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Dr Forest

Organic Amino Acid Fertiliser | Foliar Feed

Name: Organic Amino Acid Fertiliser | Foliar Feed
Brand: Dr Forest
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Overview The Science How to Use FAQ

Organic amino acid biostimulant 13-0.3-8 — 84.8% amino acids, 3,000 ppm iron, 100% water-soluble micro-granules

84.8% Amino Acids 17 L-Type Amino Acids 13% Nitrogen 3,000 ppm Iron 100% Water-Soluble Enzymatic Hydrolysis

Amino acids are the building blocks of every protein in every living organism — including every enzyme, every hormone, every structural protein, and every defence compound that a plant produces. When you apply amino acids directly to plants, you are supplying the pre-assembled building blocks that the plant would otherwise have to manufacture from scratch using nitrogen, carbon, and energy. The plant absorbs them intact through roots or leaves and incorporates them directly into proteins without the metabolic cost of synthesis. This is why amino acid biostimulants produce such rapid, visible responses — you are removing the most energy-intensive bottleneck in plant metabolism.

This product contains 84.8% total amino acids — of which 20% are free amino acids — obtained through enzymatic hydrolysis. This is the critical distinction. Enzymatic hydrolysis gently breaks proteins down using biological enzymes, preserving the amino acids in their L-form (left-handed) — the only form that plant biology can use. Chemical hydrolysis (using acid or alkali) is cheaper but produces a mixture of L-form and D-form (right-handed) amino acids, and the D-form is biologically inactive. This product contains exclusively beneficial L-type amino acids — 17 individual amino acids in their biologically active configuration.

Beyond the amino acids, the formulation delivers 13% nitrogen, 8% potassium (K₂O), 3,000 ppm absorbable iron, 500 ppm magnesium, and humic and fulvic acid — making it a genuine biostimulant-fertiliser hybrid that feeds the plant while simultaneously activating its metabolic pathways. The micro-granulated format dissolves instantly and completely in water with no residue — safe for foliar sprayers, drip irrigation, and fertigation systems without blocking pipes, filters, or nozzles.

84.8%Total Amino Acids

13-0.3-8N-P-K

3,000 ppmAbsorbable Iron

100%Water-Soluble

What amino acid biostimulant is used for

Accelerating root development and transplant establishment — amino acids (particularly L-Proline, L-Glycine, and L-Glutamic Acid) stimulate root cell division and elongation; applied at transplanting, they drive rapid root colonisation of new soil and significantly improve transplant survival rates
Strengthening vegetative growth — leaves, stems and buds — the 13% organic nitrogen and complete amino acid profile provide both the building blocks and the energy for rapid protein synthesis, cell division, and biomass production during the vegetative phase
Stimulating flower formation and fruit development — L-Phenylalanine and L-Histidine are precursors to flowering hormones and defence compounds; amino acid applications during pre-flower and flowering stages promote bud formation, improve pollen viability, and enhance fruit set
Increasing stress tolerance — cold, heat, drought and recovery — L-Proline is the primary osmolyte that plants accumulate under abiotic stress; supplying it exogenously allows the plant to maintain cell turgor and enzyme function through drought, frost, and heat events without expending its own energy reserves
Improving nutrient absorption from soil and foliage — amino acids are natural chelators; they bind mineral nutrients into organic complexes that pass through root and leaf cell membranes more efficiently than inorganic mineral ions; the 3,000 ppm iron in this product is chelated by the amino acids for maximum bioavailability
Assisting calcium assimilation within cells — L-Glutamic Acid (10.31% of the amino acid profile) is specifically involved in calcium transport across cell membranes; amino acid applications have been shown to improve calcium distribution in fruit, reducing blossom end rot and bitter pit
Promoting earlier, more uniform fruit ripening — the amino acid-driven metabolic efficiency produces faster sugar accumulation and more synchronised ripening across the crop; this is valuable for both home growers (convenient harvesting) and commercial producers (uniform pack quality)
Extending post-harvest shelf life — amino acid-fed plants produce fruit with stronger cell walls, higher antioxidant content, and denser tissue, resulting in measurably longer shelf life after picking
Correcting iron deficiency (chlorosis) — at 3,000 ppm absorbable iron chelated by the amino acid matrix, this product is one of the most effective organic iron supplements available; applied as a foliar spray, it corrects iron chlorosis rapidly without the soil pH complications of inorganic iron products

Full aminogram — the 17 L-type amino acids

Amino acid profile (% of total amino acids)

L-Leucine: 11.72% — protein synthesis, growth regulation
L-Aspartic Acid: 10.31% — nitrogen metabolism, calcium transport
L-Valine: 8.37% — stress tolerance, branched-chain protein synthesis
L-Lysine: 7.55% — calcium absorption, enzyme construction
L-Glutamic Acid: 7.29% — chlorophyll synthesis, amino acid transamination
L-Alanine: 6.97% — carbon and nitrogen shuttle between roots and shoots
L-Phenylalanine: 5.88% — precursor to defence phenolics, flavonoids, lignin
L-Histidine: 5.42% — metal chelation, pH buffering, stress response
L-Glycine: 3.97% — chlorophyll precursor, root growth stimulation
L-Serine: 3.66% — phospholipid synthesis, cell membrane construction
L-Arginine: 3.23% — polyamine synthesis, root development, stress signalling
L-Proline: 2.59% — the primary plant osmolyte; drought, frost and salt tolerance
L-Threonine: 2.46% — protein synthesis, immune function
L-Tyrosine: 1.86% — precursor to betalain pigments and quinone defence compounds
L-Methionine: 0.58% — ethylene precursor (ripening hormone), sulphur amino acid
L-Isoleucine: 0.35% — branched-chain amino acid, stress tolerance
L-Cysteine: 0.10% — glutathione synthesis (the plant's master antioxidant), sulphur metabolism

Additional nutrition

Organic matter: 79%
Nitrogen (N): 13%
Potassium (K₂O): 8%
Phosphorus (P₂O₅): 0.3%
Iron (Fe): 3,000 ppm — amino acid-chelated for immediate absorption
Magnesium (Mg): 500 ppm
Humic and fulvic acid — enhances chelation and root membrane permeability
100% active ingredients — no fillers, no inert materials

The science of amino acids: why pre-assembled building blocks transform plant performance

The metabolic shortcut — why amino acids work so fast

Plants synthesise amino acids from inorganic nitrogen (ammonium or nitrate), carbon skeletons from photosynthesis, and energy from ATP. This synthesis is the single most energy-expensive metabolic process in the plant — it consumes up to 25% of the total energy produced by photosynthesis. When you supply pre-formed L-amino acids directly to the plant — through foliar spray or root uptake — the plant absorbs them intact and incorporates them directly into proteins, enzymes, and hormones without the enormous energy cost of synthesis. The energy saved is redirected to growth, flowering, fruit production, and stress defence.

This is why amino acid biostimulants produce such rapid, visible responses. The plant is not waiting for nitrogen fixation, nitrate reduction, and de novo amino acid synthesis to occur. It is receiving the finished molecular components ready for assembly into the thousands of proteins it needs to grow, flower, fruit, and defend itself. The effect is particularly dramatic under stress — when the plant's energy budget is already strained by drought, cold, or heat — because the amino acids provide the metabolic shortcut that allows growth and defence to continue even when photosynthetic energy is reduced.

Why L-form matters — enzymatic vs chemical hydrolysis

Enzymatic hydrolysis (this product)

Proteins are broken down gently using biological enzymes — the same process that occurs in digestion
Preserves amino acids exclusively in their L-form (left-handed) — the only stereoisomer that plant enzymes recognise and incorporate into proteins
The L-form is biologically active: it plugs directly into the plant's metabolic machinery
More expensive to produce but delivers a product with 100% biologically useful amino acid content

Chemical hydrolysis (cheaper products)

Proteins are broken down using strong acid (HCl) or alkali (NaOH) at high temperature
The harsh conditions cause racemisation — converting some L-amino acids into their D-form (right-handed) mirror image
D-form amino acids are biologically inert: plant enzymes cannot use them
A chemically hydrolysed product may claim 80%+ amino acids, but a significant proportion may be D-form and therefore useless to the plant
Can also produce toxic by-products (3-MCPD) from the harsh acid processing

Six mechanisms of action

Direct Protein Synthesis — Bypassing the Energy Bottleneck

Every protein in the plant — every enzyme that cycles a nutrient, every structural protein that builds a cell wall, every defence compound that repels an insect — is assembled from amino acids. Normally the plant must synthesise each amino acid from scratch, consuming enormous metabolic energy. Supplying pre-formed L-amino acids removes this bottleneck. The plant absorbs them intact and incorporates them directly into protein chains, freeing up to 25% of photosynthetic energy for growth, flowering, and fruit production.

Natural Chelation — Mineral Delivery System

Amino acids are nature's chelators. They bind mineral ions (iron, zinc, copper, manganese, calcium) into organic complexes that are small enough to pass through root and leaf cell membranes. Inorganic mineral ions (Fe³⁺, Zn²⁺) are poorly absorbed because they are too large and too positively charged to cross membranes efficiently. Amino acid-chelated minerals bypass this barrier. The 3,000 ppm iron in this product is chelated within the amino acid matrix — making it one of the most rapidly absorbed organic iron sources available for correcting chlorosis.

Osmotic Stress Protection — L-Proline & L-Glycine Betaine Pathways

L-Proline is the amino acid that plants accumulate most under drought, frost, and salt stress. It functions as an osmolyte — maintaining cell turgor when water potential drops — and as a free radical scavenger, protecting cell membranes and proteins from oxidative damage. Supplying exogenous L-Proline (2.59% of the profile) allows the plant to maintain its stress defences without diverting energy from growth. L-Glycine (3.97%) is the precursor to glycine betaine, another critical osmolyte. Together they provide a pre-formed stress defence package.

Defence Compound Precursors — L-Phenylalanine & L-Cysteine

L-Phenylalanine (5.88%) is the entry point for the phenylpropanoid pathway — the metabolic route that produces lignin (cell wall strength), flavonoids (UV protection and pollinator attraction), and phenolic defence compounds (antifungal and insect-deterrent). L-Cysteine (0.10%) is the precursor to glutathione — the plant's master antioxidant and detoxification molecule. Supplying these precursors ensures the defence pathways are not amino acid-limited, even under stress when the plant's own synthesis capacity is reduced.

Chlorophyll Synthesis — L-Glycine & L-Glutamic Acid

Chlorophyll — the molecule that captures light for photosynthesis — is assembled from two amino acids: L-Glycine and L-Glutamic Acid. They condense to form 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA), the first committed precursor in the chlorophyll biosynthesis pathway. Supplying both amino acids directly accelerates chlorophyll production, which is visible as deeper green colour and measurable as increased photosynthetic rate. This is why amino acid sprays produce such rapid green-up — particularly on nitrogen-deficient or stressed plants.

Soil Biology Stimulation

When applied as a soil drench, the amino acids and organic nitrogen in this product are a concentrated food source for beneficial rhizosphere bacteria and fungi. The amino acids are directly metabolised by soil micro-organisms, fuelling rapid multiplication and enzyme production. The humic and fulvic acid component further stimulates biological activity by chelating minerals and increasing root membrane permeability. The net effect is an amplified microbial nutrient cycling system in the root zone.

Scientific References

Colla, G. et al. (2015). Protein hydrolysates as biostimulants in horticulture. Scientia Horticulturae, 196, 28–38.
du Jardin, P. (2015). Plant biostimulants: definition, concept, main categories and regulation. Scientia Horticulturae, 196, 3–14.
Calvo, P. et al. (2014). Agricultural uses of plant biostimulants. Plant and Soil, 383, 3–41.
Ertani, A. et al. (2009). Biostimulant activity of two protein hydrolysates in the growth and nitrogen metabolism of maize seedlings. J. Plant Nutrition and Soil Science, 172(2), 237–244.
Ashraf, M. & Foolad, M.R. (2007). Roles of glycine betaine and proline in improving plant abiotic stress resistance. Environmental and Experimental Botany, 59(2), 206–216.

How to use amino acid biostimulant: foliar spray, soil drench, seed soak & fertigation

100% water-soluble micro-granules — dissolves instantly

This product dissolves completely in water with no residue, sedimentation, or clumping. It will not block spray nozzles, drip emitters, filters, or irrigation pipes. Simply measure, add to water, stir briefly, and apply. No pre-soaking, straining, or filtration required. For best results, dissolve in a small volume of warm water first, then dilute to the final volume with cool water.

Application rates

Foliar spray — all plants

Rate: 1–2g per litre of water | Frequency: Every 2–3 weeks during active growth

Dissolve 1–2g per litre of water and apply as a fine foliar spray to both upper and lower leaf surfaces. Apply in early morning or late evening when stomata are open. The amino acids are absorbed directly through the leaf cuticle and stomata — uptake begins within minutes and the full dose is absorbed within 2–4 hours. Use the lower rate (1g/L) for regular maintenance; the higher rate (2g/L) for stressed plants, recovery sprays, or during peak demand (flowering and fruit fill). Suitable for all crops: vegetables, fruit, herbs, roses, ornamentals, lawns, trees, and shrubs.

Soil drench — root zone application

Rate: 2–5g per litre of water | Frequency: Every 2–4 weeks during active growth

Dissolve 2–5g per litre and apply around the root zone with a watering can. The amino acids are absorbed by roots and transported through the xylem to growing points. The organic nitrogen, potassium, and chelated iron are simultaneously delivered to the root zone. Soil drenching also stimulates rhizosphere biology — the amino acids are a concentrated food source for beneficial bacteria and fungi. Use higher rate (5g/L) for heavy-feeding crops (tomatoes, peppers, courgettes, roses) and during peak fruiting demand.

Seed soak — pre-sowing treatment

Rate: 0.5–1g per litre of water | Method: Soak seeds for 6–12 hours before sowing

Dissolve 0.5–1g per litre and soak seeds before sowing. The amino acids prime the embryo's metabolic machinery for rapid germination, improved seedling vigour, and faster root emergence. The chelated iron and potassium provide the mineral cofactors needed for the first hours of growth before the roots have established soil contact.

Fertigation — drip irrigation and liquid feed systems

Rate: 1–2g per litre of irrigation water | Frequency: Every 2–3 weeks

Add to the irrigation water or nutrient solution. The micro-granules dissolve completely with no residue — safe for all drip emitters, filters, and injection systems. Compatible with most liquid fertiliser programmes. Perform a jar test before mixing with strongly acidic or alkaline nutrient solutions.

Iron chlorosis correction — targeted foliar

Rate: 2g per litre of water | Frequency: Every 7–10 days until green colour returns

At 3,000 ppm chelated iron, this product is one of the most effective organic iron foliar sprays available. Apply at 2g/L as a targeted foliar spray to chlorotic (yellowing) foliage every 7–10 days until normal green colour returns. The amino acid chelation makes the iron immediately bioavailable through the leaf — far more effective than inorganic iron sprays which often precipitate on the leaf surface without being absorbed.

Stress recovery — pre- and post-frost, drought, or heat

Rate: 2g per litre (foliar) | Timing: Before or immediately after the stress event

Apply as a foliar spray before an anticipated stress event to pre-load the plant with L-Proline and L-Glycine (osmolyte precursors). After a stress event, spray as soon as conditions allow — the pre-formed amino acids allow the plant to resume protein synthesis and repair damage without waiting for de novo amino acid production. The energy saving is critical when photosynthesis is impaired by stress.

Step-by-step application

Measure the correct amount. For foliar: 1–2g per litre. For soil drench: 2–5g per litre. For seed soak: 0.5–1g per litre. A level teaspoon is approximately 3–4g.
Dissolve in water. Add the measured powder to a small volume of warm water and stir until fully dissolved. Then dilute to the final spray or drench volume with cool water. The micro-granules dissolve instantly — no pre-soaking required.
Apply promptly. Use the prepared solution within a few hours — do not store diluted solution overnight, as the organic nitrogen can begin fermenting.
Spray in cool conditions. For foliar application, spray in early morning or late evening when stomata are open and evaporation is minimal. Cover both upper and lower leaf surfaces.
Repeat regularly. Amino acid biostimulant effects are cumulative — consistent application every 2–3 weeks throughout the growing season produces the strongest results.

Works well combined with…

Use as a foliar spray alongside Dr Forest Brix+ for a combined amino acid + growth hormone biostimulant programme — the amino acids provide the building blocks, the Brix+ growth promoters (triacontanol, cytokinins, auxins) provide the metabolic signals. Apply as a soil drench 2–3 days after top dressing with granular fertilisers — the amino acids chelate and accelerate the uptake of nutrients released from the fertiliser. Tank-mix with Dr Forest Seaweed Powder for complementary trace minerals and polysaccharides. Combine with Humic Acid in soil drenches — the fulvic acid enhances root membrane permeability, further improving amino acid and mineral uptake.

Frequently asked questions about amino acid biostimulant

What does "L-type amino acids only" mean?

Amino acids exist in two mirror-image forms: L-form (left-handed) and D-form (right-handed). Plant enzymes can only recognise and use the L-form — it is the only form that plugs into the plant's metabolic machinery. This product is produced by enzymatic hydrolysis, which preserves 100% L-form. Cheaper amino acid products made by chemical hydrolysis (using acid or alkali) contain a mixture of L and D forms — the D-form fraction is biologically useless to the plant. Always check for "enzymatic hydrolysis" and "L-type" when comparing amino acid products.

Is this a fertiliser or a biostimulant?

Both. At 13-0.3-8 NPK with 3,000 ppm iron and 500 ppm magnesium, it delivers genuine macro and micro-nutrient nutrition. But its primary value is as a biostimulant — the 84.8% amino acid content provides the pre-assembled building blocks that accelerate every metabolic process in the plant. It functions as a biostimulant with fertiliser benefits, not a fertiliser with biostimulant benefits. Use it alongside a base NPK fertiliser for complete nutrition.

Can I use it to correct iron chlorosis?

Yes — this is one of its most effective applications. At 3,000 ppm iron chelated within the amino acid matrix, it delivers iron in the most bioavailable organic form possible. Apply at 2g/L as a foliar spray every 7–10 days until green colour returns. The amino acid chelation ensures the iron crosses the leaf cuticle and enters the cell — unlike inorganic iron sprays which often precipitate on the leaf surface without being absorbed. Particularly effective on acid-loving plants grown in alkaline soil, where iron lockout is the primary cause of chlorosis.

Will it block my sprayer or drip irrigation?

No. The micro-granulated format dissolves 100% in water with no residue, sedimentation, or particulate matter. It is safe for all spray nozzles, drip emitters, filters, and irrigation injection systems. This is one of its key advantages over many competing amino acid products which leave residues or require straining.

What plants can I use it on?

All plants. Vegetables, fruit trees, citrus, berries, herbs, roses, ornamental flowers, shrubs, trees, lawns, and houseplants all benefit from amino acid supplementation. Amino acids are universal biological building blocks — every plant species on Earth uses the same 20 amino acids to construct its proteins. There are no plants for which amino acid application is harmful or inappropriate at the recommended rates.

When should I apply it during the growing season?

Throughout — from planting to harvest. Apply at transplanting for root establishment. During vegetative growth for leaf and stem development. At pre-flower and flowering for bud formation and fruit set. During fruit fill for sugar accumulation and quality. Before and after stress events for recovery. The effects are cumulative, so regular application every 2–3 weeks throughout the entire growing cycle produces the best results.

Can I mix it with other products?

Yes — compatible with most organic liquid fertilisers, seaweed extracts, and biostimulants. Perform a jar test before mixing with strongly acidic or alkaline products. The slightly acidic pH of the dissolved solution (typically pH 5–6) can actually improve the efficacy of tank-mixed foliar sprays by bringing the solution into the optimal absorption range. Do not store pre-mixed diluted solutions — make fresh each time.

How should I store it?

Store sealed in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. The product has a natural amino acid odour — this is normal and indicates active, undenatured amino acids. Keep the bag sealed to retain freshness and prevent moisture absorption. Properly stored, the product remains effective for at least 2 years. Do not store diluted solutions.