Research and Development
Where profitability, nutrition, health and yield meet
Research proves that the proper health and function of soils and plant physiology improves nutrient uptake and utilisation, supporting and enhancing plant and animal growth - and ultimately our health. Having a sound nutritional and bio-stimulant programme leads to improved nutrient density, reduced input costs and ensures better on-farm productivity.
Smart biological management can alter the nutritional quality and palatability of pasture species, row and fruit crops. Insect and disease pressures are directly and indirectly related to soil health and nutrition. Our innovative solutions to soil and plant care achieve quality and yield without compromise to the environment and help to exceed regulatory.
Trials
Seaweed-based nutrition
- Fruit quality and yield response with NZBioActive inclusion
Results:
- Lower starch index
- Higher pressure resistance
- Increase dry matter
Non-irrigated conventionally grown wheat with the addition of 2 applications of NZBioActive shows increases in yield response and thousand seed weight (TSW) as well as reduced screenings
Results:
- 16% increase in yield response
- 11% increase in TSW
- 54% reduction in screenings
Comparable dry matter performance of several seaweed extracts used in post-emergence tank-mix with RoundUp
Hold onto more N, naturally
50% reduction in N-fertiliser use (CAN) with NZBioAmino inclusion
Results:
- 30% increase in early fruit yield
- Increased berry sweetness and firmness
- Significant reduction in nitrate leaching (> 60%)
- Maintain overall yield response
- Premium returns for more early fruit sales
50% reduction in N-fertiliser use (CN) with NZBioAmino inclusion
Results:
- 50% increase in large lettuce production
- Reduction in cull counts/waste
- 39-65% reduction in nitrate leaching (lysimeter)
- Increased returns ($/ha) as a result of less waste and more saleable large lettuces
Varying rates of NZBioAmino applied to evaluate effectiveness on flowering and production
Results:
- Increased yield
- Increased flowering
- Early fruit ripening
- Improved growth & heath response
High-value fruit protection
Reduction of late harvest grape splitting
Results:
- 55% split reduction on Sauvignon Blanc grapes
- As a side effect of split reductions this trial also showed significant impact on botrytis infection
Mitigation of rain splitting in cherries
Result:
Reduced incidence of fruit splitting when evaluated using the “Cracking Index” methodology
Fruit split preventative evaluation on cherries
Results:
- Over 60% reduction in fruit splitting
- Improved tree health (less damage from rain events)
- Improved quality of saleable sound fruit