I'm trying to get over my squeamishness about using the rash of LLM tools popularly called "AI" right now. So I decided to look at some old poorly-addressed questions at Permies and do my best to steer Copilot (powered by ChatGPT 4) toward valid data sources like the USDA.
Based on recent scientific analysis and USDA data, several plants have been identified as dynamic accumulators—plants that concentrate specific minerals in their tissues at levels significantly higher than average. For magnesium accumulation, the most promising candidates include:
🌿 Top Magnesium Accumulators (with Zone 5 and Clay Soil Suitability)
1. Redroot Amaranth (Amaranthus retroflexus)
Magnesium Accumulation: Known to concentrate high levels of magnesium and zinc.
Soil Suitability: Performs well in clay if soil is not overly compacted.
Zone: Hardy in USDA Zone 5.
Notes: In trials, it also showed high levels of aluminum, manganese, and sulfur. However, performance may vary depending on soil conditions. [Which Dyna...Garden ...]
2. Common Nettle (Urtica dioica)
Primary Accumulation: Calcium, but may also accumulate magnesium.
Soil Suitability: Thrives in clay and moist soils.
Zone: Hardy in Zone 5.
Notes: Proven to draw nutrients from subsoil, making it a true dynamic accumulator. [Which Dyna...Garden ...]
3. Russian Comfrey (Symphytum peregrinum)
Primary Accumulation: Potassium and possibly silicon; magnesium potential not confirmed but suspected.
Soil Suitability: Excellent for clay due to deep taproots.
Zone: Hardy in Zone 5.
Notes: Bocking 14 cultivar is recommended to prevent spreading. [Which Dyna...Garden ...]
🌱 Honorable Mentions (Potential Magnesium Accumulators)
These plants are often cited in permaculture circles but need more data:
Lambsquarters (Chenopodium album) – confirmed potassium accumulator, may also gather magnesium.
Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) – deep taproots suggest potential for magnesium uptake.
Chicory (Cichorium intybus) – long taproots and clay tolerance.
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