Amongst the array of different nutrients and bio-stimulants on the market, you’ll no doubt have spotted a number of products containing enzymes. You may have read the blurb online or on the back of a bottle, and gathered that enzyme-based stimulants are supposedly good for your plants’ root zones and result in higher levels of growth. But how do they work, do they work, and are they worth it? Why might enzymes boost yields and make life easier for the grower?

With these questions ringing in our ears, in this article we’re going to talk about enzymes, and more specifically, why they are in fact extremely useful. So here are the five ways enzymes add zip to your plants.

It might be pointing out the obvious but enzymes are the key ingredients in SHOGUN’s Zenzym – the focus of today’s piece. Zenzym has been proven to encourage good root zone health, prevent a build-up of dead cells within the tank, unblock channels within the root, and aid nutrient bioavailability.

Enzymes are a naturally occurring protein and biological catalyst. Under a microscope it’s possible to see the extraordinary variety and complexity of their forms. They seek out and bind with molecules, in what is known as the “lock and key” model. A chemical reaction changes the shape of the enzyme (the lock), making it the only enzyme that can break down that particular molecule (the key). It then either breaks the molecule into pieces or forces molecules to come together. Job done, the enzyme releases a new molecular product or products, and the enzyme returns to its original form. This molecular break down plays a crucial role in root zone health, as we’ll see shortly.

As with everything in life; bits fall off, matter decays, things die and disintegrate. And a plant’s root zone is no different. Dead cells from your plant, in the absence of enzymes, would clog up its roots, leading to a reduction in nutrient uptake and the creation of the perfect conditions for harmful bacteria and fungi. Fortunately enzymes break down dead matter wherever they find it. In your mouth salivary enzymes break down fats and starch, and it’s no different in your plant’s root zone. SHOGUN’s Zenzym, for example, contains:

• Cellulase for breaking down cellulose, and converting it into glucose and other sugars.
• Xylanase for breaking down polysaccharide xylan (a component of plant cell walls) into xylose.
• Pectinase for breaking down pectin (a polysaccharide in plant cell walls).

A combination of these enzymes, amongst others, helps act as a form of “exfoliator”, scrubbing away and digesting decaying matter into smaller parts to leave your roots clean, unencumbered, and able to uptake all those crucial nutrients it needs to flourish. And a clean root zone is also a great deterrent to those harmful bacteria, pests and fungi.

A plant’s root zone isn’t the only area that can get blocked up with dead cells. The scouring, cleansing effect of enzymes revives even tired, worn-out substrates, keeping them in a condition for reuse.

This unclogging effect is also a huge bonus for hydroponic growers using recirculating and dripper systems - a system prone to biofilms and debris getting into the pipes. A good enzyme booster like Zenzym more than pays for itself by lengthening the lifespan of your growing medium, dripper system, pumps, and other kit.

Enzymes have more than one trick up their sleeve. In addition to cellulase, xylanase, and pectinase, Zenzym contains beta-glucanase, which results in yeast releasing mannoproteins and polysaccharides – crucial components for freeing nutrients, allowing them to return to the root zone.

Cellulose, a complex carbohydrate and the basic building block of all plant cell walls, is a particularly robust material that can take an age to be broken down. The cellulase in Zenzym accelerates this process, releasing glucose that can then be recycled. Not only do enzymes break down dead matter to clear a path for greater nutrient uptake, but convert what was otherwise nutritionally-useless, into food that can now be absorbed by your plants.

Different enzyme booster products provide varying combinations of benefits, but Zenzym includes ferulic acid esterase (hemicellulase), which encourages the release of ferulic acid from a plant’s cell walls, and is particularly effective when combined with xylanase (mentioned above). Ferulic acid is a naturally occurring antioxidant compound found in plants, and is a vital component in their cell walls, having the effect of boosting cell wall strength and rigidity. The advantages of stronger, more rigid plant cell walls shouldn’t really need explaining!

Now you know the important role enzymes play in root zone health and nutrient uptake, let’s have a look at how best to utilise them.

SHOGUN designed Zenzym for use with all types of growing media and can be applied alongside any other nutrient solution. Bio-stimulants are not complete feeds, however, so it’s important to recognise they are not designed to be used alone. You can apply them during the cuttings and seedlings growth stage for establishing a strong root system, but they are equally suitable for both the vegetative and flowering stages. Store your bottle in a cool dark place as this lengthens its best before date, but if you’re reusing media, such as coco coir, place the media in a warm environment as enzymes are more effective at breaking down matter at higher temperatures.

Who doesn’t love a biological catalyst when the results are a healthier, cleaner root zone, better fed plants and higher levels of growth? Enzymes are present in nature, but if your substrate is inorganic or you’re growing hydroponically, adding them to your growing medium is essential. Enzyme-based bio-stimulants are a proven solution for breaking down dead matter, optimising nutrient uptake, rejuvenating your plant roots, cleansing your growing medium and boosting yields. They should be on every grower’s wish list.