Eventually it's the yield that counts.

WHAT IS AGROBLEN® ?

Agroblen is specially designed as a base fertiliser for soil grown crops such as vegetables and fruit. Agroblen consists of NPK granules, coated with a permeable layer.

Scotts use two patented technologies for Agroblen: the resin coated technology and the Poly-S technology. Together these technologies give the best results in soil grown crops. The unique nutrient delivery system of Agroblen delivers its nutrients directly to the plant's root system.

Agroblen also supplies Magnesium promoting good leaf colour and Calcium availability.

HOW DOES AGROBLEN® WORK?

After application, water vapour penetrates the coating and dissolves the nutrient elements inside. The elements are gradually released into the soil. In this way, there is, every day, the right portion of nutrition available for your crop, whether it is raining or not.

The coating of the granules determines the longevity and controls the daily nutrient release. The longevity can be chosen according to the length of the crop season. For longer crops, for instance strawberries and tree planting, an 8-9 months product is most suitable; for shorter crops such as potato or cut flowers, the 5-6 month Agroblen is suited.

WHY USE AGROBLEN®?

Limitations of Fertigation
Using water-soluble fertilisers (WSF) is a practical system. Adaption to the need of the crop is an advantage of fertigation. Yet, there are some disadvantages when feeding with only water-soluble fertilisers:

• Fertigation requires overfeeding to meet crop demand = risk of high leachates and soil salt levels.
• Feeding in peaks and troughs not matching the crops continuous feed demand.
• Irrigation and feeding not separate = problems at crop start and during extended rain periods.

Advantages of Using Agroblen®
When using Agroblen as a base feeder, you have the better of two systems: Agroblen is a buffer of NPK in the soil. This means that daily there are nutrients available for your plants.

• Continuous controlled release of nutrients results in efficient nutrient uptake = less total fertiliser use and reduced leaching.
• Low soil salt levels = safe for (young) roots.
• A balanced, continuous feed results in optimal plant growth.
• Watering and fertilising are separated = Agroblen feeds during rain periods.
• Fine-tuning with water solubles is possible.

THE CLEAN BENEFITS OF CONTROLLED RELEASE FERTILISERS

• Increased yields of cut flowers with heavier stems and 90% less Nitrate pollution with Agroblen®.
• Comparable yields of healthier vegetables and 65% less Nitrate pollution with Agroblen®.
• Higher yields of quality strawberries and 75% fertiliser reduction with Agroblen®.

HOW SHOULD YOU APPLY AGROBLEN® ?
Basic rules:

• Work Agroblen in the soil at minimum 5cm and maximum 10cm depth.
• Close to the plant but not closer than 5cm.
• Never directly under the plant!
• Irrigation after planting improves product and plant performance.

A. Row fertilisation
Unless otherwise recommended, Agroblen should be applied in the row, at depth of 5c, and about 5cm from the plant.

B. Broadcasting
When broadcasting Agroblen, you have to consider three things:

• Do not use a spreader that damages the coating. Almost all pendular and rotary spreaders are suitable. Never use pneumatic application machinery.
• Work Agroblen in the soil after broadcasting. Use a cultivator. Almost all low speed cultivators are suitable.
• When surface broadcasting, increase the dosage recommended for row application by 25%.

Please note following points:
1. Rates are based on low application rates of organic material. In case more than 10-15 tonnes per ha organic material is applied; the rate can be decreased. In case you choose the lower rate, you need additional water soluble fertilisers and vice versa.
2. Exact rates can be determined when a soil sample has been taken.

FRUIT & NUT TREES

Apples & Pears 100gm
Peach & Apricot 80gm
Cherry 50gm
Mango & Avocado 100gm
Olives & Nuts 80gm

SOFT FRUITS

Banana, Paw Paw
Planting 100gm
Annually 150gm
Cane & Bush Berries 30-50gm

FORESTRY

Eucalyptus, Acacia 20-30gm
Pinus sp. 10-30gm
Douglas Fir 10-20gm

© Steve Cselka 2002 - 2010