The Simple Answer: They Offer Both
The Advanced Nutrients brand is well-known in the hydroponics and gardening communities for its extensive product line. A common misconception is that all their products fall into one category, but the reality is more nuanced. Advanced Nutrients produces and sells two distinct nutrient categories: a fully certified organic line called OG Organics™ and several other lines that use synthetic or synthetic-organic blends. This gives growers the flexibility to choose a nutrient program that aligns with their personal cultivation philosophy.
The Certified Organic OG Organics™ Line
For growers committed to an all-natural approach, Advanced Nutrients offers the OG Organics™ line. These products are rigorously tested and carry official organic certifications, most notably OMRI (Organic Materials Review Institute) and CDFA-OIM (California Department of Food and Agriculture—Organic Input Material). These certifications ensure that the input materials meet the highest organic standards in sourcing and processing.
Some popular products from the OG Organics™ line include:
- OG Organics™ Iguana Juice®: A base nutrient derived from fish protein hydrolysate and soy protein hydrolysate.
- OG Organics™ Big Bud®: An organic bloom booster made with fish protein hydrolysate and amino acid complexes.
- OG Organics™ Ancient Earth®: A soil amendment using leonardite, a source of humic and fulvic acids.
- OG Organics™ BigMike's OG Tea™: A tea-based additive featuring ingredients like alfalfa meal, fish emulsion, and earthworm castings.
The Synthetic and Synthetic-Organic Blends
For those prioritizing speed, predictability, and high yields, Advanced Nutrients offers its flagship synthetic and blended product lines. These nutrients are formulated in laboratories for immediate plant uptake, ensuring rapid growth and precise control over nutrient ratios. While not certified organic, many contain high-quality organic components alongside their synthetic compounds.
Common synthetic or blended products include:
- pH Perfect® Grow, Micro, Bloom: A three-part synthetic base nutrient system designed to automatically balance pH levels.
- Bud Candy®: An additive that contains a mix of organic and inorganic sugars to enhance bud growth and flavor.
- Voodoo Juice®: A microbial additive that promotes root health and nutrient absorption.
Deciphering Organic vs. Synthetic Nutrients
Understanding the fundamental differences between organic and synthetic nutrients is crucial for making an informed decision. The key distinctions lie in their source, how they deliver nutrients to the plant, and their impact on the growing medium.
Nutrient Source and Availability
- Organic Nutrients: Derived from natural sources like compost, bat guano, fish protein, and alfalfa meal. Nutrients are released slowly as microbes in the soil break down the organic matter, feeding the plant over time. This slow-release nature makes overfeeding less likely.
- Synthetic Nutrients: Manufactured in a lab from mineral salts and inorganic waste. The nutrients are readily available to the plant immediately after application, leading to faster results and allowing for precise control over nutrient dosage.
Impact on Growing Medium
- Organic Nutrients: Feed the soil and promote a thriving microbial ecosystem. The organic matter improves soil structure, water retention, and aeration, contributing to long-term soil health.
- Synthetic Nutrients: Directly feed the plant rather than the soil. Their fast-acting nature can lead to salt buildup in the medium over time, which may harm beneficial microbes and require more frequent flushing.
How to Choose the Right Nutrient Line
The best choice for your grow operation depends on your goals, growing method, and personal philosophy. A hybrid approach, combining organic soil amendments with targeted synthetic boosts, is also a popular strategy.
| Characteristic | OG Organics (Organic) | Other Advanced Nutrients (Synthetic) |
|---|---|---|
| Source | Natural ingredients (fish protein, minerals) | Lab-manufactured mineral salts |
| Nutrient Availability | Slow and steady, relies on microbial activity | Immediate and fast-acting, directly absorbed by plants |
| Best For | Soil-based grows, improving long-term soil health, enhancing flavor | Hydroponic systems, fast growth, higher yields, precision control |
| Environmental Impact | Generally lower, promotes biodiversity | Potentially higher, risk of runoff and pollution |
| Risk of Nutrient Burn | Lower, due to gradual release | Higher, due to higher concentration and rapid absorption |
| Cost | Often higher upfront, but benefits can last longer | Generally lower initial cost |
| Certification | OMRI and CDFA-OIM certified | Not certified organic, though some may contain organic elements |
Conclusion: The Grower's Choice
So, are advanced nutrients organic? The definitive answer is: some are, and some are not. Advanced Nutrients consciously caters to both organic and synthetic growers by providing distinct product lines. The OG Organics™ line offers fully certified, natural input materials that promote soil health and sustainable practices, while their synthetic lines focus on precision, speed, and maximizing yields. Your choice depends on your specific growing medium, desired outcome, and dedication to organic principles. Regardless of your preference, Advanced Nutrients offers a solution for your specific cultivation needs, all backed by their 100% performance guarantee. You can explore the certified organic options on their website at https://www.advancednutrients.com/products/og-organics/.
