4.
AGROBLEN , SLOW RELEASE
FERTILIZER
Agroblen
is a granule
coated Slow Release Fertilizer which can
last longer in the soil. Agroblen is specially
designed as a base fertilizer for soil
grown crops such as vegetables and fruits.
Agroblen consists of NPK granules, coated
with a permeable layer.
Scotts
used two patented technologies for Agroblen
:
- The
resin coated technology and
- The
Poly-S technology.
Together,
these technologies give the best results
in soil grown crops.
Difference
between Poly-S technology and Resin coated
:
Poly-S
|
Resin
coated |
Less
influence of temperature |
Temperature
define the release
i.e.
as temperature increases, soil
release nutrients |
Start
release high |
Start
release low |
Relatively
economic |
Costly
technology |
Water
is important |
Needs
Water with less temperature |
Agroblen
has the following analysis:
Analyse
|
Longevity
|
32+05+05
|
2-3
M |
15+25+10+MgO
|
2-3
M |
15+24+10+MgO
|
4-5
M |
13+13+13+MgO
|
3-4
M |
15+08+16+MgO
|
5-6
M |
20+10+10+MgO
|
5-6
M |
16+10+09+MgO
|
8-9
M |
15+09+09+MgO
|
12-14
M |
3.
4.1. How does Agroblen work ?
After
application, water vapour penetrates the
coating and dissolves the nutrient element
inside. The elements are gradually released
into the soil. In this way, the right
daily portion of nutrition is available
for your crop.
3.
4.2. Advantages of Agroblen :
- Safe
and reliable
- Uniform
and well balanced crop development
- Strong
root development even at the start
- No
leaching of nutrients
- Agroblen
demands little fertilization management
- Cost
effective
- Easy,
one time application
- Early
yield.
Between,
5-35%extra yields, proven in trials. In
more than 80% of the trials measured,
the yield per hectare went up between
5% and 35% compared to growers' standard
(growers practice). Investments was paid
back 3 time more
3.4.3.
Limitations of fertigation :
Using
water soluble fertilizers (WSF) is a practical
system. Adaptation to the need of the
crop is an advantage of fertigation. Yet
there are some disadvantages when feeding
with only water soluble fertilizers;
- With
fertigation, you have to overfeed
to meet the crop demand. Therefore,
you will have to use far more fertilizer
than actually necessary. This can
lead to leaching of nutrients.
- The
EC in the soil can rise to unacceptable
levels, which can cause serious damage
to (young) plants.
- With
fertigation, feeding is at peaks,
whereas your plants require a balanced
and continuous nutrient level.
- With
fertigation, irrigation and feeding
are not separated. In the beginning
of the crop you would like to keep
watering low, but the plant needs
feeding.
3.4.4.
Why use Agroblen as a Base Fertilizer
?
When
using Agroblen as a base feeder, you have
the best of two systems. Agroblen is a
buffer of NPK in the soil. This means
that nutrients will be available for your
plants, everyday.
- Because
of the controlled release, nutrient
uptake is very efficient. This means
you have to apply less fertilizer
and…..you have hardly any leaching.
- No
high EC levels, safe feeding for (young)
roots
- A
balanced continuous nutrient level
will lead to optimal plant growth.
- Watering
and fertilizing are separated. This
means that you can limit watering
(in wet periods), while Agroblen keep
feeding the plants!
- Fine
tuning with water soluble is possible.
3.4.5.
When to use which type of Agroblen ?
Agroblen
products are available in two product
lines with different longevities and different
NPK analysis. For each growing situation,
you can find a specific Agroblen which
will effectively meet your crop demands.
The Scotts dealer or advisor in your region
will gladly supply you with more information
or give a detailed made recommendation
for your crop.
3.4.5.1
Agroblen Base :
Base
feeding for leaf crops. Most of the Nitrogen
is coated, thus eliminating leaching.
Phosphorus and Potassium do not require
coating, as these elements do not leach
within the growing season of short term
crops.
Coating
percentage of Agroblen Base
Analysis
Longevity N P 2 O 5 K 2 O MgO
32+
5+ 5 2-3 months 97% 0% 0% -
20+
5+ 20 2-3 months 95% 0% 0% -
15+25+10+3MgO 2-3 months 65% 0% 0% 0%
18+8+17 +2MgO 2-3 months 44% 0% 0% 0%
3.4.5.2
Agroblen Tota l :
Base
feeding for fruit-bearing (Salad) crops:
tomato, pepper, egg plants and cucumber.
All the major elements, N, P and K are
(partly) coated; this will prolonge release
of P during flower stage and K release
during the ripening.
Coating
percentage of Agroblen Total
Analysis
longevity N P 2 O 5 K 2 O MgO
15+
8+16+5MgO 5-6 months 92% 72% 72% 0%
20+10+10+4MgO
5-6 months 95% 50% 100% 0%
12+17+21+3MgO 8-9 months 100% 100% 69%
0%
22+
7 +11+2MgO 8-9 months 95% 54% 69% 0%
3.4.6
How should you apply Agroblen ?
Basic
rules:
- Do
not apply Agroblen more than 1-2 weeks
before planting
- Work
Agroblen in the soil at a minimum
5 and maximum 10 cm depth
- Close
to the plant but not closer than 5
cm
- Never
directly under the plant!
- Irrigation
after planting improves product and
plant performance
- Place
Agroblen under the dripper.
3.4.6.1
Row fertilization
Unless
otherwise recommended, Agroblen should
be applied in the row, at a depth of 5
cm and about 5 cm from the plant.
3.4.6.2
Broadcasting
When
broadcasting Agroblen, three items should
be considered:
Do
not use a sprayer that damages the coating.
Almost all pendular and rotary spreaders
are suitable. Never use pneumatic application
machinery.
Work
Agroblen in the soil after broadcasting.
Use a cultivator. Almost all low speed
cultivators are suitable.
When
broadcasting, increase the dosage recommended
for row application by 25%.
3.4.6.3
Machineries for application
- Hand
applicator
-
Tractor application which combine
usage and is accurate.
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