Saturday, February 6, 2010
GROWERS, FARMERS, NURSERY OPERATORS AND GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENTS- ARE YOU READY FOR EPA IMPOSED FERTILIZER RESTRICTIONS?
In November 2009 a federal judge approved a decree mandating that the EPA set fertilizer limits to protect Florida waters from harmful algae bloom. This month, a number of EPA sponsored public hearings are scheduled in a number of cities throughout the state of Florida. Restrictions on fertilizer use and costly containment of runoff water may pose huge economic costs to farming operations in Florida. And in fact may jeopardize the survival of many of them.But Florida may be just the beginning of a nation wide curb on fertilizer use. For example, many environmental groups have been clamoring about agricultural runoffs from Midwest states finding their way to the Mississippi and causing a growing dead zone, void of all fish, in the Gulf of Mexico. Homeowners will not be exempted either. In fact some counties in Florida already have tough restriction on fertilizer use on private lawns during summer months.
So how can a grower or homeowner maintain yield or a healthy lawn with less fertilizer?
The solution is simple, cost effective and proven: Quantum Growth beneficial bacteria. Growers who currently use Quantum Growth report a 50% to 70% reduction in nitrogen fertilizer use without any negative impact on yield. Better yet, they are able to greatly reduce fungicide applications, saving themselves even more money.Quantum Growth, (formally Inoculaid), is a consortium of numerous beneficial bacteria, each with unique attributes. Some strains transform atmospheric nitrogen in NH4+, which the plant can uptake. Others help in the transport of macro and micronutrients to the root zone. Some destroy harmful pathogen in the soil and leaves, including fungi. Others help maintain soil moisture. Quantum Growth offers another huge advantage over other competing products in that it is a living culture, which immediately goes to work in the soil; and yet has a stable shelf life of several years. Most similar products have dormant cultures in order to provide a shelf life; meaning that to activate the bacterial strains requires a perfect environment over an incubating period of days or weeks. Biologists have long known that beneficial bacteria suppress plant diseases, transport nutrients, aerate the soil, decompose and make available organic nutrients to the plant and fixate atmospheric nitrogen. Quantum Growth is the culmination of more than 30 years of such research. The key was to develop living cultures, (naturally found in the soil), with unique and synergistic benefits which could coexist together. And that was the breakthrough.
Quantum comes in five versions depending on the application. For example, Quantum VSC offers additional strains to rapidly breakdown thatch and is ideal for turf. Quantum HSC is loaded with humates and other nutrients to allow the bacterial colonies to expand in depleted or low organic soils.
To learn more about a new, smarter and environmentally friendly way to grow fruits, vegetables or turf, log on to www.smartfarmingsolutions.com
So how can a grower or homeowner maintain yield or a healthy lawn with less fertilizer?
The solution is simple, cost effective and proven: Quantum Growth beneficial bacteria. Growers who currently use Quantum Growth report a 50% to 70% reduction in nitrogen fertilizer use without any negative impact on yield. Better yet, they are able to greatly reduce fungicide applications, saving themselves even more money.Quantum Growth, (formally Inoculaid), is a consortium of numerous beneficial bacteria, each with unique attributes. Some strains transform atmospheric nitrogen in NH4+, which the plant can uptake. Others help in the transport of macro and micronutrients to the root zone. Some destroy harmful pathogen in the soil and leaves, including fungi. Others help maintain soil moisture. Quantum Growth offers another huge advantage over other competing products in that it is a living culture, which immediately goes to work in the soil; and yet has a stable shelf life of several years. Most similar products have dormant cultures in order to provide a shelf life; meaning that to activate the bacterial strains requires a perfect environment over an incubating period of days or weeks. Biologists have long known that beneficial bacteria suppress plant diseases, transport nutrients, aerate the soil, decompose and make available organic nutrients to the plant and fixate atmospheric nitrogen. Quantum Growth is the culmination of more than 30 years of such research. The key was to develop living cultures, (naturally found in the soil), with unique and synergistic benefits which could coexist together. And that was the breakthrough.
Quantum comes in five versions depending on the application. For example, Quantum VSC offers additional strains to rapidly breakdown thatch and is ideal for turf. Quantum HSC is loaded with humates and other nutrients to allow the bacterial colonies to expand in depleted or low organic soils.
To learn more about a new, smarter and environmentally friendly way to grow fruits, vegetables or turf, log on to www.smartfarmingsolutions.com
Labels: benefical bacteria, epa, fertilizer restrictions, Inoculaid, Quantum Growth, reduce fertilizer
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
INCREASE PLANT YIELD WITH BENEFICIAL BACTERIA IN HYDROPONICS SYSTEMS
One of the advantages of growing plants in a hydroponics environment is improved disease management. One of the reasons for this benefit is that the soil mediums available on the market are often sterile or contain very little beneficial bacteria. Unfortunately, yield may greatly suffer.
It is very well established soil science that beneficial soil bacteria provide a number of symbiotic benefits to plants including:· Nitrogen fixation· Disease suppression· Transport of nutrients to root zone· Soil aeration· Soil moisture retention· Decomposition of organic matter thereby making macro and micronutrients available to plants.
In a sterile soil environment these benefits do not exist or are greatly diminished. In an effort to maintain yield, a grower will normally add more fertilizer; which in turn raises salts, thereby further killing the few colonies of bacteria in the soil medium.
There is a better alternative: it is called Quantum Growth (Inoculaid), a new blend of living beneficial microorganism specifically compounded to provide all the features mentioned above. As a result, growers who use Quantum Growth tell us that they have cut nitrogen fertilizer applications by as much as 70% without any effect on yield. Other growers report significantly higher nutrient uptake, (reflected in tissue sample laboratory analysis). Our growers also say that since they have introduced Quantum Growth in they nurseries, incidence of fungal and bacterial diseases have virtually disappeared.Quantum Growth is composed of more than 30 strains of living beneficial bacteria. Meaning that the bacteria are active (not spores) and immediately provide benefits; unlike other competitors, whose products often contain growth inhibitors and whose bacteria are inactive until immersed in a perfect growth medium.
Quantum growth also has a shelf life of several years when sealed properly. This is important for the small grower who may not use the gallon container all at once. If you desire healthy, disease resistant plants and higher yields, consider Quantum Growth beneficial microorganism. You will be a covert in no time.
For more information, log on to http://www.smartfarmingsolutions.com/
It is very well established soil science that beneficial soil bacteria provide a number of symbiotic benefits to plants including:· Nitrogen fixation· Disease suppression· Transport of nutrients to root zone· Soil aeration· Soil moisture retention· Decomposition of organic matter thereby making macro and micronutrients available to plants.
In a sterile soil environment these benefits do not exist or are greatly diminished. In an effort to maintain yield, a grower will normally add more fertilizer; which in turn raises salts, thereby further killing the few colonies of bacteria in the soil medium.
There is a better alternative: it is called Quantum Growth (Inoculaid), a new blend of living beneficial microorganism specifically compounded to provide all the features mentioned above. As a result, growers who use Quantum Growth tell us that they have cut nitrogen fertilizer applications by as much as 70% without any effect on yield. Other growers report significantly higher nutrient uptake, (reflected in tissue sample laboratory analysis). Our growers also say that since they have introduced Quantum Growth in they nurseries, incidence of fungal and bacterial diseases have virtually disappeared.Quantum Growth is composed of more than 30 strains of living beneficial bacteria. Meaning that the bacteria are active (not spores) and immediately provide benefits; unlike other competitors, whose products often contain growth inhibitors and whose bacteria are inactive until immersed in a perfect growth medium.
Quantum growth also has a shelf life of several years when sealed properly. This is important for the small grower who may not use the gallon container all at once. If you desire healthy, disease resistant plants and higher yields, consider Quantum Growth beneficial microorganism. You will be a covert in no time.
For more information, log on to http://www.smartfarmingsolutions.com/
Labels: beneficial bacteria, reduce fertilizer, soil aeration, soil remediation, yield
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
INOCULAID IS NOW CALLED QUANTUM GROWTH
Applied and Experimental Biology, the manufacturer of Inoculaid has formerly changed its beneficial bacteria brand name to Quantum Growth.
Quantum Growth is a unique blend of naturally occurring soil bacteria which help increase yield and reduce fertilizer inputs by as much as 50%. These bacteria are capable of transforming nitrogen in the air to ammonia, which the plant can readily absorb.
In addition, farmers using Quantum Growth report a decrease in incidence of fungicide and nematode pressures. Another benefit of Quantum growth is the production of water, which maintains soil moisture essential to mass flow of nutrients to root zones. The beneficial bacteria work particularly well in the early stages of plant growth when the plant’s need for nitrogen is at its peak.
Quantum Growth is also extensively used to rehabilitate golf courses and homeowner’s lawns which have been damaged by over fertilization and pests.
For more information on Quantum growth, log on to http://www.smartfarmingsolutions.com/
Quantum Growth is a unique blend of naturally occurring soil bacteria which help increase yield and reduce fertilizer inputs by as much as 50%. These bacteria are capable of transforming nitrogen in the air to ammonia, which the plant can readily absorb.
In addition, farmers using Quantum Growth report a decrease in incidence of fungicide and nematode pressures. Another benefit of Quantum growth is the production of water, which maintains soil moisture essential to mass flow of nutrients to root zones. The beneficial bacteria work particularly well in the early stages of plant growth when the plant’s need for nitrogen is at its peak.
Quantum Growth is also extensively used to rehabilitate golf courses and homeowner’s lawns which have been damaged by over fertilization and pests.
For more information on Quantum growth, log on to http://www.smartfarmingsolutions.com/
Labels: beneficial bacteria, Inoculaid, Quantum Growth, reduce fertilizer
Friday, August 28, 2009
REDUCE LAWN WATERING BY 50% OR MORE WITH HYDRETAIN
That’s correct, you can cut back lawn watering by 50% to 70% by using Hydretain. Hydretain is a liquid humectant, which captures moisture from the air and ground and provides a protective moist shield around roots. In addition, it prevents leaching and evaporation of water.As a result, your turf is able to better absorb nutrients and is not subjected to daily heat stress. Hydretain is used extensively on golf courses to save them money on costly irrigation water. It is also used in agriculture and in nurseries to ensure plant growth.
Unlike polymer beads or starch water absorbers that must be mixed in the soil, Hydretain is easily applied with a hose-end sprayer. In addition, it contains many organic products which aerate the soil. For the home use, we recommend Hydretain ES Plus with powerful surfactants to ensure penetration deep in the root zone.
If you live in a community with tough watering restrictions making it difficult to maintain a beautiful lawn, consider Hydretain. Oh, yes! Tell a friend or neighbor. They will appreciate your concern about their lawn. I use it and it really works.
For more information log on to www.smartfarmingsolutions.com
Unlike polymer beads or starch water absorbers that must be mixed in the soil, Hydretain is easily applied with a hose-end sprayer. In addition, it contains many organic products which aerate the soil. For the home use, we recommend Hydretain ES Plus with powerful surfactants to ensure penetration deep in the root zone.
If you live in a community with tough watering restrictions making it difficult to maintain a beautiful lawn, consider Hydretain. Oh, yes! Tell a friend or neighbor. They will appreciate your concern about their lawn. I use it and it really works.
For more information log on to www.smartfarmingsolutions.com
Labels: reduce lawn watering, reduce watering, soil moisture, water restriction, water use
Friday, August 14, 2009
REJUVINATE YOUR LAWN WITH INOCULAID BENEFICIAL SOIL BACTERIA
Are you having problems maintaining a healthy lawn? Are bugs and fungus continuously attacking your lawn; and it doesn’t matter what you treat it with, nothing seems to work?
Sometimes over fertilizing and over applying pesticides can increase salt build up in the soil and kill beneficial microbes essential to nutrient transport and nitrogen fixation. In other words, your soil maybe sterile, and your turf weak and subject to constant pest onslaught.
One of the solutions is to apply Inoculaid, a new cocktail of beneficial bacteria, which performs several functions:
· Turns nitrogen in the air to ammonia, which the plant can uptake, thereby reducing fertilizer use by as much as 50%.
· Increases soil moisture, buffering heat and cold stress.
· Attacks fungi and nematodes, thereby decreasing the need to apply synthetic insecticides and fungicides.
· Increases transport of nutrients to the roots.
Inoculaid is also different from previous brands of beneficial soil bacteria in its long shelf life. Un-opened, Inoculaid has a shelf life of several years. After the bottle is open, if tightly closed and placed in a cool dark closet, it will last up to 90 days, (more than enough times for several applications).
Inoculaid beneficial bacteria are also ideal for garden plants, particularly in the early stages of growth when the plants consume a proportionally greater amount of nitrogen by weight.
Many vegetable growers currently use Inoculaid precisely because they can reduce nitrogen fertilizer applications. In other words, it saves them money and increases their yields.
To learn more about Inoculaid log on to http://www.smartfarmingsolutions.com/. Oh! Do watch the great video, which will show you how it works through the lens of a microscope.
Sometimes over fertilizing and over applying pesticides can increase salt build up in the soil and kill beneficial microbes essential to nutrient transport and nitrogen fixation. In other words, your soil maybe sterile, and your turf weak and subject to constant pest onslaught.
One of the solutions is to apply Inoculaid, a new cocktail of beneficial bacteria, which performs several functions:
· Turns nitrogen in the air to ammonia, which the plant can uptake, thereby reducing fertilizer use by as much as 50%.
· Increases soil moisture, buffering heat and cold stress.
· Attacks fungi and nematodes, thereby decreasing the need to apply synthetic insecticides and fungicides.
· Increases transport of nutrients to the roots.
Inoculaid is also different from previous brands of beneficial soil bacteria in its long shelf life. Un-opened, Inoculaid has a shelf life of several years. After the bottle is open, if tightly closed and placed in a cool dark closet, it will last up to 90 days, (more than enough times for several applications).
Inoculaid beneficial bacteria are also ideal for garden plants, particularly in the early stages of growth when the plants consume a proportionally greater amount of nitrogen by weight.
Many vegetable growers currently use Inoculaid precisely because they can reduce nitrogen fertilizer applications. In other words, it saves them money and increases their yields.
To learn more about Inoculaid log on to http://www.smartfarmingsolutions.com/. Oh! Do watch the great video, which will show you how it works through the lens of a microscope.
Labels: beneficial bacteria, fertilizer, Inoculaid, reduce fertilizer, soil moisture
Sunday, July 19, 2009
HOW TO SHOP FOR FERTILIZERS
If you look at a bag of fertilizer, you will see labels with headings such as: 10-10-10; 16-8-8; 6-0-6. What this means is the percent concentration of nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P) and potassium (K) in that order. A bag of 10-10-10 has 10% nitrogen, 10% phosphorous and 10% potassium; the rest is filler such as lime rock, sand or sludge. Every nutrient adds to cost. For example a 50 lbs bag of 16-0-8 should cost less than a 16-8-8 because it does not have any phosphorous. To complicate matters, every manufacturer uses a slightly different composition from others and has a different coverage rate. Nitrogen is the most expensive component, so one way to compare apples with apples is to take similar compositions and compute the cost of nitrogen per pound. Example: You are looking at two 50 lbs bags of fertilizer. One is a 16-4-8 for $26.97 the other is a 20-5-11 for $29.99. In the first case multiply 0.16 (16%) nitrogen by 50 lbs = 8lbs of nitrogen. Divide $26.97 by 8 = $3.37 per pound of nitrogen. In the second case: $29.99/ (0.20x50) = $2.99 per pound of nitrogen. This means you are getting more bang for the buck with the second bag. Now divide your cost for nitrogen by the advertised coverage rate and you get your cost per square foot.
Liquid fertilizers are absorbed by the plants through leaves 10 times more efficiently than through roots. As a result, much less liquid fertilizer is needed to compensate for a deficiency. When comparing prices of fertilizers between liquid and dry, once again consider the coverage per pound of nitrogen, phosphate or potassium (based on which ever has the greatest concentration).
Slow release fertilizers are more desirable than dry or liquid fast release fertilizers. However, their costs are significantly higher. The choice depends on your time. Fast release fertilizers are most effective when applied in small quantities frequently.
Also consider the ingredients. For example, plants can absorb nitrogen in ammonium or nitrate form. However, the use of only one form can be detrimental to plant growth. So an ammonium nitrate combination is more desirable. Better yet, a calcium nitrate, potassium nitrate, ammonium phosphate and ammonium sulfate combination provide the essential macronutrients. Stay away from any muriate of potash, (potassium chloride), due to the potential salt damage from the chloride.
Finally, if buying dry fertilizers, strive for organic inert material. If you buy a 10-10-10, 70% of the bag is inert material such as sand, gypsum, lime rock or organic waste. Unless you are growing vegetables, which may come in contact with the soil, strive for organic inert fillers.
Remember that cheap fertilizers can cause more harm than good. In the end, you get what you pay for.
Liquid fertilizers are absorbed by the plants through leaves 10 times more efficiently than through roots. As a result, much less liquid fertilizer is needed to compensate for a deficiency. When comparing prices of fertilizers between liquid and dry, once again consider the coverage per pound of nitrogen, phosphate or potassium (based on which ever has the greatest concentration).
Slow release fertilizers are more desirable than dry or liquid fast release fertilizers. However, their costs are significantly higher. The choice depends on your time. Fast release fertilizers are most effective when applied in small quantities frequently.
Also consider the ingredients. For example, plants can absorb nitrogen in ammonium or nitrate form. However, the use of only one form can be detrimental to plant growth. So an ammonium nitrate combination is more desirable. Better yet, a calcium nitrate, potassium nitrate, ammonium phosphate and ammonium sulfate combination provide the essential macronutrients. Stay away from any muriate of potash, (potassium chloride), due to the potential salt damage from the chloride.
Finally, if buying dry fertilizers, strive for organic inert material. If you buy a 10-10-10, 70% of the bag is inert material such as sand, gypsum, lime rock or organic waste. Unless you are growing vegetables, which may come in contact with the soil, strive for organic inert fillers.
Remember that cheap fertilizers can cause more harm than good. In the end, you get what you pay for.
Labels: 10-10-10, fertilizer, liquid fertilizer, npk, slow release fertilizer
Sunday, July 12, 2009
CHOOSING THE RIGHT POTTING SOIL FOR OPTIMUM PLANT GROWTH
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Plant growth can vary significantly depending the soil composition. This is perfectly illustrated with the basil plants in the picture. The two pots to the left have muck soil, rich in organic matter. The two pots to the right are filled with sand. The pots were seeded at the same time. As you can see, the growth rate difference is nothing short of remarkable.
Organic rich soils, those containing humus, are the best soils to grow most plants. They retain both moisture and nutrients. Humus particles are both positively and negatively charged. As a result, positively charged ions such as calcium, magnesium and potassium, as well as negatively charged nitrates and phosphates bind to their surface. Water is also held to the surface of the humus colloids. This physical property of humus prevents leaching of nutrients and retards water evaporation. Humus soils are also rich in microbial life, essential for the transport of nutrients to the root zone, and nitrogen fixation.
Sandy soils on the other hand have no physical means of retaining water, nutrients or bacteria. Nutrients are rapidly leached with rain; and the soil also rapidly looses moisture. Nevertheless, some plants (such as cucumbers and tomatoes) thrive in this environment as long as moisture and fertilizers are available.
I find that most potting soils on the market are too light of a mix to grow garden vegetable without constant watering. This can be remedied using Hydretain. Hydretain is a remarkable liquid humectant, which retains moisture at the root zone and limits moisture evaporation. Unlike polymer beads that must be incorporated in the soil at time of planting, it can be sprayed on the lawn or pot at any time. Hydretain is a huge hit with golf course superintendents because they can cut their water use by 50% to 70%, saving them tens of thousands of dollars in water cost every year.
Another solution is to make your own mix, specific to the plant you want to grow. For example, for tomatoes, I combine an equal mixture of potting soil, backyard sand and topsoil (muck). This gives me a good balance between drainage and nutrient retention. I also add Inoculaid at planting and every two weeks thereafter. Inoculaid is a newly available strain of beneficial bacteria, that create moisture in the soil and turns nitrogen in the atmosphere to ammonia that the plants uptake. As a result, I cut my fertilizer use in half. Another reason for using Inoculaid is that the beneficial bacteria attack harmful pathogens. I no longer use fungicides, even during our hot and wet summers.
So before buying any potting soil, first determine the plant’s needs in term of water and nutrients and also consider your climate. For example, if you live out west in a desert or semi desert conditions, a typical peat potting soil will fail to provide the necessary moisture. In such case, making your own mix may be more appropriate.
Organic rich soils, those containing humus, are the best soils to grow most plants. They retain both moisture and nutrients. Humus particles are both positively and negatively charged. As a result, positively charged ions such as calcium, magnesium and potassium, as well as negatively charged nitrates and phosphates bind to their surface. Water is also held to the surface of the humus colloids. This physical property of humus prevents leaching of nutrients and retards water evaporation. Humus soils are also rich in microbial life, essential for the transport of nutrients to the root zone, and nitrogen fixation.
Sandy soils on the other hand have no physical means of retaining water, nutrients or bacteria. Nutrients are rapidly leached with rain; and the soil also rapidly looses moisture. Nevertheless, some plants (such as cucumbers and tomatoes) thrive in this environment as long as moisture and fertilizers are available.
I find that most potting soils on the market are too light of a mix to grow garden vegetable without constant watering. This can be remedied using Hydretain. Hydretain is a remarkable liquid humectant, which retains moisture at the root zone and limits moisture evaporation. Unlike polymer beads that must be incorporated in the soil at time of planting, it can be sprayed on the lawn or pot at any time. Hydretain is a huge hit with golf course superintendents because they can cut their water use by 50% to 70%, saving them tens of thousands of dollars in water cost every year.
Another solution is to make your own mix, specific to the plant you want to grow. For example, for tomatoes, I combine an equal mixture of potting soil, backyard sand and topsoil (muck). This gives me a good balance between drainage and nutrient retention. I also add Inoculaid at planting and every two weeks thereafter. Inoculaid is a newly available strain of beneficial bacteria, that create moisture in the soil and turns nitrogen in the atmosphere to ammonia that the plants uptake. As a result, I cut my fertilizer use in half. Another reason for using Inoculaid is that the beneficial bacteria attack harmful pathogens. I no longer use fungicides, even during our hot and wet summers.
So before buying any potting soil, first determine the plant’s needs in term of water and nutrients and also consider your climate. For example, if you live out west in a desert or semi desert conditions, a typical peat potting soil will fail to provide the necessary moisture. In such case, making your own mix may be more appropriate.
Labels: beneficial soil bacteria, Hydretain, Inoculaid, potting soil, soil moisture
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