Are pesticides or fertilizers absorbed by the plant and actually become part of the plant?!


Question: Yeup, fertilizers get absorbed as their molecular components. The iron, magnesium, nitrogen, phosphorus, etc., all become part of the plant structurally. To a plant, it's kinda like the quality of food you get. The plant can use whatever, but it's like McDonalds vs a well-balanced, organic meal, depending on what fertilizer you use.

As far as the pesticides, some do get absorbed. Many are not detectable by the time we eat them, which doesn't mean they aren't there, they just aren't around in biologically significant amounts (and that is arguable). When pesticides are applied to a plant, there is generally a wait period before harvest, so that they can break down enough to be "safe". These pesticides are tested in the plants by your Ag department most likely (although that can be sketchy) for "residues". You can find a lot of info about pesticide "residues" on food!

Anywho, hope that explains some (I didn't want to go biochemical, it's too hard to explain!).


Answers: Yeup, fertilizers get absorbed as their molecular components. The iron, magnesium, nitrogen, phosphorus, etc., all become part of the plant structurally. To a plant, it's kinda like the quality of food you get. The plant can use whatever, but it's like McDonalds vs a well-balanced, organic meal, depending on what fertilizer you use.

As far as the pesticides, some do get absorbed. Many are not detectable by the time we eat them, which doesn't mean they aren't there, they just aren't around in biologically significant amounts (and that is arguable). When pesticides are applied to a plant, there is generally a wait period before harvest, so that they can break down enough to be "safe". These pesticides are tested in the plants by your Ag department most likely (although that can be sketchy) for "residues". You can find a lot of info about pesticide "residues" on food!

Anywho, hope that explains some (I didn't want to go biochemical, it's too hard to explain!).

fertilizer does actually get absorbed by the plant through the roots. That's what helps the plant stay healthy. Pesticides on the other hand, are usually sprayed on the outside of the plant and I'm not an expert, but they can probably be absorbed as well of course it depends on the pesticide. My recommendation is to eat only food that has been raised organically using natural pesticides and fertilizer.

yeah, some plants even sprout bags of miracle gro

Yes it's best to avoid pesticides altogether if you can! Grow things organically and also avoid animal manure cause you can get meat disease in your plants that way if you use cow manure in your garden. Use nitrogen based soil or mushroom manure!

Plants absolutely absorb what is in their environment. Plants grown in mineral poor soil have a much lower mineral content than plants grown in mineral rich soil.
http://www.ksl.com/?nid=200&sid=610141
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/13737389/pag...
These are links with info about which foods have the most chemicals and junk.

My cousin grew some white widow once using horse manure as a fertilizer and that was some of the bestest shiznit that I have ever smoked.


LOL@Mushroom manure??? OH LORD VEGA, pleaaase come beam your children up. I didn't get the memo when mushrooms started pooping.

They get absorbed and they will build up, but they do not become part of the plant. There has been some research into using plants to absorb toxic metals from polluted land with some good results.

Only if they are systemic and only for a few months.

I would say yes, which is pretty damn scary!

What in praytell is mushroom manure? Did she mean compost?





The consumer Foods information on foodaq.com is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions.
The answer content post by the user, if contains the copyright content please contact us, we will immediately remove it.
Copyright © 2007 FoodAQ - Terms of Use - Contact us - Privacy Policy

Food's Q&A Resources