Following a record-breaking 193 million trays harvested in the 2024 NZ kiwifruit season, attention now turns to soil restoration and long-term productivity.
“2024 was a record year for compost investment,” says Scott Bromwich of Daltons. “Growers increasingly recognise the benefits of compost for restoring organic matter, enhancing soil structure, and supporting vine resilience, particularly on erosion-prone, sloping orchard blocks.”
Daltons provides compost blends specifically developed for kiwifruit growers. A key product this season is Daltons Nurture Compost Chicken Blend, a 50:50 mix of composted organic material and chicken manure. This blend has been extensively used across orchards and continues to deliver strong crop production performance.
Exclusively available through Fruitfed Supplies, Daltons Nurture Kiwifruit Fert Pellets offer an efficient and uniform approach to nutrient delivery for both mature vines and new plantings.
“These pelletised products combine composted organic inputs – sheep, chicken and horse manure, blood and bone, seaweed extract, gypsum, Zeolite, and other organic materials – in a form that can be easily applied using a standard three-point linkage spreader.”
Daltons Nurture Compost is engineered for consistency. Each batch is blended, crushed, screened, and fully composted to meet rigorous horticultural and environmental standards. This intensive processing ensures a uniform product free from large contaminants and weed seeds, and with consistent nutrient profiles.
“We also offer a pre-blending service where Ballance solid fertilisers are combined with compost prior to delivery,” says Scott. “This allows growers to apply nutrients and organic matter in a single pass helping to maximise efficiency and reduce operational costs.”
Daltons’ products meet the Zespri Compost and Manure Standard, hold EUREPGAP approval, and undergo independent testing through RJ Hill Laboratories under Daltons’ accredited quality assurance programme.
