Executive Summary
- When all the facts and data from both species are considered, it looks very likely that the AminoFix-3000™ and Nitro-15™ treatments first stimulated microbial soil activity within the planting ridges. This in turn strengthened the microbial biodiversity and structural food chains necessary for better soil health. The significant increase in earthworm numbers points towards a healthier ecosystem with enough food for the soil macro fauna.
- The elevated earthworm numbers in turn resulted in high carbon cycling, nutrient mobilisation and water infiltration. Together, this created a soil environment where the plant roots could thrive, showing better disease suppression and faster regeneration.
- As we could not make any clear assumptions on yield during this production season, we suggest that this trials be repeated on the same blocks. If no major weather events occur this time round, the healthier soil ecosystem and superior root health and activity should have a larger impact on fruit yield and packout quality.