Nutrient Optimisation Program
Create successful ePaper yourself
Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.
Nutrition <strong>Optimisation</strong><br />
1
2<br />
Our Mission<br />
To apply our continually expanding<br />
knowledge and experience in soil and plant<br />
nutrition to help growers achieve maximum<br />
quality and yield in a manner that is<br />
environmentally, socially and economically<br />
profitable.
Contents<br />
PAGE 4-5: PROGRAM OUTLINE<br />
Why the <strong>Nutrient</strong> <strong>Optimisation</strong> <strong>Program</strong> is important for<br />
fruit growers and how it can increase your bottom line.<br />
PAGE 6-7: PROGRAM FAQ<br />
Frequently asked questions about the <strong>Nutrient</strong> <strong>Optimisation</strong><br />
<strong>Program</strong>. Learn what the program includes, how it works,<br />
and what it takes to get started.<br />
PAGE 8: TESTIMONIALS<br />
Testimonials from growers who rely on the <strong>Nutrient</strong><br />
<strong>Optimisation</strong> <strong>Program</strong>.<br />
PAGE 9: HOW TO GET STARTED<br />
An important note regarding our program availability, an<br />
overview of how to get started with this program, what the<br />
Soil Analysis & Differential Leaf Extract Analysis process<br />
looks like, and what applications are involved in the<br />
program.<br />
3
A program for increasing the yield, size,<br />
and quality of your fruit<br />
Test. Don’t Guess.<br />
The Hybrid-Ag <strong>Nutrient</strong> <strong>Optimisation</strong> <strong>Program</strong> is a powerful but simple, 6-step program that consists of Soil<br />
Analysis & Differential Leaf Extract Analysis in addition to targeted soil and foliar nutritional applications<br />
applied through the various stages of the season - from dormancy, during the time that fruit is on the tree,<br />
right through to post-harvest applications.<br />
Step 1: Soil Analysis<br />
Testing the soil is the starting point. We use an independent soil testing service which provides<br />
comprehensive test data presented in a format that is very easy to read and understand. This test includes<br />
a number of parameters not included in other tests. If you already have recent tests from another laboratory,<br />
we can process these in our audit program and prepare a recommendation. Wherever possible we like to<br />
have more comprehensive data, as it gives the necessary detailed information which makes the analysis<br />
process far more accurate.<br />
Step 2: Soil Application<br />
We blend a custom nutrient mix (which is determined from the results of the soil analysis) into a specially<br />
designed carbon base along with a unique combination of bacterial inoculants and microbial bio-stimulants<br />
that are designed to increase root system vigour and nutrient availability.<br />
4
Step 3: Bud & Flower <strong>Optimisation</strong><br />
Using the best research & latest data available, we create a unique nutrient program made from proprietary<br />
nutrient blends that ensure the strongest possible flowering whilst also enabling the plant to maximise cell<br />
division.<br />
Step 4: Differential Leaf Extract Analysis<br />
Differential Leaf Extract Analysis is a new testing method which can be likened to a blood test and reports<br />
nutrient levels in the tree or plant in near real time. It can highlight nutritional deficiencies and excesses,<br />
often 2-4 weeks before standard tissue/ash tests can.<br />
Step 5: Custom Foliar & Fertigation <strong>Nutrient</strong> Application<br />
Using data from your Differential Leaf Extract Analysis results in Step 4, we build targeted nutritional foliar<br />
and fertigation applications that support high quality fruit and bud development.<br />
Step 6: Post-Harvest<br />
Applications of specific products designed to prepare the tree for dormancy, and store up reserves of<br />
nutrients for a powerful start to the following season.<br />
5
Frequently Asked Questions<br />
How does the <strong>Nutrient</strong> <strong>Optimisation</strong> <strong>Program</strong> increase yield and quality?<br />
The program consists of a series of soil and foliar applications determined by Soil Analysis & Differential<br />
Leaf Extract Analysis. One of the most critical factors we focus on is bud development for increased crop<br />
yield and quality.<br />
Bud Development Fundamentals:<br />
• Large spur leaves directly contribute to large fruit size. 1<br />
• Spur leaf size is determined by pre-dormancy or post-harvest nutrition.<br />
• Number of fruit buds is determined by pre-dormancy nutrition.<br />
• High concentrations of nutrients and sugars in buds reduces the freezing temperature and frost<br />
susceptibility.<br />
• Large healthy buds with balanced nutrition leads to strong pollination in the spring and increased fruit<br />
set.<br />
• Fruit size is determined by the quantity of Calcium present in the fruit embryo after pollination. Building<br />
a generous supply of Calcium in the buds produces larger and firmer fruit.<br />
How does our nutritional program work to get these results?<br />
The base soil program is a prescription blended fertiliser application based on your soil analysis results,<br />
and also takes into account your crop removal requirements. This product, while re-balancing your soil,<br />
increases microbial activity, and unlocks stored reserves of minerals in the soil. The foliar & fertigation<br />
applications include macro- and micro-nutrients, tailored to your crop requirements from the results of your<br />
Differential Leaf Extract Analysis.<br />
Is on-farm support a part of the program?<br />
Yes. Your consultant is a knowledgeable agronomic resource who can provide on-farm support and will be<br />
available to answer your questions about any phase of the ordering, growing and application process. It is<br />
our aim to provide you with all the support you need to make this program a success on your farm.<br />
How does the consultant support work?<br />
When you are using the <strong>Nutrient</strong> <strong>Optimisation</strong> <strong>Program</strong>, your consultant will assist you in gathering the soil<br />
& leaf sample and help translate the results into an action plan based on the nutritional needs of your crop.<br />
Consultants are available via phone and email and visits are structured per demand and availability.<br />
Will this program take the place of my current program?<br />
This program can stand alone or be used in conjunction with your current practices. Many of the products<br />
we use in our programs are compatible with other pesticides, herbicides, and bio-materials you may already<br />
be using.<br />
6<br />
1 www.rcia.uc.cl/index.php/rcia/article/view/1508
What is Differential Leaf Extract Analysis?<br />
Differential Leaf Extract Analysis is a testing method that tests both young and old leaves in the tree<br />
and compares them to allow us to detect mineral and nutrient deficiencies in plants 2 to 3 weeks before<br />
symptoms become visible (and sometimes up to 2 weeks before standard tissue testing.) This creates the<br />
opportunity to be proactive with foliar nutrient applications, and apply the precise amount of a needed<br />
nutrient before a deficiency manifests as a disease or weakness, or before an excess becomes a problem.<br />
Benefits of Differential Leaf Extract Analysis:<br />
• Equips growers with a method to pro-actively monitor a crop and identify indicators of nutrient<br />
deficiencies and excesses before they impact yield.<br />
• Provides the ability to track nutrient flow and compare real levels to target values.<br />
• Pro-actively solve problems to achieve higher quality and increased yield in your crop.<br />
How do I determine if this will work for me?<br />
This program is designed for all tree crops – but has also been implemented and has delivered excellent<br />
results across many horticultural crops, vastly different climate conditions and different soil types. Every<br />
grower we deal with has different and unique challenges, but no matter what the crop, soil type or climate,<br />
we are able to exceed expectations through application of our understanding of nutrient science.<br />
How do I learn more?<br />
To learn more, check out the How To Get Started section toward the end of this program. You can also call<br />
Hybrid Ag on 03 5722 7555 or email info@hybridag.com.au<br />
7
Testimonials<br />
This is what our customers have to say about our nutrient program:<br />
“Lots of big fruit and consistency of quality; Every bin looks the same is what I have seen”<br />
Trevor Chaplin - Chaplins Orchard<br />
“After implementing the program through the season, we found that we had bigger and firmer fruit with<br />
better storage life”<br />
Ian Cathels - Ardrossan Orchards, Batlow<br />
“Since starting the program, we have achieved consistently high yields with premium packout year on year”<br />
Andrew Corbett - Old Oak Orchards<br />
8
How To Get Started<br />
In order to ensure that we deliver you the highest level of service, we have started to limit the number of<br />
clients we can effectively serve with this program. All of Hybrid-Ag’s top programs are now available on a<br />
first-come, first-served basis. We have also begun to enlist the services of distribution networks to enable us<br />
to serve our rapidly expanding grower base.<br />
We’re growing fast, but we’re still committed to delivering the best client experience possible. With the<br />
increased demand for Hybrid-Ag’s services, we refuse to take on new clients if we can’t provide the level of<br />
service you require. Our aim is to deliver the highest quality service to growers like you – growers who we<br />
can partner with to help create more profitable, regenerative & sustainable farms.<br />
Here is a quick view of the program so you can know<br />
what to expect and plan effectively:<br />
When you are ready to begin the program, you can<br />
email, call, or text your consultant and schedule a<br />
time to perform an initial consultation.<br />
First, your consultant will help you collect the soil<br />
sample or samples from the field, and we then<br />
express ship them to the lab. We usually recommend<br />
these samples are taken as soon as possible after<br />
harvest, or prior to leaf drop. The soil analysis<br />
results are usually available with a recommendation<br />
within 3 - 4 weeks after the date of sampling.<br />
Next, you will be contacted by your consultant to<br />
discuss the results of your soil analysis, who will go<br />
over the recommended soil application, as well as<br />
outlining the foliar and fertigation applications that will be required during the growing season.<br />
During the season, your consultant will either help you take or show you how to take the samples required<br />
from your crop, for Differential Leaf Extract Analysis. These analysis reports include twenty-three data<br />
points, all the standard macronutrients and micro-nutrients, as well as multiple forms of nitrogen, pH, EC,<br />
sugar content, and extra traces such as molybdenum, cobalt, silicon, and others.<br />
Once the Differential Leaf Extract Analysis is completed, the resulting reports are generated and will be<br />
emailed as pdf files to you, and your consultant will work with you to interpret the data and build your<br />
personalized and targeted foliar and fertigation applications.<br />
9
10
11
Custom Blended Soil and Plant Nutrition<br />
52 Buckler Road Wangaratta Victoria<br />
03 5722 7555<br />
www.hybridag.com.au