Question
i recetntly did a prac on growing plants with different types of water and was wondering why the plant watered with spring water grew the best. someone in my class mentioned minerals...is it something to do with them, if yes, what ones

thankyou

Answer
Hi Ashlea,

The problem here is that there is no precise definition of the content of spring water. Presumably it came from a spring somewhere, but the mineral content of the spring water will vary greatly from one region to another. Short of having the water tested in a lab, there is no way for you (or me) to know what minerals were in the spring water that you used.

The primary minerals used by plants are nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium. Other essential nutrients include calcium, magnesium, and sulfur and micro or trace elements that all plants also need, but in extremely tiny quantities. These trace elements include iron, zinc, manganese, boron, copper, molybdenum, and chlorine.

Here is another thought. It may not be the minerals in the spring water that made a difference, but the quality of the water used on the other plants. If you used tap water and your local tap water is on the hard side, then that water would have a negative effect on the plants. So maybe the spring water was better simply because it was not hard water.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.
   
Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

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