OSMOCOTE: INNOVATION AND DEVELOPMENT IN FERTILISERS

By Roger Boyle, ICL Regional Manager Vic/SA/Tas

At ICL we believe in innovation. For over 50 years, we have continuously invested in Osmocote product development, creating advances that support growers in producing stronger, more resilient, and greener plants that are ideally suited for both the retail and landscape sectors.

Our latest fifth generation of Osmocote, was released to the market last year after extensive trials locally, and around the world. Osmocote 5 is delivering significant advantages particularly in crops that historically have trace element deficiencies later in their growth cycle. Our Optimized Trace Element Availability (OTEA), delivers trace elements throughout the growing season, and locally has shown excellent results in crops such as Camellias, Gardenias, Citrus and Magnolias. Along with the NutriMatch Release that delivers Nitrogen, Phosphorous, and Potassium when the plant needs them most, slower up front, and accelerating during the main growing phase. The result is generally more branching and compact greener plants.

Osmocote 5 trial on Gardenias

We continue to produce both Osmocote Exact and Osmocote Pro full ranges including high K and Low P variations. Having a range of options means we can recommend the right fertiliser for each situation and crop.

Even more importantly we continue to visit and support growers and potting media suppliers. We can assist growers set up trials to check and finetune fertiliser practices. Sometimes this involves questioning current practices in the quest for mutually agreeable improved outcomes. Through this quest for continual improvement, we all learn and hopefully refine processes to improve efficiencies and produce a better product.

One of the most important goals we have is to reduce labour costs through reduced stock handling, by using the most efficient products and cultural practices. One of the first questions we ask a grower is how long the crop will be on the ground before sale or repotting, as this is vitally important when selecting the correct fertiliser longevity and application rate. Many growers seem to be locked into top dressing their crops, but in many cases the costs and labour involved with this practice can be eliminated by using a longer-term fertiliser at a slightly higher rate at potting.

Magnolias grown with Osmocote 5

Although regularly visiting growers over the last couple of years has been challenging with numerous lockdowns, we have managed to set and monitor trials that have delivered measurable results. As a result, many growers have altered their practices and are producing an improved product. In some cases, this might be at a slightly increased initial cost, but often with reduced overall costs due to decreased handling of the crop during the growing phase.

The resurgence in gardening as a pastime is not only an Australian occurrence, but worldwide. It is encouraging to hear of new devotees discovering the joys of gardening. As such, the demand for plants as well as fertilisers continues to be high. We continue to work closely with our distributors and potting media customers to optimise stock availability and minimise delays. We are confident that current market predictions and ordering volumes will enable suppliers to maintain good stock levels of Osmocote in the coming months and years.

Importantly, we will continue to search for innovation and continual improvement in our practices and those of the grower network in Australia. We welcome your enquiries, and have a team of Regional Managers across Australia and New Zealand ready to assist.

Osmocote Heelen – manufacturing plant in The Netherlands

More information

Roger Boyle, ICL Regional Manager Vic/SA/Tas m: 0418 350 984 or e: Roger.boyle@icl-group.com