In addition to sugars, molasses contains significant amounts of potash, sulfur, and a variety of micronutrients. Because molasses is derived from plants, and because the manufacturing processes that create it remove mostly sugars, the majority of the mineral nutrients that were contained in the original sugar cane or sugar beet are still present in molasses. This is a critical factor because a balanced supply of mineral nutrients is essential for those "beneficial beasties" to survive and thrive. That's one of the secrets we've discovered to successful organic gardening, the micronutrients found in organic amendments like molasses, kelp and alfalfa were all derived from other plant sources and are quickly and easily available to our soil and plants. This is especially important for the soil "micro-herd" of critters that depend on tiny amounts of those trace minerals as catalysts to make the enzymes that create biochemical transformations. That last sentence was our fancy way of saying it is actually the critters in "live soil" that break down organic fertilizers and "feed" it to our plants.

One final benefit molasses can provide to your field and gardens is its ability to work as a chelating agent. That is a scientific way of saying that molasses is one of those "magical" substances that can convert some chemical nutrients into a form that is easily available for critters and plants. Chelated minerals can be absorbed directly and remain available and stable in the soil. Rather than spend a lot of time and effort explaining the relationships between chelate and micronutrients, we are going to quote one of our favorite sources for explaining soil for scientific laymen.

"Micronutrients occur, in cells as well as in soil, as part of large, complex organic molecules in chelated form. The word chelate (pronounced "KEE-late") comes from the Greek word for "claw," which indicates how a single nutrient ion is held in the center of the larger molecule. The finely balanced interactions between micronutrients are complex and not fully understood. We do know that balance is crucial; any micronutrient, when present in excessive amounts, will become a poison, and certain poisonous elements, such as chlorine, are essential micronutrients.

For this reason natural, organic sources of micronutrients are the best means of supplying them to the soil; they are present in balanced quantities and not liable to be over applied through error or ignorance. When used in naturally cheated form, excess micronutrients will be locked up and prevented from disrupting soil balance."

Molasses' ability to act as a chelate explains its presence in organic stimulant products like Earth Juice Catalyst. Chelates are known for their ability to unlock the potential of fertilizers, and some smart biological farmers we know are using chelating agents (like Liquid Carbon) to allow them to make dramatic cuts in normal levels of fertilizer application.

One way to observe this reaction at work would be to mix up a solution of one part molasses to nine parts water and then soak an object which is coated with iron rust (like a simple nail for instance) in that solution for two weeks. The chelating action of the molasses will remove the mineral elements of the rust and hold them in that "claw shaped" molecule.

Of course, it is possible to use molasses as a foliar feed alone. It provides a significant boost in other essential minerals such as sulfur, iron and magnesium. Farming guides suggest application rates of between one quart to 2 gallons per acre depending on the target plant.