Bulletin issue 11

GREENFEED

BULLETIN ISSUE 11

GREENFEED速 BANANA PLUS SLOW RELEASE FERTILIZER

FOR COMMERCIAL BANANA PLANTING WITHIN NORTHERN JOHOR, SOUTHERN EASTERN JOHOR, AND SARAWAK

contents, 2015

As the pioneer in Slow Release Fertilizer within the Southeast Asia Region, Greenfeed Group have relentlessly continues to provide significant improvements into the agricultural industry whether locally or globally. Each of this effort signifies the objectives of Greenfeed Groups through Greenfeed Slow Release Fertilizer; which is to foster the current practices within this industry such as oil palms towards the advanced precise sustainable agricultural practices. Such as the previous volumes, this series of bulletin will continue to be the channel of education and knowledge sharing to the public in order to increase their awareness in relating topic on the advantages of

Features

Greenfeed Slow Release Fertilizer. Thus, within each volume of Greenfeed Bulletin, studies carried out and updated can be seen published for reference to the reader as to what is slow release

3

Greenfeed® Banana Plus Slow Release Fertilizer for Commercial Planting within Northen Johor, Southern Eastern Johor, and Sarawak

fertilizer and the benefits that can obtain through this Modern High Efficient Fertilizers.

As such, these Greenfeed Bulletins will be sent to respective clients with the aim to keep them updated with the current progress of

Editor-in-chief Muhammad Asyraf Abdul Aziz

Greenfeed Slow Release Fertilizer and also distributed to the public as necessary

Technical Research and Development

Editor Shahirulikram Shaharuddin Strategy and Marketing

Grasping the torch to bring changes into auspicious industry, Greenfeed Groups continues to provide a platform for knowledge sharing between the company and respective clients as well the public. This Greenfeed Bulletin is part of the effort to share and clarify the noteworthy advantages of Greenfeed Slow Release Fertilizer.

Malaysian establishes Greenfeed Groups in Malaysia,, for Malaysian and soaring onto the global scale with achievements that will make Malaysia proud. Guided and motivated by the principle of “Passion with Innovation”/ this Greenfeed Bulletin will be achieved by this Malaysian company. Striving towards excellence will be experienced for betterment of the future

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be used or reproduced in any form or by any means, including but not limited to electronic or mechanical photocopying, recording or by any information storage or retrieval system or otherwise, without prior agreement and written permission from the publisher.

Disclaimer The view or options contained in this publication do not necessarily reflect the policy and stand point of Greenfeed Group and Greenfeed Group will not liable or responsible towards any losses experienced by any parties on performance or non-performance based on information in this publication.

R E S E A R C H

&

D E V E L O P M E N T

Greenfeed offers an entire suite of analytical testing. We are dedicated to toward providing accurate, unbiased analysis of current products. The Lab provides easy-to-understand reports for concerning irrigation water, leaves, soil, and plant tissue. Greenfeed Professional Lab is staffed by expert technical advisors and talented in-house personnel to make up the manpower component of the company known to be the industry's most successful slow release fertilizers company. These individuals represent a wide array of scientific disciplines, including Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Agronomy, Plant Pathology, Microbiology, and Mechanical engineering.

M A N U F A C T U R I N G Our commitment is towards producing reliable and consistent slow release fertilizer products. Our products are formulated under the most stringent quality standard in ensuring the nutrient/active ingredient; product stability; efficiency and ease of application. Slow release fertilizers are engineered to provide a specific release characteristic that has been proven through laboratory trials, field trials and customer experiences. Our Slow Release Fertilizer was tailored with formulation to suite the crops growth and climatic situation.

Intellectual Property

the Ministry of Trade of

Intellectual Property

Trade and Industry

Development Authority

Corporation of Malaysia

the Republic of Indonesia

Office of Singapore

Pioneer Status

Manufacturing License: A 015437

Industry Design No: MY07-00700-0101

NPB No.: 103-124-131208

Manufacturing

PI20044120 / PI20061653 / PI20061654 /

SNI No.: 02-2803-2000

Slow Release Fertilizer

PI20061655 / PI2011005234 / PI2011005235

Ministry of International

Malaysia Investment

MS ISO/IEC 17025

10th Global Super Excellent Brand

Malaysia Power Brand Awards 2014

TESTING

Award 2014 ~ 2015

Established Brand Awards

SAMM NO. 694

PCT/SG2006/000106 KR/10-2008-7029052 INDO/w00200803828

Korean Intellectual Property Office

Komite Akreditasi Nasional

Patent Registration Number

No. Akreditasi: 320/LS-PRO/SNI/2013

10-120381, 40-0695064, 40-0695065

REVIEW PAPER: GREENFEED® BANANA PLUS SLOW RELEASE FERTILIZER FOR COMMERCIAL BANANA PLANTING WITHIN NORTHERN JOHOR, SOUTHERN EASTERN JOHOR, AND SARAWAK

1.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Greenfeed® Banana Plus Slow Release Fertilizer is a novelty product introduced by Greenfeed Group of Companies during the early 2000’s. Focusing on ensuring product’s performances as well as commercial suitability, a series or monitoring effort were carried out since the year 2002 until the year 2007 with the agreement of respective plantation’s management team. The objective of this paper is to provide a brief collective review of the included commercial trial effort carried out with a number of plantations located within Malaysia. The presented trial efforts included within this paper are Northern Johor Plantation, Southern Eastern Johor Plantation, and Sarawak Plantation. The analysis included within this paper are Photosynthesis Rate Analysis, Chlorophyll Content (SPAD) Analysis, Critical Nutrient Level Analysis involving Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), Potassium (K), Magnesium (Mg), and Boron (B); and also Yield performance contrast. In overall, banana planting applied with Greenfeed® Slow Release Fertilizer showed better results as compared to its counterparts in most of the aspects included within this paper.

2.0 INTRODUCTION Banana is grown in most tropical countries. It is an important food consumed worldwide and it contains vitamins (A, B and C), minerals (calcium, potassium and iron) and has few calories (90 to 120kcal/100g). The fruit is approximately 70% water; the solid material is principally carbohydrate with little protein and fat. In 2013, world banana production was approximately 106 million metric ton.

Figure 2.1.1 World Banana production commodity from 1993 to 2013

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GREENFEED BULLETIN ISSUE 11, 2015

The largest producer was India (23%), followed by Brazil (9%), then China and Ecuador (8% respectively). World production of plantains and bananas was 33 million mt. While the African continent, had the lowest production of plantains per unit area (5.72 mt/ha), it was nevertheless responsible for 70% of this total production. Major producing countries are Uganda (30% of the world production), Columbia (20%) and Rwanda (8%) (FAO, 2006).

Figure 2.1.2 Top producers for banana commodity by 2013

In Malaysia, banana plantation size has declined over the years with total production declined to 290,479 metric ton (2013) from 545,000 metric ton (1999). However, banana is still considered as one of the primary cultivated fruits in Malaysia with approximately 50% of total production are from Berangan variety as well as Cavendish variety.

Furthermore, a significant amount of total produce is globally exported to Singapore, Hong Kong, Brunei, and Middle East.

This is mainly due to Malaysia’s geographical location within tropical region that is suitable for banana planting. Banana tree is a herbaceous monocotyledon (after harvest the aboveground part is cut).

2.01 Cultivating Banana It has a subterranean stem (rhizome) from which sprout the primary roots, in groups of three or four, to give a total of about 200 to 500 roots each about 5 to 8 mm wide. The roots are white and tender when young and healthy, turning gradually yellow and hard. The roots can grow horizontally up to 5 m, although more commonly 1 to 2 m, depending on the cultivar and the soil

conditions, and about 40% are at a depth of 10 cm and 60 to 80% are concentrated in the top 30 cm layer of soil.

Overlapping leaf sheaths, closing around a cup of wide and long leaves, each leaf with a developed central vein, forms the pseudo-stem. One plant may produce 30 to 70 leaves, with the appearance of a new leaf every 7 to 11 days. The inflorescence grows out from the centre of the cup, presenting reddish ovate bracts, from these axils appear the flowers. Each set of flowers becomes a cluster of fruit (usually 7 to 15 clusters), containing a variable number of fruits per cluster (40 to 220), depending on the cultivar. Both internal and external factors influence growth and production. The internal factors are related to the genetic characteristics of the variety while the external factors include climate, soil, pests and diseases and human activity (Borges et al., 2000).

Banana plants grow rapidly and for their development as well as production, sufficient amount of available nutrients in the soil. Though part of the nutrients required can be supplied by the soil itself and by plant residues, it is usually necessary to apply lime and organic manures and / or chemical fertilizers to obtain economically viable yields. The amount of nutrients required depends on the cultivar, its yield potential, plant population density, the phyto-sanitary state and, principally, the balance of nutrients in the soil and the uptake by the roots.

The amounts of mineral fertilizers required are usually large because large quantities are removed in the harvested produce (Borges et al., 2002).

2.02 Understanding Banana Nutrient Requirement Potassium (K) and Nitrogen (N) are needed in the largest amounts followed, in order, by Magnesium (Mg) and Calcium (Ca); Sulphur (S) and Phosphorus (P). The vast majority of researches has exposed that the removal of macronutrients in the bunch occurs in the following order: K > N > Mg, and varying the order for the quantities of Sulphur (S), Phosphorus (P), and Calcium (Ca). Although banana requires a large quantity of nutrients during growth, a considerable proportion is recycled in the pseudo-stem, leaves and rhizome, which are 66% of the vegetative growth at harvest and are returned to the soil. Furthermore, significant nutrient losses by leaching, volatilization, and erosion that is highly dependent on the physical and chemical conditions of the soil and rainfall. To decrease these losses, the root system should be vigorous and the fertilizers applied must be in a much more consistent and sustainable state.

2.03 Greenfeed® Banana Plus Slow Release Fertilizer Greenfeed® Slow Release Fertilizer is manufactured by Greenfeed Groups; Malaysian born company that has been within the industry for over 30 years. Ever since the introduction of the product during the year 1995, Greenfeed

Groups have come up with various products sufficing various planting requirements and crops through specific formulations promoting precision agriculture. For Banana Plus for example, the product formulations are segregated to Banana Plus 1 – 12:16:6:2 + TE for early planting and Banana Plus 2 12:12:17:2 + TE as well as 12:12:20:2 + TE for mature planting – prior flowering stage. Each of these formulations was tailored specifically to cater the different planting needs within different planting stage group. Through usage of Greenfeed® Banana Plus Slow Release Fertilizer, additional source of nutrients are not required.

The essential nutrients such as Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), Potassium (K), Magnesium (Mg), Boron (B), and several other trace elements; are already incorporated within the formulation in a well balanced manner. Such understanding of the composition is deemed vital for element synergism within the fertilizer. Apart from this, the technological utilization of the altered Activated Zeolite incorporated within the formulation also plays a role in relinquishing the slow nutrient released over time into the soil.

Furthermore, apart from realizing the capacity of the fertilizers to be able to maintain such compositions without causing antagonistic effects on the product, the capability to provide a continuous efficient nutrient release over a significant period of time must also be retained. This is the vital characteristic that makes up a consistent slow release fertilizer. Within the market, there is already several claimed slow release fertilizer, which for example utilizes the coating thickness to determine the nutrient release within the soil.

Such methodology or concept is not suitable for tropical climates such as Malaysia due to environmental concerns.

Normally, for such product, the coating used normally consist of polymer coating or wax coating; which is not suitable for practices as the coating will not be bio-degradable within the soil. In long term run, such practice will pose a disturbance within the soil compositions leading to soil pollution. Another matter is the principle used are normally known as the single gated mechanism which can only be affected once the required controlling condition is met. Hence, does not abide the principle behind slow release fertilizer that releases nutrients slowly over a significant period of time despite of the environmental conditions.

Furthermore, slow release fertilizer such as Greenfeed® Banana Plus Slow Release Fertilizer belongs to the High Efficient Fertilizers that utilizes technological advancements that could not only reduced the number of fertilizing rate and frequency, but also able to retain or improve the plant’s yielding capacity and also the soil conditions. The Greenfeed® Banana Plus Slow Release Fertilizer was able to

GREENFEED BULLETIN ISSUE 11, 2015

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promote a profound “low input and increased output” concept of practices to the industry and this rely more towards the understanding of the internal interaction of the elements within the formulation and also the external physical parameters relative to the fertilizer.

2.04 Applying Greenfeed® Banana Plus Slow Release Fertilizer One of the physical parameters involved would be the application of Greenfeed® Banana Plus Slow Release Fertilizer. The Greenfeed® Banana Plus Slow Release Fertilizer is applied through subsoil applications that requires burying of the nuggets within the soil. The placement of the fertilizer was carried out in compliance with the tree root structure, which was estimated to be within 30mm to 50 mm from the base trunk of mature banana tree. This manner of fertilizer placement bypasses the large amount of nutrient loss, which can exceed more than 50% from surface runoff, sediment movement, competition from weeds and leaching losses. Thus, lower amounts of fertilizers need to be applied using this method.

2.05 Principles of Greenfeed® Banana Plus Slow Release Fertilizer While the other fertilizers use elements such as inhibitors, which have no retentive power for the nutrients, when they are released. Greenfeed Groups is the first to introduce slow release technology with Zeolite C.E.C. to Malaysia, Greenfeed Groups also the patent holder under PI20044120 for these novel invention follow by PI 20044120, PI 20061653, PI 20061654, PI 20061655, PI 2011005234, and PI 2011005235. Greenfeed® as the registered trademark with MYIPO has the advantage of incorporating a chemical bonding element as one of the components, which this chemical bonding element, with a very high cation exchange capacity or “C.E.C” ensures that the nutrients can be retained near the root zone, for absorption, as they are not leached away readily. The presence of both the coating, which controls the slow release of the nutrients and the retention of the nutrients by this chemical bonding element when they are released, makes Greenfeed® a unique fertilizer. The net result from the combination of these two features means that even lesser amounts of fertilizers need to be applied to the tree. The nutrients contained in every Greenfeed® Slow Release Fertilizer such as Banana Plus are used efficiently, therefore, with very minimal wastage and hence, very low ground water pollution. Greenfeed® is also therefore, an Environment Friendly Fertilizer or what currently known as “Green-Technology”. In fact, the fertilizer was awarded the Environmental Friendliness Management Certification in Korea in 2004 and again in 2006.

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GREENFEED BULLETIN ISSUE 11, 2015

Furthermore, it is customary for Greenfeed Group to carry out monitoring effort on every introduced product ranges with the objective study as well as further evaluate the performance of Greenfeed® Banana Plus Slow Release Fertilizer for commercial banana planting. Greenfeed® Slow Release Fertilizer has been tested and proven through various commercial planting crops such as oil palm, rubber, cassava, mango, watermelon, maize, several others; hence, with such effort, the effectiveness of Greenfeed® Slow Release Fertilizer for banana planting can further provide solution in improving planting efficiency. A series of Trial effort has been carried out through out the years and the results will be presented within the later section of this paper for reference.

This is a collective review papers based on various trials carried out since the year 2002 until the year 2013 and findings for each trial area will be presented and briefly discussed accordingly.

3.0 METHODOLOGY The analyses involved were Photosynthesis Rate Analysis (μmol/m2/sec), Chlorophyll Content Analysis (SPAD), and Critical Nutrient Content Analysis involving Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), Potassium (K), and Magnesium (Mg). Leaf sampling was only carried out within 6 months after planting and the assessment was carried out in accordance to plantations’ allocation. The list of equipment involved for evaluating the physiological aspect growth of these plants can be referred to as follows.

3.01 Photosynthesis Rate (μmol/m2/sec) During the field sampling, an environmental study device named LICOR 6400 Portable Photosynthesis System was used to measure the photosynthesis rate of the palms within the plantation. The gas exchange measurement scientifically is based on the capability of the plant to regulate CO2 gas from the surrounding to use it during the photosynthesis with the support from the sunlight radiation.

Figure 4.1.1 Average Photosynthesis Rate analysis for Banana within designated trial area Photosynthesis Rate analysis indicated higher readings attained by Banana applied with Greenfeed® Banana Plus Slow Release Fertilizer as compared to Compound Fertilizer.

The sampling was carried out on 6 (six) months interval over the span of 2 (two) years; from original tree planting until over-tree 1 (Ratun 1). Overall, Banana applied with Greenfeed® Banana Plus Slow Release Fertilizer recorded a higher Photosynthesis Rate (μmol/m2/sec) analysis by 32.15% in average.

4.01.02 Chlorophyll Content Analysis (SPAD)

Sample Group GF Block CF Block

Average Yield Performance (kg) / Tree Original Over-tree Tree 1

Fertilizer Treatment

Planting Density / Hectare

Greenfeed Banana Plus Slow Release Fertilizer

1,100

22

19

41

Compound Fertilizer

1,100

18

16

34

Total Yield (kg) / Tree

Hence, total recorded yield performance per hectare during the monitoring period within Northern Johor Plantation was 45.1 Metric Ton / Hectare for Greenfeed® Banana Plus Slow Release Fertilizer and 37.4 Metric Ton / Hectare for Compound Fertilizer.

4.01.04 Critical Nutrient Analysis The nutrients involved within Critical Nutrient Analysis carried out was Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), Potassium (K), Magnesium (Mg), and Boron (B). The presented Critical Nutrient analysis showed higher readings attained by banana applied with Greenfeed® Banana Plus Slow Release Fertilizer as compared to Compound Fertilizer. The average critical nutrient level performance was only recorded until over-tree 1 (Ratun 1).

Table 4.1.4 Average critical nutrient level comparison between different fertilizer treatments

Figure 4.1.2 Average Chlorophyll Content analysis for Banana within designated trial area Chlorophyll Content analysis indicated higher readings attained by Banana applied with Greenfeed® Banana Plus Slow Release Fertilizer as compared to Compound Fertilizer.

The sampling was carried out on 6 (six) months interval over the span of 2 (two) years; from original tree planting until over-tree 1 (Ratun 1). Overall, Banana applied with Greenfeed® Banana Plus Slow Release Fertilizer recorded a higher Chlorophyll Content (SPAD) analysis by 10.66% in average.

4.01.03 Yield Performance Comparison per Hectare Yield Performance analysis indicated higher readings attained

by Banana applied with Greenfeed® Banana Plus Slow Release Fertilizer as compared to Compound Fertilizer. The yield performance was only recorded until over-tree 1 (Ratun 1). Overall, Banana applied with Greenfeed® Banana Plus Slow Release Fertilizer recorded a higher yield performance analysis) 20.59% in average.

Sample Group

Fertilizer Treatment

Nitrogen (N)

Phosphorus (P)

Potassium (K)

Magnesium (Mg)

Boron (B)

GF Block

Greenfeed Banana Plus Slow Release Fertilizer

3.33

0.22

3.52

0.37

49.63

CF Block

Compound Fertilizer

2.96

0.20

2.61

0.33

42.48

*Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), Potassium (K), and Magnesium (Mg) - % on dry matter ** Boron (B) – part per million (ppm)

Overall, banana applied with Greenfeed® Banana Plus Slow Release Fertilizer recorded a higher critical nutrient level performance for Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), Potassium (K), Magnesium (Mg), and Boron (B) at 12.41%, 11.03%, 34.92%, 12.49%, and 16.83% respectively.

Based on the brief monitoring effort carried out from the year 2002 until 2004 in Northern Johor Plantation, the overall comparisons indicated that planted banana receiving Greenfeed® Banana Plus Slow Release Fertilizer recorded slightly higher readings as compared to Compound Fertilizer treatment. The Greenfeed® Banana Plus Slow Release Fertilizer involved was Banana Plus 1 – 12:16:6:2 + TE and Banana Plus 2 12:12:17:2 + TE.

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4.02 CLIENT SAMPLES & COMPARISONS SOUTHERN EASTERN JOHOR PLANTATION (2003 – 2004)

–

Trial effort involving banana planting was carried out for a plantation in Southern Eastern Johor during the year 2003 until year 2004. The total trial area size is approximately 1 hectares with two (2) contrasting fertilizer treatment, which were Greenfeed® Banana Plus Slow Release Fertilizer and Conventional Compound Fertilizer with dressing; resulting in 0.5 hectare per treatment respectively. Planting density per hectare was 1,600 stands per hectare (2.5m x 2.5m spacing) and the variety used was the Mas variety. Analyses carried out during this trial were Critical Nutrient Analysis – Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), Potassium (K), Magnesium (Mg), and Boron (B); Yield performance contrast. The result presentation can be referred to as follows.

4.02.01 Yield Performance Comparison Yield Performance analysis indicated higher readings attained by banana applied with Greenfeed® Banana Plus Slow Release Fertilizer as compared to Compound Fertilizer.

Overall, Banana applied with Greenfeed® Banana Plus Slow Release Fertilizer recorded a higher yield performance analysis) 20.83% in average.

Table 4.2.1 Yield performance comparison between different fertilizer treatments Sample Group GF Block CF Block

Fertilizer Treatment Greenfeed Banana Plus Slow Release Fertilizer Compound Fertilizer

Planting Density Total Yield (kg) / Block / Block

Average Yield Performance (kg) / Tree

800

10,456

13.07

800

8,648

10.81

Based on the trial carried out in term of yield performance on 0.5 hectare block size, it is expected that based on per hectare basis, banana applied with Greenfeed® Banana Plus Slow Release Fertilizer is projected to attain 20.9 Metric Ton / Hectare yield and Compound Fertilizer with 17.3 Metric Ton / Hectare yield.

4.02.02 Critical Nutrient Analysis The nutrients involved within Critical Nutrient Analysis carried out was Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), Potassium (K), Magnesium (Mg), and Boron (B). The presented Critical Nutrient analysis showed higher readings attained by banana applied with Greenfeed® Banana Plus Slow Release Fertilizer as compared to Compound Fertilizer.

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GREENFEED BULLETIN ISSUE 11, 2015

Table 4.2.2 Average critical nutrient level comparison between different fertilizer treatments Sample Group

Fertilizer Treatment

Nitrogen (N)

Phosphorus Potassium Magnesium Boron (P) (K) (Mg) (B)

GF Block

Greenfeed Banana Plus Slow Release Fertilizer

3.36

0.22

3.49

0.39

56.93

CF Block

Compound Fertilizer

2.95

0.20

2.57

0.34

37.93

*Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), Potassium (K), and Magnesium (Mg) - % on dry matter ** Boron (B) – part per million (ppm)

Overall, banana applied with Greenfeed® Banana Plus Slow Release Fertilizer recorded a higher critical nutrient level performance for Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), Potassium (K), Magnesium (Mg), and Boron (B) at 13.88%, 12.82%, 35.68%, 13.71%, and 50.10% respectively.

This effort was carried out within a single planting period that lasted approximately 10 months and from this small scale observation, banana applied with Greenfeed® Banana Plus Slow Release Fertilizer recorded a slightly higher performance in term of yield performance and critical nutrient level analysis. Furthermore, critical nutrient level analysis indicated optimum readings for banana applied with Greenfeed® Banana Plus Slow Release Fertilizer whereas Conventional Compound Fertilizer treatment indicated satisfactory to optimum readings.

4.03 CLIENT SAMPLES & COMPARISONS – SARAWAK PLANTATION (2006 – 2007) Trial effort involving banana planting was carried out for a plantation in Sarawak during the year 2006 until year 2007.

Similar to Client 1, the plantation has already been familiarized with Greenfeed® Slow Release Fertilizer and a small-scale trial plot has been allocated for Greenfeed® Banana Plus Slow Release Fertilizer consisting of two (2) rows of 20 trees. Another two (2) rows of 20 trees are allocated for current conventional straight fertilizer treatment.

Planting spacing is estimated to be 3m x 3m and the variety involved was the Cavendish variety. Analyses carried out during this trial was Physiological Analysis involving Photosynthesis Rate (μmol/m2/sec) analysis and Chlorophyll Content (SPAD) analysis; Critical Nutrient Analysis – Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), Potassium (K), Magnesium (Mg), and Boron (B). The result presentation can be referred to as follows.

4.03.01 Photosynthesis Rate Analysis (μmol/m2/sec)

4.03.03 Critical Nutrient Analysis The nutrients involved within Critical Nutrient Analysis carried out was Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), Potassium (K), Magnesium (Mg), and Boron (B). The presented Critical Nutrient analysis showed higher readings attained by banana applied with Greenfeed® Banana Plus Slow Release Fertilizer as compared to Conventional Straight Fertilizer. The average critical nutrient level performance was only recorded within single planting.

Table 4.3.3 Average critical nutrient level comparison between different fertilizer treatments

Figure 4.3.2 Average Chlorophyll Content analysis for Banana within designated trial area Photosynthesis Rate analysis indicated higher readings attained by banana applied with Greenfeed® Banana Plus Slow Release Fertilizer as compared to Conventional Straight Fertilizer. The sampling was carried out on 6 (six) months interval over the span of one (1) year. Overall, banana applied with Greenfeed® Banana Plus Slow Release Fertilizer recorded a higher Photosynthesis Rate (μmol/m2/sec) analysis by 10.57% in average.

4.03.02 Chlorophyll Content Analysis (SPAD)

Sample Group

Fertilizer Treatment

Nitrogen (N)

Phosphorus (P)

Potassium (K)

Magnesium (Mg)

GF Block

Greenfeed Banana Plus Slow Release Fertilizer

3.31

0.23

3.61

0.38

51.45

CF Block

Compound Fertilizer

2.97

0.20

2.58

0.34

39.98

Boron (B)

*Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), Potassium (K), and Magnesium (Mg) - % on dry matter ** Boron (B) – part per million (ppm)

Overall, banana applied with Greenfeed® Banana Plus Slow Release Fertilizer recorded a higher critical nutrient level performance for Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), Potassium (K), Magnesium (Mg), and Boron (B) at 11.57%, 10.64%, 35.68%, 38.89%, and 28.71% respectively.

4.03.04 Yield Performance Comparison Yield Performance analysis indicated higher readings attained by banana applied with Greenfeed® Banana Plus Slow Release Fertilizer as compared to Conventional Straight Fertilizer. Overall, Banana applied with Greenfeed® Banana Plus Slow Release Fertilizer recorded a higher yield performance analysis) 14.68% in average.

Table 4.3.4 Yield performance comparison between different fertilizer treatments

Figure 4.3.2 Average Chlorophyll Content analysis for Banana within designated trial area Chlorophyll Content analysis indicated higher readings attained by banana applied with Greenfeed® Banana Plus Slow Release Fertilizer as compared to Conventional Straight Fertilizer. The sampling was carried out on 6 (six) months interval over the span of one (1) year. Overall, banana applied with Greenfeed® Banana Plus Slow Release Fertilizer recorded a higher Chlorophyll Content (SPAD) analysis by 9.53% in average.

Sample Group

Fertilizer Treatment

Planting Density / Plot

Total Yield (kg) / Plot

Average Yield Performance (kg) / Tree

GF Block

Greenfeed Banana Plus Slow Release Fertilizer

40

1528.6

38.22

CF Block

Compound Fertilizer

40

1332.9

33.32

Based on the trial carried out in term of yield performance on 40 tree trial, it is expected that based on per hectare basis, banana applied with Greenfeed® Banana Plus Slow Release Fertilizer is projected to attain 61.1 Metric Ton / Hectare yield and Compound Fertilizer with 53.3 Metric Ton / Hectare yield.

This effort was carried out within a single planting period that lasted approximately 13 months and from this small scale observation, banana applied with Greenfeed® Banana Plus Slow Release Fertilizer recorded a slightly higher performance in term of yield performance and critical nutrient level analysis.

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Furthermore, critical nutrient level analysis indicated optimum readings for banana applied with Greenfeed® Banana Plus Slow Release Fertilizer whereas Conventional Straight Fertilizer treatment indicated satisfactory to optimum readings.

5.0 CONCLUSION As for conclusion, the review indicates that with Greenfeed® Banana Plus Slow Release Fertilizer, overall tree performance physiologically through photosynthesis rate and chlorophyll content; critical nutrient level analysis, and yield analysis signified superiority in these aspects as contrast to banana tree receiving comparing treatment. Furthermore, with in depth analysis is to be carried out with new innovative introduction by Greenfeed Group of Companies. Furthermore, based on the presented review above, Greenfeed® Banana Plus Slow Release Fertilizer indicated positive tree development with lesser investment required. With beneficial characteristics guaranteed with every Greenfeed® Slow Release Fertilizer products such as Banana Plus, planters will be able to improve agriculture efficacy with no hassle.

6.0 REFERENCES Borges, A.L., and R.C. Caldas. 2002. Teores padrões de nutrientes nas folhas de bananeira cv. Pacovan sob irrigação. CD-ROM. In: SBCS/UFRRJ (ed.) Fertbio. Anais, Rio de Janeiro, RJ. 8-13 set. 2002. Sociedade Brasileira de Ciência do Solo.

APPENDICES Appendix 4.1.1 – Clustered Photosynthesis Rate readings for Northern Johor Plantation Photosynthesis Rate

Sample Group GF 1 GF 2 GF 3 GF 4 GF 5

Greenfeed Banana Plus Slow Release Fertilizer Greenfeed Banana Plus Slow Release Fertilizer Greenfeed Banana Plus Slow Release Fertilizer Greenfeed Banana Plus Slow Release Fertilizer Greenfeed Banana Plus Slow Release Fertilizer

Month 6

Month 12

Month 18

Month 24

20.5

14

22.3

13.8

17.6

12.9

21.2

23.2

21.3

20.6

18.6

13.3

15.2

23

23.4

12.7

13.3

21

15.3

20.1

22.9

13.7

15.6

23.4

21.2

16.9

24.2

16.5

20.9

19

15

18.3

19.5

15.6

23

18.5

15.9

19.7

13.8

18.4

CF 1

Greenfeed Banana Plus Slow Release Fertilizer Greenfeed Banana Plus Slow Release Fertilizer Greenfeed Banana Plus Slow Release Fertilizer Greenfeed Banana Plus Slow Release Fertilizer Greenfeed Banana Plus Slow Release Fertilizer Compound Fertilizer

15.6

15.4

14.3

12.3

CF 2

Compound Fertilizer

13.9

12.4

16.5

12.5

CF 3

Compound Fertilizer

9.9

17.4

12.4

12

CF 4

Compound Fertilizer

13.4

12.5

13.4

12.5

CF 5

Compound Fertilizer

9.5

14.4

15.8

16.6

CF 6

Compound Fertilizer

17.5

17

17.4

12.3

CF 7

Compound Fertilizer

15.1

17.5

12

11.9

CF 8

Compound Fertilizer

16

10.6

16.6

16.4

CF 9

Compound Fertilizer

11.8

13.3

14.7

9.8

CF 10

Compound Fertilizer

9.6

17.2

11.6

16.8

GF 6 GF 7 GF 8 GF 9 GF 10

9

Fertilizer Treatment

GREENFEED BULLETIN ISSUE 11, 2015

Appendix 4.1.2 – Clustered Chlorophyll Content readings for Northern Johor Plantation

Sample Group GF 1 GF 2 GF 3 GF 4 GF 5

Chlorophyll Content Fertilizer Treatment Greenfeed Banana Plus Slow Release Fertilizer Greenfeed Banana Plus Slow Release Fertilizer Greenfeed Banana Plus Slow Release Fertilizer Greenfeed Banana Plus Slow Release Fertilizer Greenfeed Banana Plus Slow Release Fertilizer

Month 6

Month 12

Month 18

Month 24

46.9

55.5

56.5

59.2

53.8

58.5

57.8

56

49.7

51.9

56.4

52.5

58.3

57.3

52.6

55.6

48.2

54

52.6

50.8

48.9

48.3

51.4

57

53

53.8

52.4

55

48.7

53.6

49.2

48.7

48.5

58.3

54.1

57.5

58.9

53.4

49.8

48

CF 1

Greenfeed Banana Plus Slow Release Fertilizer Greenfeed Banana Plus Slow Release Fertilizer Greenfeed Banana Plus Slow Release Fertilizer Greenfeed Banana Plus Slow Release Fertilizer Greenfeed Banana Plus Slow Release Fertilizer Compound Fertilizer

45.3

50

49.3

47.6

CF 2

Compound Fertilizer

42.7

47.1

48.4

49.1

CF 3

Compound Fertilizer

43.9

54.2

48.6

45.4

CF 4

Compound Fertilizer

45.4

46.5

42.8

46.8

CF 5

Compound Fertilizer

47.8

54.2

51.2

49.6

CF 6

Compound Fertilizer

47.6

48.8

43.1

50.6

CF 7

Compound Fertilizer

45.3

44.8

44.4

43.8

CF 8

Compound Fertilizer

50.6

47.1

42.6

51.8

CF 9

Compound Fertilizer

52.7

54.3

50.4

47.7

CF 10

Compound Fertilizer

51.9

52.5

48.7

53

GF 6 GF 7 GF 8 GF 9 GF 10

GREENFEED BULLETIN ISSUE 11, 2015

10

Appendix 4.2.1 – Clustered Yield Performance Record for Southern Eastern Johor Plantation

11

Sample Group

Fertilizer Treatment

GF 1

Average Yield Performance (kg) / Tree Group 1

Group 2

Greenfeed Banana Plus Slow Release Fertilizer

13.9

12.9

GF 2

Greenfeed Banana Plus Slow Release Fertilizer

13.2

12.7

GF 3

Greenfeed Banana Plus Slow Release Fertilizer

13.8

13.8

GF 4

Greenfeed Banana Plus Slow Release Fertilizer

12.9

13.4

GF 5

Greenfeed Banana Plus Slow Release Fertilizer

13.7

13

GF 6

Greenfeed Banana Plus Slow Release Fertilizer

13.2

13.2

GF 7

Greenfeed Banana Plus Slow Release Fertilizer

12.6

12.2

GF 8

Greenfeed Banana Plus Slow Release Fertilizer

13.1

12.1

GF 9

Greenfeed Banana Plus Slow Release Fertilizer

13

12

GF 10

Greenfeed Banana Plus Slow Release Fertilizer

13.3

12.4

GF 11

Greenfeed Banana Plus Slow Release Fertilizer

13.7

13.5

GF 12

Greenfeed Banana Plus Slow Release Fertilizer

12.1

12.3

GF 13

Greenfeed Banana Plus Slow Release Fertilizer

13.3

13.6

GF 14

Greenfeed Banana Plus Slow Release Fertilizer

13

13.2

GF 15

Greenfeed Banana Plus Slow Release Fertilizer

12.4

12.4

GF 16

Greenfeed Banana Plus Slow Release Fertilizer

12.8

13.2

GF 17

Greenfeed Banana Plus Slow Release Fertilizer

13.8

13.6

GF 18

Greenfeed Banana Plus Slow Release Fertilizer

12

12.3

GF 19

Greenfeed Banana Plus Slow Release Fertilizer

13.8

13.8

GF 20

Greenfeed Banana Plus Slow Release Fertilizer

13.8

13.6

CF 1

Compound Fertilizer

10.2

11.9

CF 2

Compound Fertilizer

9.6

9.2

CF 3

Compound Fertilizer

13

10.4

CF 4

Compound Fertilizer

12.7

12.9

CF 5

Compound Fertilizer

11.9

12.7

CF 6

Compound Fertilizer

9.1

12.5

CF 7

Compound Fertilizer

9.5

9.9

CF 8

Compound Fertilizer

10.3

9

CF 9

Compound Fertilizer

9.3

13

CF 10

Compound Fertilizer

10.4

11.9

CF 11

Compound Fertilizer

9.3

12.6

CF 12

Compound Fertilizer

9

12.8

CF 13

Compound Fertilizer

11.1

9.7

CF 14

Compound Fertilizer

10

9.7

CF 15

Compound Fertilizer

9.7

9.8

CF 16

Compound Fertilizer

9.6

11.2

CF 17

Compound Fertilizer

11.2

11.4

CF 18

Compound Fertilizer

10.8

12.6

CF 19

Compound Fertilizer

10

10.1

GREENFEED BULLETIN ISSUE 11, 2015

Appendix 4.3.1 – Clustered Photosynthesis Rate readings for Sarawak Plantation

Photosynthesis Rate

Sample Group

Fertilizer Treatment

Month 6

Month 12

GF 1

Greenfeed Banana Plus Slow Release Fertilizer

19.1

20.1

GF 2

Greenfeed Banana Plus Slow Release Fertilizer

21.0

22.1

GF 3

Greenfeed Banana Plus Slow Release Fertilizer

20.9

22.3

GF 4

Greenfeed Banana Plus Slow Release Fertilizer

19.4

19.1

GF 5

Greenfeed Banana Plus Slow Release Fertilizer

19.7

18

GF 6

Greenfeed Banana Plus Slow Release Fertilizer

23

22.8

GF 7

Greenfeed Banana Plus Slow Release Fertilizer

23.8

21

GF 8

Greenfeed Banana Plus Slow Release Fertilizer

20.7

19.5

GF 9

Greenfeed Banana Plus Slow Release Fertilizer

23.6

21.4

GF 10

Greenfeed Banana Plus Slow Release Fertilizer

21.0

23.0

CF 1

Compound Fertilizer

24.4

22.6

CF 2

Compound Fertilizer

14.7

19.5

CF 3

Compound Fertilizer

20.5

19.3

CF 4

Compound Fertilizer

20.9

19.3

CF 5

Compound Fertilizer

17.7

15.9

CF 6

Compound Fertilizer

15.2

16.1

CF 7

Compound Fertilizer

20.8

19.9

CF 8

Compound Fertilizer

22.4

15.1

CF 9

Compound Fertilizer

21.1

17.1

CF 10

Compound Fertilizer

20.0

19.1

Appendix 4.3.2 – Clustered Chlorophyll Content readings for Sarawak Plantation

Sample Group

Fertilizer Treatment

GF 1 GF 2

Photosynthesis Rate Month 6

Month 12

Greenfeed Banana Plus Slow Release Fertilizer

56.0

53.0

Greenfeed Banana Plus Slow Release Fertilizer

50.1

49.4

GF 3

Greenfeed Banana Plus Slow Release Fertilizer

56.1

58.0

GF 4

Greenfeed Banana Plus Slow Release Fertilizer

54.3

54.1

GF 5

Greenfeed Banana Plus Slow Release Fertilizer

55.8

48.5

GF 6

Greenfeed Banana Plus Slow Release Fertilizer

48.0

58.9

GF 7

Greenfeed Banana Plus Slow Release Fertilizer

51.1

57.6

GF 8

Greenfeed Banana Plus Slow Release Fertilizer

54.6

58.2

GF 9

Greenfeed Banana Plus Slow Release Fertilizer

49.5

59.5

GF 10

Greenfeed Banana Plus Slow Release Fertilizer

50.3

50.2

CF 1

Compound Fertilizer

46.4

46.0

CF 2

Compound Fertilizer

51.7

49.6

CF 3

Compound Fertilizer

50.3

48.6

CF 4

Compound Fertilizer

51.6

48.5

CF 5

Compound Fertilizer

51.1

49.9

CF 6

Compound Fertilizer

52.2

44.6

CF 7

Compound Fertilizer

49.7

49.5

CF 8

Compound Fertilizer

47.6

48.2

CF 9

Compound Fertilizer

46.7

48.1

CF 10

Compound Fertilizer

49.1

50.8

GREENFEED BULLETIN ISSUE 11, 2015

12

Appendix 4.3.3 – Clustered Yield Performance Record for Sarawak Plantation

13

Sample Group

Fertilizer Treatment

GF 1

Average Yield Performance (kg) / Tree Row 1

Row 2

Greenfeed Banana Plus Slow Release Fertilizer

37.1

36.8

GF 2

Greenfeed Banana Plus Slow Release Fertilizer

39.4

35.7

GF 3

Greenfeed Banana Plus Slow Release Fertilizer

38.6

35.7

GF 4

Greenfeed Banana Plus Slow Release Fertilizer

38.7

37.5

GF 5

Greenfeed Banana Plus Slow Release Fertilizer

40.8

38.3

GF 6

Greenfeed Banana Plus Slow Release Fertilizer

36.8

38.6

GF 7

Greenfeed Banana Plus Slow Release Fertilizer

40.5

36.2

GF 8

Greenfeed Banana Plus Slow Release Fertilizer

37.8

40.9

GF 9

Greenfeed Banana Plus Slow Release Fertilizer

38.9

36.4

GF 10

Greenfeed Banana Plus Slow Release Fertilizer

36.8

38.5

GF 11

Greenfeed Banana Plus Slow Release Fertilizer

38.6

38.4

GF 12

Greenfeed Banana Plus Slow Release Fertilizer

38.5

39.8

GF 13

Greenfeed Banana Plus Slow Release Fertilizer

38.4

36.5

GF 14

Greenfeed Banana Plus Slow Release Fertilizer

39

38.7

GF 15

Greenfeed Banana Plus Slow Release Fertilizer

38.1

38.4

GF 16

Greenfeed Banana Plus Slow Release Fertilizer

36.8

38.2

GF 17

Greenfeed Banana Plus Slow Release Fertilizer

40.6

40

GF 18

Greenfeed Banana Plus Slow Release Fertilizer

39.8

40.4

GF 19

Greenfeed Banana Plus Slow Release Fertilizer

39.7

40.3

GF 20

Greenfeed Banana Plus Slow Release Fertilizer

34.3

34.1

CF 1

Compound Fertilizer

31.7

33.7

CF 2

Compound Fertilizer

30.8

31.4

CF 3

Compound Fertilizer

31.1

35

CF 4

Compound Fertilizer

34.4

36.9

CF 5

Compound Fertilizer

34

34.5

CF 6

Compound Fertilizer

36.8

34.2

CF 7

Compound Fertilizer

36.6

29.9

CF 8

Compound Fertilizer

36.2

33.3

CF 9

Compound Fertilizer

30.6

37.2

CF 10

Compound Fertilizer

37.1

35

CF 11

Compound Fertilizer

32.2

30.1

CF 12

Compound Fertilizer

34.1

31.7

CF 13

Compound Fertilizer

35.3

29.6

CF 14

Compound Fertilizer

35

31.3

CF 15

Compound Fertilizer

30.1

33.5

CF 16

Compound Fertilizer

37.2

34.4

CF 17

Compound Fertilizer

37.1

30.3

CF 18

Compound Fertilizer

30.1

30

CF 19

Compound Fertilizer

32.6

35.4

GREENFEED BULLETIN ISSUE 11, 2015

Novelt y

Technological

Intr oduction

Greenfeed able revolutionized Gree ree eenfee nfeed nfee ed da are rre e ab ble ble le to to int in iintroduce ntro ntr tro rod od duc duc uce ce a re rev evo vol olut olu utio tion oni nize niz zed ed achievement achievem em ment me nt that that will th wiilll propagate wil prop opa pag ga atte ate e agriculture agric ag riicu cu ulttu ultu ure e int iinto in nto to o a whole new level. Achieving synergistic equilibrium in organic and inorganic elements, Greenfeed Group is now proud to introduce Greenfeed E-Biotic Technology into the commercial fertilizer industry. E-Biotic consists of

Greenfeed® ActiveWeed technological system utilises synergistic platform without causing development impairment to the plant. c The acting mechanisms inhibits pre-emerging weed growth within the plant’s vicinity. Hence, w p pl planters, farmers, and gardeners will be able to carry out “feed and weed” activity simultaneously without any hassle. Promoting better agronomy efficiency towards greener practice. This is attainable without harming the p environment, resulting in a much more sustainable practice.

improved selected microorganisms that have resounding amending properties that are beneficial to both soil and plant’s growth. Current Greenfeed Slow Release Fertilizer has been proven effective for commercial planting and with intergration of E-Biotic, fertilizer industry has been brought onto a whole new level.

The principle behind Greenfeed® POLITECH is to introduce alternative attractor that could attract the E. kamerunicus to the oil palms with the intention on further assist pollinating progression. The most suitable candidate for the selection of attractant is Estragole or methyl Chavicol (a natural non-hazardous and environmentally friendly organic compound) which is widely known as main attractant of E. kamerunicus.

These incorporation has allow Greenfeed® fertilizer to attract more substantial of E. kamerunicus to the palms for further pollination process.

Greenfeed® Hydrocell H20+ is a hydro format retaining fertilizer that comes with polymeric membrane that is capable of absorbing water, holding it and releases via the methodology of slow release. This product is designed in a special form of high pressed nugget 16g ~18g respectively, the enriched hydrocell within will not only help plant to develop a stronger rooting mass for better nutrient intake. It also have the capacity to retain and stored water in the environment where water is scarce.

I-Trace will emit luminescence properties that will allow planters to carry out residual tasks such as monitoring the nutrient supply status of the fertilizer as well as decision-making. The luminous characteristic of I-Trace capability was achieved through the realisation of the luminescence reaction that occurred instantaneously. The reaction is known as photoluminescence, which is a process known as resonant radiations involving absorption and emission of photons. The period between absorbing the energy to the emission of photon occurred for as rapid as 10 nanosecond.

Greenfeed Group © 2015 . All right reserved Nothing in this publication may be reproduced in whole or inpart, by any means, without the express permission from Greenfeed Group All specification lsited here are subjected to changed without prior notice.