Thanks bro, that's very informative!
What do you think like I mentioned earlier.. mixing all amendments I have now then top dressing/watering in the basalt, or whatever I end up using?
nah man, you want the minerals in there EARLY, it's not soluble at all, so a topdress isn't ideal, not to mention it's similar in regards to myco, in that you want virtually as much of your roots to come in contact with it, its different than the myco of course, but you want it to be present in as much of your soil mix as possible.
the relationship between the fungal microbes and minerals are crucial, and often overlooked.
especially in an organic mix
in fact, i HIGHLY recommend a compost that is made with mineral dusts, the composting procedure and all that "extra" time with microbial interaction (fungal in specific, which is one of the reasons i think compost is crucial, worm castings have verrrry little fungal activity)
but i believe that a compost made with minerals is perhaps a hidden reason as to why i have such great success with it, nothing has ever made even half the difference that a fresh compost has.
My theory is that it seems to be a difference when the plant has mineral-based phosphorus rather than the normal nutrient based ones, like fishbone meal or whatnot.
but i may have to eventually go to a simpler compost based just on kelp meal, grass clippings, leaves, and basalt.
Seems like with each year passing, i am finding less and less things that the plants actually
need.
While seemingly the secret is more in the microbial interaction/access to fresh humus rather than the plant nutrients that we use.
It's weird how that works
now, that all being said i am sorta like a baby with a pacifier with my neem meal and comfrey...
that'll be hard to put those aside..