Increased Brix – Norfolk Soil and Crop Improvement Association
Three Year Asparagus Trial
Overview
SRC was involved in a four-year trial with the Norfolk Soil and Crop Improvement Association. The trial was on a new asparagus plantation. The plot was set up in alternating 32-foot strips covering 9 acres. The SRC was applied in alternating rows while conventional fertilizers were used on the other rows. The application rate for SRC was 1300 lbs/acre per year for a total of 3900 lbs/acre over three years. The SRC plot received no additional soil amendments over this time period. The control plot was fertilized with 150lbs Nitrogen, 60 lbs Phosphate and 175 lbs Potash per acre.
The Norfolk sand plain is a coarse well-drained soil prone to acidification. The heavy use of fertilizer and excessive cultivation has accelerated soil aging resulting in soil metal toxicities, particularly in aluminum. Crop monitoring performed by A&L Laboratories in this region confirmed this problem.
June 24, 2004 - Fourth Year - First Full Harvest
Root development was evaluated before harvesting commenced. The results showed a very significant difference in plant development over the four year test period. The SRC plot root mass and spear numbers were double that of the control plots by conventional means. Asparagus harvesting continues until brix levels drop between 7 and 8%. If brix is allowed to drop below this level the root systems twill not produce fern for the following year’s crop. The control strips measured between 7 and 8% while the Spanish River Carbonatite (SRC) plots brix readings all averaged between 12 and 13%. This meant that harvesting could continue from the SRC plots while the control plots were harvested. The yield calculation for the control plots was 5242 lbs. The final production on the SRC plots was 5832 lbs per acre for a 10% gain in productivity. If harvesting had continued based on brix levels, production from the SRC plots would have resulted in a much higher final yield.
Root Mass Observation
Spanish River Carbonatite Plot Control Plot
Inputs: 1300 lbs/acre SRC Inputs:150 lbs/acre Nitrogen
60 lbs/acre Phosphate
175 lbs/acre Potash
Weight was 17.5 lbs Weight was 10.0 lbs
Comments: root mass produced 64 spears Comments – root mass produced 30 spears
The results of the three asparagus trial showed the following results:
- Spanish River Carbonatite outperformed chemical fertilizer.
- Higher brix indicating higher nutrient value.
- Increased plant vigor;
- Larger root mass.
- Greater spear production.
- Higher yields
Increased Brix & Yield – Chatham Orchards, Chatham Ontario
• SRC applied for 4 years at 950 lbs/acre
• Resulted in increased reproductive growth (more buds)
• 1999 average brix (sugar content) - 12
2004 average brix - 17
• 1999 yield 48 bins/acre
2004 yield 56 bins/acre
Small Fruit Production
Increased Nutrient Density
Norfolk Soil & Crop Test Plots - Sour Cherries
- 10 lbs per tree of Spanish River Carbonatite around the drip line.
- Immediate response (5 weeks after application).
- Trees in the plot were dark green and considerably thicker.
- New growth 1 to 1.5 feet greater then control plot
- Subsequent applications led to saving damaged trees that would have had to be replaced. These trees completely recovered and are now producing at par with the remaining orchard.
Chatham Orchards – Chatham, Ontario
Chatham Orchards was experiencing difficulties with their raspberry plots with canes in their third year but yields were low and fruit was not setting. In addition, the berries were falling apart when picked. 500 lbs per acre of SRC was applied to these canes. Within the same season there was a noticeable change in plant vigor, witn stronger canes and deeper green foliage. Chatham Orchards harvested 600 pints from 400 feet of canes and did not experience any problems with berries falling apart. Application of SRC led to calcium and phosphorous sufficiency providing key micronutrients not found in these heavy Brookston clays.
Herman Eggars - West Virginia
Herman Eggars started using SRC two years ago on his raspberry fiields, and more recently on blueberries. Four weeks after application Mr. Eggars noticed significant changes in the plants; improved vigor, stronger canes and a deeper green foliage. Fruit quality was exceptional and sugar significantly increased.
Mr. Eggars has extensive knowledge of alternative fertilizer sources, particularly regarding agrominerals. He has tested the majority of American Rock Phosphate sources, including Canadian Volcanophos. He has also used numerous agromineral sources that claim high micronutrient content like Azomite, green rock and Greensand. After the first year of using SRC, Herman admits no other agromineral source has performed as well. On SRC plots, virtually no plants succumbed to frost damage while untreated plots had heavy damage, poor fruit production and higher insect problems.
Increased Nutrient Content - Zubler Dairy Farms, Ridgetown Ontario
Zubler Dairy Farms
This farming operation comprises 800 acres and milking of 85 cows. The farm purchased 40 metric tonnes of SRC in the spring of 2001 and commenced trails on forage crops. Test results showed a significant increase in nutrient content of forages. Zubler Farms currently is a certified organic dairy operation supplying milk to Harmony Organic Milk Products. Zubler Farms has incorporated SRC in its yearly fertility management program purchasing 480 tonnes between 2001 and 2006.
Summary: One very significant trend has been observed in all dairy trials to date. There is a strong trend to increased mineral content with the exception of potassium. Where there was an excess of potassium produced by manure applications SRC plots reduced plant uptake. Many of our dairy customers continue to incorporate SRC into their fertility programs for this reason. Pasture and forage crops applications remain the largest use of SRC. Antidotal evidence from livestock producers on increased grass land vigor, higher nutrient content, improved soil tilth, improved animal health and decrease in forage consumption.
