Dümmen Orange and Ekompany test efficiency of Ekote
Sjaak Geerlings, Operations Director Calla Tubers at Dümmen Orange, is very satisfied with the results. "You can see it as a kind of insurance for the crop because you are less dependent on the weather conditions," Geerlings says. Jo Grinding from Ekompany initiated the collaboration with Geerlings to investigate whether the fertilization of Calla could be further optimized. Geerlings: "Particularly a gradual, stress-free growth of the plant was the reason for me to work with Ekote".
How do controlled-release fertilizers work?
Jo Grinding: "Ekote fertilizers are provided with a thin organic coating. After application, the grain attracts moisture that passes through the coating. The dissolved nutrients are then released into the soil by osmosis and dissolution. Depending on the product, the nutrients are released in a period of two to eighteen months. The delivery period is predictable, no nutrients are lost due to leaching and there is no risk of scorching."
"In addition, the effective duration of Ekote is determined solely by the soil temperature and not by circumstances such as rainfall, irrigation, soil structure, pH value of the soil or bacterial influences. The higher the temperature, the faster the nutrients are released. When the temperature is lower, the release slows down and the operating time becomes longer. An important detail is that Ekote has no interaction with soil life in contrast to other slow-acting fertilizers. This makes it safe for soil life and can therefore be used as a complementary fertilizer. By blending coated components with uncoated components, very specific release profiles can be developed that meet the needs of the crop."
Design and application
In 2017, Dümmen Orange used two different Ekote variants, which were applied to two different plots. It was specifically an NPK fertilizer 20-06-10 + 8CaO + 3MgO and a NPK fertilizer 18-00-18 + 5CaO with iron and boron. Both variants have a release profile of three months and only the nitrogen is partially coated. This ensures a fast release and a controlled release (long working) part in the mix.
"Calla is susceptible to stress during growth caused by fluctuations in the availability of nutrients for the plant," according to Sjaak Geerlings. "Conventional fertilizers often flush quickly, so that the optimum amount of food is not available for the plant. On the other hand, it may also be the case that a fertilization peak occurs during longer dry periods, where too much is available. Controlled release of fertilizers prevent this problem because they are not susceptible to leaching due to the coating of the fertilizers. You give the plant a little bit of nutrition every day. This creates a stress-free growth, which I have clearly seen in the quality of the plant. "In addition, analysis of the bulbs shows an increase in dry matter, fibers and starch compared to previous fertilization methods. This benefits the storage life of the bulbs. Because we supply the whole year, the storage life of the bulbs must be excellent".
Complementary fertilization
Solid manure supplemented with compost is the basic fertilizer Geerlings uses. "Attention to the soil is important," says Geerlings. "However, not everything can be extracted from organic manure. This is why I see Ekote as complementary fertilization. Soil samples are taken and on this basis we determine which nutrients are still needed". Grinding adds: "Because the soil life is left alone, Ekote is not harmful. This is in contrast to slow-acting fertilizers, which in fact require soil life to create a delayed effect."
Insurance
Geerlings also sees the use of controlled-released fertilizers as a kind of insurance. "Extreme weather conditions create increasing risks for growers," he explains. "If you then use fertilizers that are less susceptible to leaching in wet periods and also continue feeding in long dry periods, you are less dependent on these conditions".
"In terms of pricing, this type of fertilizer is excellent," continues Geerlings. "They may be a bit more expensive per ton, but if you take all the costs into consideration, you'll be more profitable overall. For example, this can be expressed in less fertilizer needed, but also in increased plant quality. In addition, you run less risk. This is very valuable for sensitive crops such as Calla".
Future
Ekompany International and Dümmen Orange are currently working closely together to develop a specific composition for Calla. "Our knowledge of coatings enables us to develop very specific release profiles. By blending these coated fertilizers with uncoated products, fertilizers are created that are completely adjusted to the needs of the crop. "The crop is always the starting point", Sharpen concludes.
Source: Dümmen Orange