Unveiling the Truth: Are SupertHRive and Marphyl Soil Enhancers Worth It?
Table of Contents:
- Introduction
- About Super Thrive and Mara Fell
- The Claims of Super Thrive and Mara Fell
- The Importance of Fertilizer Designation
- Understanding the OMRI Stamp
- How Fertilizers are Regulated in Canada
- The Concerns with Soil Enhancers
- Personal Experience and Opinion on Super Thrive
- The Debate: Placebo Effect or Real Benefits?
- Conclusion
Introduction
Plant enthusiasts are always on the lookout for products that can enhance the health and vitality of their beloved greenery. In the world of soil amendments, two popular choices are Super Thrive and Mara Fell. These products claim to be soil enhancers that can be used in conjunction with regular fertilizers. However, there are some concerns about their efficacy and lack of fertilizer designation. In this article, we will delve into the claims made by Super Thrive and Mara Fell, explore the importance of fertilizer designation, and discuss the implications of using soil enhancers without certified nutrient values.
About Super Thrive and Mara Fell
Super Thrive and Mara Fell are soil enhancers that have gained popularity among plant enthusiasts. While they do not claim to be fertilizers, they are marketed as products that can improve the soil and enhance plant growth. Super Thrive is a kelp soil enhancer, while Mara Fell is a phytoplankton soil enhancer. Both products boast broad applications, from houseplants to lawns and vegetable gardens.
The Claims of Super Thrive and Mara Fell
The manufacturers of Super Thrive and Mara Fell make bold claims about the effectiveness of their products. They suggest that these soil enhancers can boost plant health and should be used alongside regular fertilizing schedules. However, one of the red flags is the lack of fertilizer designation on the products. Super Thrive, despite being around since the 1940s, does not have the necessary nutrient percentages indicated on the packaging. This absence raises concerns about the actual nutrient content of these enhancers.
The Importance of Fertilizer Designation
Fertilizer designation is a crucial aspect of plant care products. It certifies that the product has been evaluated and approved by designated agencies, such as the CFIA in Canada or the FDA in the United States. The specific nutrient values on the packaging indicate the amount of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium present in the product. Without this designation and corresponding nutrient values, the claims made by the manufacturers of Super Thrive and Mara Fell hold little verifiability.
Understanding the OMRI Stamp
While Super Thrive and Mara Fell lack fertilizer designation, they do possess the OMRI stamp. OMRI stands for Organic Materials Review Institute and ensures that a product is organic from its sourcing to its processing. However, the OMRI rating does not address the fertilizer rating or the specific nutrient values of the product. It solely pertains to the organic nature of the ingredients used.
How Fertilizers are Regulated in Canada
In Canada, all fertilizers and supplement products must adhere to the Fertilizer Act and Regulations. These regulations ensure that the products are safe for humans, plants, animals, and the environment. Additionally, the labeling of fertilizers must be accurate and informative, allowing users to make safe and appropriate choices. The CFIA, along with provinces and municipalities, collaborates to uphold these standards and ensure the highest safety measures in fertilizers and supplements.
The Concerns with Soil Enhancers
The primary concern with soil enhancers like Super Thrive and Mara Fell is the lack of nutrient values and fertilizer designation. While these products may have beneficial effects on plants due to increased care and attention, their specific role in plant growth remains unclear. It is essential to consider whether the observed benefits are a result of the product or simply the placebo effect. Plant care should prioritize fertilizer usage with known nutrient values to prevent under or over fertilization.
Personal Experience and Opinion on Super Thrive
As a soil scientist, I have personally tested Super Thrive for three months on my houseplants. However, I have observed zero noticeable results. Additionally, the product has an unpleasant odor and is quite expensive. While some individuals may experience positive outcomes, it is essential to consider whether the benefits are genuinely derived from the soil enhancer or a result of increased attention and care provided to the plants.
The Debate: Placebo Effect or Real Benefits?
The effectiveness of soil enhancers like Super Thrive and Mara Fell is a topic of debate among plant enthusiasts. Some argue that the observed benefits are a placebo effect, where increased care and attention lead to healthier plants. Others believe that these enhancers genuinely enhance plant growth. It is crucial to acknowledge that different approaches work for different individuals, and there is no definitive answer in the realm of plant care.
Conclusion
While Super Thrive and Mara Fell may have their supporters, it is important to approach soil enhancers with caution. The absence of fertilizer designation and nutrient values raises concerns about their efficacy. However, if using these products motivates individuals to water and care for their plants more diligently, there may be some benefits derived from the placebo effect. Ultimately, the choice between using soil enhancers or relying solely on fertilizers and water is a personal one that depends on individual preferences and beliefs.
Pros:
- Broad applications (houseplants, lawns, vegetable gardens)
- OMRI stamp indicates organic sourcing and processing
Cons:
- Lack of fertilizer designation and nutrient values
- Unclear efficacy and potential placebo effect
- Unpleasant odor and high cost
Highlights:
- Super Thrive and Mara Fell are popular soil enhancers in the plant care community.
- Both products lack fertilizer designation and nutrient values on their packaging.
- The OMRI stamp only certifies the organic nature of the ingredients, not the fertilizer rating.
- Fertilizers in Canada are regulated by the CFIA to ensure safety and accurate labeling.
- Concerns arise regarding the efficacy of soil enhancers and the potential for a placebo effect.
- Personal experience with Super Thrive yielded no noticeable results.
- The debate continues on whether soil enhancers offer real benefits or are a result of increased care and attention.
FAQs:
Q: Are Super Thrive and Mara Fell considered fertilizers?
A: No, these products are marketed as soil enhancers rather than fertilizers. They claim to work in conjunction with regular fertilizing schedules.
Q: Is the lack of nutrient values on the packaging a cause for concern?
A: Yes, the absence of fertilizer designation and nutrient values raises questions about the actual nutrient content and effectiveness of these soil enhancers.
Q: Can soil enhancers harm plants or the environment?
A: Soil enhancers like Super Thrive and Mara Fell are not known to be harmful. However, it is important to use them in conjunction with fertilizers and follow proper plant care practices to prevent over or under fertilization.
Q: Do soil enhancers have any benefits?
A: Some individuals may experience benefits from using soil enhancers, such as increased care and attention to their plants. However, the specific effects of these products remain uncertain.
Q: Should I choose soil enhancers over fertilizers?
A: The choice between soil enhancers and fertilizers depends on personal preferences and beliefs. It is recommended to prioritize fertilizers with certified nutrient values for optimal plant care.
Resources:
- Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) - cfia-acia.ca
- Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) - omri.org
