Understanding the Crop and Soil

A key lesson learnt from experience is the importance of understanding both the crop and the medium it’s anchored in. This knowledge can unlock the full potential of the combination. Fixed recipes for a given crop won’t necessarily yield the same success elsewhere, as the specific soil, location, and crop interact in complex ways. Historically, researchers referred to this combination as a soil-crop ecotope, highlighting the need to avoid one-size-fits-all approaches.

Involving a Kynoch Agriculturalist and Agent

To ensure the best possible outcomes, it’s advisable for producers to involve a Kynoch agriculturalist and agent in their planning and decision-making process. These experts can provide valuable insights and guidance on the most effective fertilisers, soil conditioners, and growth stimulants for each specific crop and soil combination. Various baskets or groups of plant nutrients, bio-stimulants, and even soil conditioners can enhance any crop production system.

Liquid Fertilisers and Hydroponic Systems

Kynoch offers a range of high-quality clear liquid fertilisers, which can be used in conjunction with dry fertiliser options. Liquid alternatives are available for most dry fertiliser options, and specialised crops can be fertigated or fed through hydroponic systems. Nutritional feed for these crops requires specialised knowledge about soil and water quality, as well as the specific types of macro-, secondary-, and micro-elements needed. Managing electrical conductivity and salt indexes in the water, fertiliser solution, and wetting zones in the soil is crucial for optimal growth.

Vegetable Production

Vegetables are typically planted in rows, with fertiliser banding during planting. An Ultra-fertiliser (micro-element coated) banded during planting ensures a complementary array of nutrients within immediate access of roots. KynoKelp seaweed extract can be used as a foliar after emergence (or transplanting) to benefit early root development and growth. After emergence, Veggie Oemff, together with KynoFulvate Yellow (an uptake enhancer) as a foliar, promotes healthy growth. KynoHumate Black can be used as a soil conditioner to benefit roots and nutrient uptake from the soil.

Unlocking Potential

In row crop production, a key insight for unlocking potential is Ultra technology for vegetables. Loads of micro-elements coated onto every fertiliser granule are present and available in the soil after banding and are highly plant absorbable. Ultra can be made for planting blends with KynoPlus stabilised urea. Various Oemff products are available for foliar toppings, in association with KynoKelp seaweed extract and KynoFulvate Yellow. Sulphur-containing KynoPlus top- or side-dressing blends, with or without potassium, are available.

Permanent Crops

Permanent crops like vines, stone and pome fruit, citrus, nuts, avocado, litchi, banana, and dates are grown in South Africa. Each one can be seen as a speciality, requiring specific nutrients and care. In the basket for this group, there are multiple excellent options (dry granule, water-soluble, and liquids). For macadamia, for instance, a KynoMac range of products is available to provide specific nutrients.

Conclusion

Getting ready for a new season requires careful planning and consideration of the unique needs of each crop and soil combination. By involving a Kynoch agriculturalist and agent, and utilising the right fertilisers, soil conditioners, and growth stimulants, producers can unlock the full potential of their crops and achieve optimal growth and yields.

Compiled by Chris Schmidt on 082 885 8134, or email chris.schmidt@kynoch.co.za, and Chris Burbidge on 083 702 0760 or email chris.burbidge@kynoch.co.za.

– KynoKelp® M314 (Act 36 of 1947)
– KynoFulvate Yellow® M261 (Act 36 of 1947)
– KynoHumate Black® M350 (Act 36 of 1947)
– KynoPlus® K8024 (Act 36 of 1947)
– KynoMac® 6:0:10 (30) K11218 (Act 36 of 1947)

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The post Getting Ready for a New Season: Unlocking Crop Potential first appeared on Kynoch Fertilizer.

Following centuries of practical farming and agricultural research, we have amassed a wealth of knowledge regarding the nutritional requirements for sustainable, healthy plant growth. For example, we are now aware of the many advantages of applying commercial fertilizers with a well-balanced nutrient content rather than depending on the random composition of compost and animal manure. However, we sometimes forget that soil composition is frequently just as inconsistent. In practice, an accurate soil analysis should be the starting point when attempting to optimise plant nutrition.

What Your Plant Needs

The requirements for photosynthesis extend far beyond water, carbon dioxide and sunlight. For example, green plants require nitrogen and magnesium to synthesise chlorophyll. These crucial nutrients can become exhausted by a crop or leached away by heavy rainfall. Consequently, these elements will need to be replaced before the next planting. But how much of each will be required? Too much nitrogen can cause iron deficiency characterised by a yellowing of the leaves. It can also leave plants more susceptible to fungal and bacterial diseases. Performing a soil analysis before you select your fertilizer will eliminate these and other adverse effects due to nutrient deficiency or excess.

How a Soil Analysis is Conducted

The first step in this two-step process is sampling. The sample you submit for testing is small compared with the area of your field, so it needs to be as representative as possible. In practice, you need to collect multiple samples from randomly-chosen locations. You will then need to air-dry them for two or three days or keep them refrigerated before delivering them to the laboratory. Once there, a technician will perform the necessary tests. Those conducted during a soil analysis may vary between labs but typically include texture, electrical conductivity as a measure of salinity, pH plus nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium concentration. In addition, calcium, magnesium, sodium and sulphur levels are customarily measured. Secondary studies such as the cation exchange capacity of the metallic elements can indicate the soil’s ability to retain nutrients. Armed with the details of your soil’s composition, you can now determine the necessary steps to create a balanced nutrient environment suitable for your proposed crop.

Despite its undeniable value, conducting a soil analysis is a time-consuming and exacting process. Furthermore, interpreting the results to compile a suitably balanced fertilizer requires an in-depth knowledge of plant nutrition. Consequently, many busy farmers prefer to outsource the entire process to an expert.

Kynoch is a leader in the field of plant nutrition management. We can compile a customised programme to cover each phase of plant growth and the related nutrient requirements ensuring healthy crops and maximum yields. Please click here to learn more about our farm visits and comprehensive soil analysis service.

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