When the 2023-24 growing season gets underway in Bay of Plenty next spring, Strathboss Orchard Manager Nathan Burt makes sure that he selects the right compost mix to go under their kiwifruit vines.
With nearly 80 ha of kiwifruit in production, Nathan sees the benefits of applying a suitable compost under vines annually for the past few years.
“The compost supports soil microbes and biology for better soil health,” Nathan says. “Improving soil health supports root and vine health and overall yield. You also get nutritional value from the compost mix which acts as a mulch under vines to suppress weeds and help retain moisture in the soil around vines.”
The annual application of compost is common practice among the majority of kiwifruit growers in their region, according to Te Puke-based Fruitfed Supplies Technical Horticultural Representative Steve Wood.
“As Nathan notes, there are several benefits from the application of a suitable compost under kiwifruit vines,” says Steve. “Compost adds organic matter to the soil which aids its productive capability and sustainability over the longer term. So there are shorter term benefits of compost application, like vine yield, weed suppression and moisture retention, plus you’re helping your orchard’s soils maintain productivity for the longer term.”
Gavin Subritzky, Fruitfed Supplies Horticulture Nutrition Technical Specialist, says soil organic matter is the lifeblood of fertile, productive soil.
“Organic matter is any living or dead animal and plant material. It’s an important source of nitrogen, phosphorus and sulphur, and as earthworms and microorganisms decompose this organic matter these nutrients slowly become available for plant roots to take up.
“The rate of decomposition of organic matter depends on soil temperature, moisture, aeration, pH and the existing nutrient levels. The final result of the decomposition process is humus, a black crumbly material resistant to further decomposition. Humus is a store for plant nutrients, holds moisture and improves soil structure and drainage – all characteristics which add considerable value to a soil’s productive capability.”
Gavin says that incorporating bulky organic manures and composts helps to increase the soil’s organic matter. “Frequent and heavy applications are needed to produce significant changes, that’s why we see kiwifruit growers applying compost as part of their annual vine health programme.
“We recommend keeping cultivation to a minimum as cultivation exposes humus to the air, resulting in faster decomposition. Let the soil microbes and earthworms do their work.
“You can also utilise organic fertilisers such as Nurture® Kiwifruit Fert Pellets from Daltons which contain 30 to 40 percent organic matter. These contain an organic base material, with added Gypsum as a soil conditioner. When applied in large amounts this kind of product can help boost organic matter levels.”
Fruitfed Supplies has a long-standing relationship with Daltons in Matamata as trusted suppliers of several compost mixes for kiwifruit and other orcharding situations.
Scott Bromwich, Business Development Manager with Daltons, has been working with various Fruitfed Supplies personnel for several years on the array of compost mixes.
“Before looking at the Daltons Nurture range, always get your soil tests done,” says Scott. “Your local Fruitfed Supplies Technical Horticultural Representative can take the soil samples for you and help you interpret the soil analysis results.”
Daltons kiwifruit range comprises of five products:
- Nurture Compost – ingredients are 0 to 18 mm aged bark fines, chicken manure and Gypsum. Possible additives include Trichobuild® and potassium sulphate.
- Nurture BioGro Compost – ingredients are BioGro 0 to 18 mm aged bark fines, chicken manure and Trichobuild. Patent Kali can be added to increase potassium levels.
- Nurture Kiwifruit Fert Pellets – convenient, pelletised form of boosted compost containing sheep, chicken and horse manure, blood and bone, organic matter, Zeolite, Gypsum and seaweed extracts.
- Nurture Compost Chicken Plus – a blend of 25 percent chicken manure and 75 percent Nurture Compost for higher nitrogen and phosphorus levels.
- Nurture Planter Mix – specifically for planting with 0 to 18 mm aged bark fines, chicken manure, Gypsum and controlled release fertiliser.
Scott says all Nurture Compost products are manufactured to specifications agreed with the Fruitfed Supplies team to ensure the product meets the ZESPRI Compost and Manure Standard, which includes EUREPGAP approval. Daltons’ own quality assurance programme is independently audited by RJ Hill Laboratories Ltd, to ensure the consistency and quality of all Daltons products, including the Nurture range.
“It’s also possible to have additional solid fertilisers from Ballance mixed with your compost prior to delivery and have both applied together under vines. One less application means one less spreader charge and less traffic between vines.”
It’s a significant undertaking for Daltons to make the volume of compost required each season. “It certainly helps our planning if you get in touch with your local Fruitfed Supplies Representative soon to talk about your requirements for spring.”
