Tag: Dynamic accumulator

According to one analysis, the dried leaves of comfrey can contain 7.09% potash, 2.77% calcium, and 0.144% iron, among other elements. This makes it an exceptionally rich plant known to accumulate a diverse profile of minerals from deep within the soil.

According to an analysis of the 'Bocking 14' cultivar, comfrey leaves contain a remarkable 7.09% potash, which is a key source of potassium. This deep-rooted perennial herb is a powerhouse for gardeners and soil health enthusiasts, celebrated for its ability to draw essential minerals in comfrey up from deep in the subsoil.

One analysis of fresh Russian comfrey revealed a dry matter magnesium content of 4.3 g/kg. The deep-rooted comfrey plant is renowned for its ability to pull various minerals from the soil, including magnesium, making it a valuable accumulator for enriching garden soil and as a nutrient-rich feed source for livestock. However, its use for human consumption is now restricted due to potential liver toxicity.

Despite its reputation as a well-rounded plant food, dried comfrey leaves have an NPK ratio typically around 1.8-0.5-5.3, indicating that comfrey tea is not particularly high in phosphorus compared to its potassium content. The plant, known as a dynamic accumulator, is especially adept at pulling minerals from deep in the soil to concentrate them in its foliage.

While often praised by gardeners for its nutrient-accumulating properties, analysis of Russian comfrey (Bocking 14) showed it contains approximately 2.77% calcium on a dry matter basis. Comfrey's reputation as a mineral powerhouse stems from its deep root system, which draws up nutrients from inaccessible subsoil. It is indeed high in calcium and many other minerals, though this is primarily relevant for its use as a fertilizer rather than a human supplement due to significant safety concerns.