Nutrient Optimisation Program

Nutrition Optimisation
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Our Mission
To apply our continually expanding
knowledge and experience in soil and plant
nutrition to help growers achieve maximum
quality and yield in a manner that is
environmentally, socially and economically
profitable.

Contents
PAGE 4-5: PROGRAM OUTLINE
Why the Nutrient Optimisation Program is important for
fruit growers and how it can increase your bottom line.
PAGE 6-7: PROGRAM FAQ
Frequently asked questions about the Nutrient Optimisation
Program. Learn what the program includes, how it works,
and what it takes to get started.
PAGE 8: TESTIMONIALS
Testimonials from growers who rely on the Nutrient
Optimisation Program.
PAGE 9: HOW TO GET STARTED
An important note regarding our program availability, an
overview of how to get started with this program, what the
Soil Analysis & Differential Leaf Extract Analysis process
looks like, and what applications are involved in the
program.
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A program for increasing the yield, size,
and quality of your fruit
Test. Don’t Guess.
The Hybrid-Ag Nutrient Optimisation Program is a powerful but simple, 6-step program that consists of Soil
Analysis & Differential Leaf Extract Analysis in addition to targeted soil and foliar nutritional applications
applied through the various stages of the season - from dormancy, during the time that fruit is on the tree,
right through to post-harvest applications.
Step 1: Soil Analysis
Testing the soil is the starting point. We use an independent soil testing service which provides
comprehensive test data presented in a format that is very easy to read and understand. This test includes
a number of parameters not included in other tests. If you already have recent tests from another laboratory,
we can process these in our audit program and prepare a recommendation. Wherever possible we like to
have more comprehensive data, as it gives the necessary detailed information which makes the analysis
process far more accurate.
Step 2: Soil Application
We blend a custom nutrient mix (which is determined from the results of the soil analysis) into a specially
designed carbon base along with a unique combination of bacterial inoculants and microbial bio-stimulants
that are designed to increase root system vigour and nutrient availability.
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Step 3: Bud & Flower Optimisation
Using the best research & latest data available, we create a unique nutrient program made from proprietary
nutrient blends that ensure the strongest possible flowering whilst also enabling the plant to maximise cell
division.
Step 4: Differential Leaf Extract Analysis
Differential Leaf Extract Analysis is a new testing method which can be likened to a blood test and reports
nutrient levels in the tree or plant in near real time. It can highlight nutritional deficiencies and excesses,
often 2-4 weeks before standard tissue/ash tests can.
Step 5: Custom Foliar & Fertigation Nutrient Application
Using data from your Differential Leaf Extract Analysis results in Step 4, we build targeted nutritional foliar
and fertigation applications that support high quality fruit and bud development.
Step 6: Post-Harvest
Applications of specific products designed to prepare the tree for dormancy, and store up reserves of
nutrients for a powerful start to the following season.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Nutrient Optimisation Program increase yield and quality?
The program consists of a series of soil and foliar applications determined by Soil Analysis & Differential
Leaf Extract Analysis. One of the most critical factors we focus on is bud development for increased crop
yield and quality.
Bud Development Fundamentals:
• Large spur leaves directly contribute to large fruit size. 1
• Spur leaf size is determined by pre-dormancy or post-harvest nutrition.
• Number of fruit buds is determined by pre-dormancy nutrition.
• High concentrations of nutrients and sugars in buds reduces the freezing temperature and frost
susceptibility.
• Large healthy buds with balanced nutrition leads to strong pollination in the spring and increased fruit
set.
• Fruit size is determined by the quantity of Calcium present in the fruit embryo after pollination. Building
a generous supply of Calcium in the buds produces larger and firmer fruit.
How does our nutritional program work to get these results?
The base soil program is a prescription blended fertiliser application based on your soil analysis results,
and also takes into account your crop removal requirements. This product, while re-balancing your soil,
increases microbial activity, and unlocks stored reserves of minerals in the soil. The foliar & fertigation
applications include macro- and micro-nutrients, tailored to your crop requirements from the results of your
Differential Leaf Extract Analysis.
Is on-farm support a part of the program?
Yes. Your consultant is a knowledgeable agronomic resource who can provide on-farm support and will be
available to answer your questions about any phase of the ordering, growing and application process. It is
our aim to provide you with all the support you need to make this program a success on your farm.
How does the consultant support work?
When you are using the Nutrient Optimisation Program, your consultant will assist you in gathering the soil
& leaf sample and help translate the results into an action plan based on the nutritional needs of your crop.
Consultants are available via phone and email and visits are structured per demand and availability.
Will this program take the place of my current program?
This program can stand alone or be used in conjunction with your current practices. Many of the products
we use in our programs are compatible with other pesticides, herbicides, and bio-materials you may already
be using.
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1 www.rcia.uc.cl/index.php/rcia/article/view/1508

What is Differential Leaf Extract Analysis?
Differential Leaf Extract Analysis is a testing method that tests both young and old leaves in the tree
and compares them to allow us to detect mineral and nutrient deficiencies in plants 2 to 3 weeks before
symptoms become visible (and sometimes up to 2 weeks before standard tissue testing.) This creates the
opportunity to be proactive with foliar nutrient applications, and apply the precise amount of a needed
nutrient before a deficiency manifests as a disease or weakness, or before an excess becomes a problem.
Benefits of Differential Leaf Extract Analysis:
• Equips growers with a method to pro-actively monitor a crop and identify indicators of nutrient
deficiencies and excesses before they impact yield.
• Provides the ability to track nutrient flow and compare real levels to target values.
• Pro-actively solve problems to achieve higher quality and increased yield in your crop.
How do I determine if this will work for me?
This program is designed for all tree crops – but has also been implemented and has delivered excellent
results across many horticultural crops, vastly different climate conditions and different soil types. Every
grower we deal with has different and unique challenges, but no matter what the crop, soil type or climate,
we are able to exceed expectations through application of our understanding of nutrient science.
How do I learn more?
To learn more, check out the How To Get Started section toward the end of this program. You can also call
Hybrid Ag on 03 5722 7555 or email info@hybridag.com.au
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Testimonials
This is what our customers have to say about our nutrient program:
“Lots of big fruit and consistency of quality; Every bin looks the same is what I have seen”
Trevor Chaplin - Chaplins Orchard
“After implementing the program through the season, we found that we had bigger and firmer fruit with
better storage life”
Ian Cathels - Ardrossan Orchards, Batlow
“Since starting the program, we have achieved consistently high yields with premium packout year on year”
Andrew Corbett - Old Oak Orchards
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How To Get Started
In order to ensure that we deliver you the highest level of service, we have started to limit the number of
clients we can effectively serve with this program. All of Hybrid-Ag’s top programs are now available on a
first-come, first-served basis. We have also begun to enlist the services of distribution networks to enable us
to serve our rapidly expanding grower base.
We’re growing fast, but we’re still committed to delivering the best client experience possible. With the
increased demand for Hybrid-Ag’s services, we refuse to take on new clients if we can’t provide the level of
service you require. Our aim is to deliver the highest quality service to growers like you – growers who we
can partner with to help create more profitable, regenerative & sustainable farms.
Here is a quick view of the program so you can know
what to expect and plan effectively:
When you are ready to begin the program, you can
email, call, or text your consultant and schedule a
time to perform an initial consultation.
First, your consultant will help you collect the soil
sample or samples from the field, and we then
express ship them to the lab. We usually recommend
these samples are taken as soon as possible after
harvest, or prior to leaf drop. The soil analysis
results are usually available with a recommendation
within 3 - 4 weeks after the date of sampling.
Next, you will be contacted by your consultant to
discuss the results of your soil analysis, who will go
over the recommended soil application, as well as
outlining the foliar and fertigation applications that will be required during the growing season.
During the season, your consultant will either help you take or show you how to take the samples required
from your crop, for Differential Leaf Extract Analysis. These analysis reports include twenty-three data
points, all the standard macronutrients and micro-nutrients, as well as multiple forms of nitrogen, pH, EC,
sugar content, and extra traces such as molybdenum, cobalt, silicon, and others.
Once the Differential Leaf Extract Analysis is completed, the resulting reports are generated and will be
emailed as pdf files to you, and your consultant will work with you to interpret the data and build your
personalized and targeted foliar and fertigation applications.
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Custom Blended Soil and Plant Nutrition
52 Buckler Road Wangaratta Victoria
03 5722 7555
www.hybridag.com.au