Optimising soil biology

High-performing crops require plants that are healthy, well-nourished and supported by a thriving soil ecosystem. Optimal plant and soil health not only enhances productivity but also provides a natural defence against disease and environmental challenges.

Beneficial soil microbes contribute by making any added or existing nutrients plant-available, explains Dr Jerome Demmer, BioStart CEO and Scientist. “Plants feed the microbes in the soil by secreting exudates via the roots. These exudates, which change according to the nutrients the plant requires, feed the specific microbes that provide that nutrient.”

BioStart’s biostimulant programme helps crops like trees, vegetables, kiwifruit, and grapes make the most of the helpful microbes in the soil. The programme utilises:

• Mycorrcin: A soil foliar biostimulant that activates microbes, helping plants grow stronger roots that can find more nutrients and water while improving soil structure.
• Foliacin: A foliar biostimulant that helps plants stay healthy by boosting photosynthesis, which leads to more sugar being released into the soil to feed microbes.
• Digester: A soil biostimulant that encourages microbes to break down old plant matter, preparing the soil for the next season and reducing competition for nitrogen and sulphur in spring when plants begin their new season’s growth.

Jerome notes, “Grower trials in Pukekohe and Ohakune show vegetables grow larger root systems, promoting faster crop establishment, sturdier plants and higher yields. Also, the quality of produce is improved, with fewer rejects and longer storage. In adverse conditions such as frost or heat stress, survival and recovery rates have shown significant improvement."

Talk with your Fruitfed Supplies Representative about the BioStart biostimulant programme for greater crop health and yield.

Header Image: A commercial apple orchard trial¹ in Hawke’s Bay showed an improvement in tree structure with 44 percent increase in trunk diameter, 24 percent increase in height and 12 percent improvement in yield. BioStart treatments (L) and untreated (R).

¹ 2018-2022 Hawke’s Bay commercial orchard establishment trial.