For dedicated gardeners and commercial cultivators, understanding the composition of a plant's nutrition is crucial. Advanced Nutrients, a prominent name in the hydroponics and indoor gardening space, offers a vast catalog of products, which can lead to confusion about their fundamental makeup. The reality is that Advanced Nutrients does not adhere to a single formula type but rather caters to different cultivation philosophies by offering both organic and synthetic nutrient lines. Deciding which is best for your particular "nutrition diet" for your plants depends on your specific growing goals.
The Dual Nature of Advanced Nutrients: Organic vs. Synthetic
Advanced Nutrients has systematically developed two primary classes of products to serve different grower needs. The core distinction lies in their source and function. Synthetic nutrients are manufactured for immediate, high-impact feeding, while organic products are derived from natural sources and work with soil biology for long-term health and flavor. This dual approach allows growers to choose a pathway that aligns with their desired results, whether that is maximum yield or enhanced, natural flavor.
The Organic Approach: The OG Organics™ Line
For cultivators who prioritize sustainability and rely on living soil, Advanced Nutrients offers its OG Organics™ line. These products are certified by both OMRI and the California Department of Food and Agriculture’s Organic Input Material (CDFA-OIM) Program, meeting stringent organic standards.
- Natural Sources: The OG Organics™ products are formulated from natural inputs. For instance, OG Organics™ Ancient Earth® uses leonardite (a form of humic acid), while OG Organics™ BigMike's OG Tea™ features ingredients like fish emulsion, earthworm castings, and bat guano.
- Soil Health: Rather than feeding the plant directly, these nutrients work to improve the overall health of the soil ecosystem. Microbes in the soil break down the organic matter, making nutrients available to the plants over time.
- Slow Release: The nutrient release is gradual and steady, minimizing the risk of nutrient burn and supporting the plant throughout its life cycle.
- Terpene Enhancement: Many organic growers report that this method produces a superior flavor and aroma profile due to the enhanced terpene development.
The Synthetic Approach: The pH Perfect® and Other Lines
For growers who seek maximum control, rapid growth, and high yields, Advanced Nutrients provides a range of synthetic products. These are laboratory-formulated to deliver precise, water-soluble nutrient concentrations directly to the plant's roots.
- Immediate Absorption: Synthetic fertilizers, like the pH Perfect® Grow, Micro, Bloom trio, are fast-acting, delivering immediate nutrient boosts to quickly correct deficiencies and support rapid growth.
- pH Perfect® Technology: This proprietary technology automatically stabilizes the pH of the nutrient solution within an optimal range (typically 5.5 to 6.3), eliminating the need for constant monitoring and adjustment with pH pens.
- Chelated Nutrients: Synthetic nutrients often contain chelates, which are specialized molecules that make nutrients more available for absorption by the plant's roots, increasing nutrient uptake efficiency.
- High Concentrations: Synthetic options tend to have a higher concentration of macronutrients (NPK) compared to their organic counterparts, often leading to bigger, denser yields.
Comparing Advanced Nutrients' Organic and Synthetic Offerings
Choosing between organic and synthetic nutrients is a critical decision that impacts your cultivation process, cost, and final product. Both have distinct advantages and disadvantages, as highlighted in the following comparison table.
| Characteristic | Organic (OG Organics™) | Synthetic (pH Perfect®, etc.) |
|---|---|---|
| Nutrient Release | Slow and steady, relies on microbial activity. | Immediate and fast-acting, water-soluble. |
| Soil Health | Enriches and improves soil structure; feeds beneficial microbes. | Minimal impact on soil health; can lead to salt buildup. |
| pH Management | Naturally buffers pH levels over time, but less precise. | Automatically adjusts and stabilizes pH using pH Perfect® technology. |
| Yield Focus | Emphasizes flavor, aroma, and long-term soil viability. | Prioritizes rapid growth, dense flowers, and maximum yield. |
| Application Method | Often mixed into the grow media or used as a nutrient tea. | Dissolved in water for precise feeding in hydroponic or soil setups. |
| Cost | Can be more expensive initially, but some argue it provides better long-term soil health. | Generally more affordable per use, but requires frequent application. |
| Best For | Soil-based organic grows, those who want improved flavor. | Hydroponics, coco coir, fast growth, and high yields. |
Making Your Decision: Which Nutrient is Right for Your Diet?
Your choice of nutrient system should align with your specific growing goals and method. For instance, a grower cultivating cannabis for its unique terpene profile may favor the OG Organics™ line, despite its slower-acting nature. The focus on soil health and microbe activity is known to produce better flavor and aroma. Conversely, a commercial operation aiming for rapid turnaround and maximum yield would likely opt for the synthetic pH Perfect® line, which offers faster results and precise control over nutrient delivery.
It's also possible to combine both strategies. Some growers use organic materials to build a healthy soil base and then supplement with fast-acting synthetic boosters during critical growth phases, effectively getting the best of both worlds. The key is to understand the differences and tailor your approach to your unique circumstances.
Advanced Nutrients Product Examples by Type
To help clarify the differences, here are some product examples based on their organic or synthetic formulation:
- Organic (OG Organics™ Line):
- OG Organics™ Iguana Juice™ Grow and Bloom: Base nutrients for vegetative and flowering phases.
- OG Organics™ Big Bud®: A flowering booster.
- OG Organics™ Ancient Earth®: Humic and fulvic acid amendment for soil health.
- Synthetic (pH Perfect® and other lines):
- pH Perfect® Grow, Micro, Bloom: The three-part base nutrient system with auto-pH technology.
- Big Bud® Liquid: A classic bloom booster.
- Overdrive®: A late-season flowering booster.
- Beneficial Microbes (Can be used with both):
- Voodoo Juice®: Promotes healthy root systems.
- Piranha®: Fungi for root expansion.
Conclusion
Ultimately, whether Advanced Nutrients are organic or synthetic is a matter of which specific product line is being discussed. The company offers both, providing growers with a choice based on their cultivation goals, medium, and philosophical preference. While the OG Organics™ line serves those committed to an all-natural, soil-focused approach, the pH Perfect® and other synthetic lines are tailored for maximum yield and controlled feeding in hydroponic or soilless systems. By understanding the composition and intent of each product, growers can make an informed decision to optimize their plant's nutritional diet for success.
For more information on the specific formulations and how to use them, refer to Advanced Nutrients' own resources, such as their official feeding charts.
