If farm income is equal to expenses, we are moving towards an unsustainable system.

Try to reduce large expenses, especially where the inputs cannot be recovered within the first 2 years. Costs can be cut by utilizing the reserves of nutrients in the soil as indicated by a soil analysis report, as well as using tree reserves on a temporary basis.  The goal is to create an environment in which organisms can feed, flourish and multiply to promote nutrient availability.

Fertilisation and foliar feeding tips:

1. Savings on lime and gypsum applications can be considered if these applications were done in the past.
2. Follow a more organic approach by using manure and organic products especially to address potassium and phosphorus requirements.
3. More frequent and smaller applications of manure and compost can be more effective than excessively large and once-off applications.
4. Potassium and calcium uptake can increase by 20% in the presence of organic fertiliser.
5. Where soils contain sufficient phosphorus and potassium, nitrogen is the most important element that needs to be planned sensibly during the growing season.
6. Nitrogen release from soil and organic matter can be enhanced by combining more frequent smaller applications of organic matter with Ocean Nutrition (fish hydrolysate).
7. Fertilise with the minimum phosphate if it is required.
8. Fertilise with potassium in time for maximum uptake – not everything at the end of the growing season.
9. Foliar sprays with sufficient active ingredients are essential, and decisions must be planned accordingly – reduce the number of sprays and increase the time of uptake.
10. Improve irrigation scheduling and manage temporary stress conditions, for example: climate conditions.
11. Place fertiliser close to the roots of the plant at safe concentrations to limit losses and promote absorption.
12. Lesser increments at higher concentrations will save time and application costs.
13. Adjust fertigation timeously according to the vigor and the potential harvest. Where the income doesn’t justify it lesser the inputs and increased inputs where the yield potential is greater than expected.
14. Be aware of vigorous growth and reduced stress conditions under nets.

Under difficult economic conditions, knowledge and proven practices are of great value. Contact Atlantic Fertilisers for an evaluation of your fertilisation inputs.