PRODUCT SELECTION:
Selection from a huge range of products both 'chemical'and 'natural'is made
dependent upon a number of criteria. The most important of these is not
necessarily price, but the effect that the product (input)has on the overall growing system. For example, a soil test may show up a need for potash and
sulphur (quite common)but in conventional circles muriate of potash is used
because it is cheap, and the sulphur requirement is often ignored. Muriate
of
Potash, being potassium chloride, adds no sulphur, has a high salting index
and is VERY water soluble. Being of a chloride base, it is VERY destructive
to soil life. When you realise that soil life is the key to true fertility
and a resilient soil resource that is capable of accomodating environmental
extremes, you would have to ask why it is allowed for muriate of potash to
be
used at all in agriculture!The input to be sensibly used in this case is
Sulphate of Potash, even though it is somewhat more in price. It remains
more
stable in the soil, is much reduced in its salting effect, contributes
sulphur to the soil and is far less harmful to the soil organisms. Another
good source of natural potash is kelp or seaweed. Not only does it provide a good level of potash, but it also acts as a plant root growth stimulant,
source of about 60 trace elements and minerals, a mild anti-fingal and a
wonderful food for soil microbes. With so many benefits, it is a wonder that not more farmers use seaweed and kelp in their growing system.
Other inputs considered favourable in multiple ways are fish fertiliser,
humic acid, lime, dolomite, gypsum, rock minerals, compost and compost teas.
Each of these will have a beneficial affect on the soil nutrient profile,
the
soil structure and/or the soil biology which in turn means better nutrition
in the plant and then animal. It is important to point out that some of the
processed products are better than others - the same as wines made from a
single source of grapes can be world class or duds alike. It is
AgriSolutions
experience and knowledge about the limitations of each product in its
storage, mixing, application and result that the grower can rest assured
will
work in his favour.
SOIL TESTING:
AgriSolutions can claim over 15 years of 'hands-on' experience with Soil
Testing & Product Advice. In recent times, not one laboratory or product
supplier has been given exclusivity in the programs developed for clients.
This is because it is recognised that each farm and grower is different with
different levels of understanding, priority, budget and degrees of
expectations. Just as a finance or insurance broker finds the best product
match for their clients, AgriSolutions has the expertise to advise on the
most appropriate package using information gathering methods such as soil
analysis and direct field observation and then product application advice.
The laboratories used by AgriSolutions can provide timely and specific data
depending upon client needs. The analysis can be a simple chemistry report,
a
more complex complete report including basic biology, or a world leading
biological assay enabling a comprehensive program to be formulated. Which is used depends entirely upon the clients expectations and level of
understanding. Testing for heavy metals and chemical contaminants can also
be
arranged when there is concern that residuals may be present in the soil.
This is particularly necessary when embarking on organic conversion where
the
certifying agency requires testing to ascertain the status of the chemical
legacy of previous farming practices.
Recommendations and programs are written to match client needs and can be
used to extend the level of knowledge and understanding or simply
consolidate
what is already known. The most important consideration is that the gathered information is timely, useful and relevant to enable a practical management
plan to be established.
To arrange a soil test:
