Wise product choices do two jobs at once

If you look at the challenges farmers face in protecting their crops, there are several solutions to most of them. Comparative trial results show the options have similar efficacy. That’s why you sometimes have to dig a little deeper to find the important advantages of one product or method over another.

From packaging that reduces waste and risks to human health to new molecules that can control target weeds or pests or diseases with much lower application rates, there are benefits that go beyond what any graphs show. Often the more innovative solution does double duty, solving the immediate issue plus protecting the long-term profitability of your crops. We all know the importance of introducing new chemistry to the rotation to help keep the older chemistry viable too. That helps keep the levels of control up and overall input costs down, because the cheaper options don’t get run into the ground and can be used for maintenance control once the more advanced products have done the heavy lifting. Another factor rapidly growing in importance is the superior marketability of ‘cleaner, greener’ produce. It has been a slow build over the decades but ‘eco-friendly’ positioning has now jumped into the mainstream. Both local consumers and our export markets are more insistent that produce come with minimal use of chemistry and a low environmental impact. New Zealand farmers are better placed than almost anyone to deliver on those expectations and there are plenty of industry partnerships working to reinforce our green credentials. BASF, for instance, has been a strong supporter for many years of Agrecovery, New Zealand’s solution for the safe disposal of unwanted agrichemicals and the recycling of empty containers, drums and IBCs. Now the company has introduced Eco-Packs for selected products that take the war on waste another step forward. The polyethylene containers have 25 percent less plastic than standard drums and are recyclable. They are also designed to reduce handling, prevent ‘glugging’ during pouring and eliminate the need for foil seals, all of which reduce the risk of spills and hazardous waste. So when barley growers are considering the best product to use against Ramularia, BASF’s Revystar ticks an extra box. As well as introducing an innovative DMI molecule that will control pathogens no longer susceptible to older DMIs, it reduces packaging waste by at least 25 percent. What next? Poncho VOTiVO seed treatment’s suppression of nematodes using beneficial bacteria points the way. Integrated pest management already uses ‘softer’ chemistry to complement the introduction of beneficial species. BASF and other companies are developing more and more biological solutions that can replace chemicals for part of the rotation for both pest and disease control. As you put together your crop protection programmes for next season, why not consider the environmental dimension as well?

| Insistence is growing that produce come with minimal use of chemistry and a low environmental impact.

For further information, contact your Farmlands Technical Field Officer or the friendly team at your local Farmlands store.

Article supplied by BASF

Time to get busy in the garden

Whether you have a dedicated vegetable patch or make the most of a small space with pots and containers, the time is right to prepare your soil, sow seeds and plant seedlings.

Before you plant your chosen spring crops, it's important to ensure your soil is in the right condition so your plants get off to the best possible start. If you are starting with an existing garden bed, dig in organic matter like Tui Compost to your soil. This essential garden ingredient will replenish your soil with nutrients used during the growing season as well as help break up heavy or clay soil; improve drainage in compacted soil; and increase waterholding capacity in sandy soil. It’s also great for increasing microbial activity and encouraging earthworms – your garden’s best friend! Once you’ve dug in compost, add a layer of Tui Vegetable Mix and a starter fertiliser to provide instant nutrients. Tui Vegetable Mix is a high-quality naturalbased planting mix formulated with sheep pellets to condition your soil and encourage earthworm activity. It will give your garden the best possible start and sustain growth throughout the season. When your soil is prepared, plant spring favourites including lettuce, capsicum, tomatoes, parsley, courgette and cucumber; or for cooler regions carrots, broccoli, herbs, spring onions, beetroot, broad beans, leeks and silver beet. If you’re not sure what to plant, check out what is available at your local garden centre as that should reflect what is suitable to plant in your area. If you’re a first-time gardener you may find it easier to grow from seedlings rather than seed, although seeds can be a more economical option. If you’re sowing vegetables from seed, you’ll need to plan ahead to make sure they’re ready to plant when you want them. Generally speaking, the best times to plant are early in the morning or late in the day, so your plants aren’t exposed to the hot sun straight away. It’s important to remember to water your plants well before and after planting to help them get settled in their new patch. Before planting, soak seedlings in a bucket of Seasol to prevent transplant shock, stimulate strong root growth and help plants cope with heat, drought or frost. It can also be used throughout the season to promote flowering, fruiting and a healthy garden all round. As plants grow, they use up nutrients from the soil, so replenishing those nutrients ensures your plants will grow to their full potential. Vegetables can be particularly hungry crops, so feeding them every 4 weeks during the growing season will help ensure you maximise your crops.

Visit your local Farmlands store to shop the range of Tui Products.

Happy spring gardening!