Specialities
The effective use of secondary and micronutrients and beneficial elements
During the last few years Omnia has also stepped into the exciting field where plant nutrition is combined with biostimulants and elicitors. This consequently promotes the uptake of nutrients, stimulates plant growth and increases the plant's disease resistance. A new micronutrient-containing foliar product which will soon be launched and which has been evaluated in the market-place, for instance caused a statistically significant, phenomenal 6 tonne yield increase on tomatoes against a standard programme and also brought about a 17% additional suppression of fungal infection.
Omnia developed a Plus Product range about four years ago. These chemically granulated products are rich in secondary nutrients and are also covered by a organic layer enriched by the total micronutrient range, which includes chelated micro-cations. These micro-nutrients are applied in a unique ratio and concentration according to crop and area requirements. Tabel 1 shows the research results achieved using Plus Products. There is a predominant chance of more than 300% and even up to 900% of getting a return on investment with the use of these products. The photo shows clearly the difference a Plus Product shows in a wheat field.
Crop | Area | Number of Localities | Year | Statistical probability of yield increase (%) | Average return on investment (%) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Wheat | Western Cape | 8 | 2008 | 96 | 600 |
Wheat | Western Cape | 7 | 2009 | 99 | 300 |
Wheat | Central | 4 | 2010 | 99 | 900 |
Maize | Central | 6 | 2009/10 | 96 | 400 |
Summary | 25 in total | 3 years | Minimum 96% | 300 to 900% |
Photo 2: The performance of Plus Products in the Western Cape
Dr J.J. Bornman, General Manager: Strategic Agricultural Services.