such*as protein synthesis, synthesis of hormones, and nucleic acids. Plants at the vegetative growth require high*nitrogen (N), low to moderate Phosphorus (P), and high Potassium (K). At the flowering stage, plants require*low Nitrogen, moderate Phosphorus and high Potassium (K). The goal of the project will be to develop 2*nutrient formulations, two for each of the two stages of plant stages with the optimum NPK ratios combined*with other essential macro and micro nutrients and one product focusing on enhancing bud quality. The*designed formulation will specify parts per million (ppm) of each element in the stock solution and specify the*dilution ratio with the irrigation water. The formulations will be with optimum electrical conductivity and pH*for plants. We will be incorporating potassium silicate or calcium silicate in the formulations for bud*enhancement and enhanced support for plant tissues.