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2010 Vegetable Productivity Study

AGGRAND Natural Fertilizer vs Leading Inorganic Fertilizer

AGGRAND A Division of AMSOIL INC., Superior, Wis., USA

Table of Contents
Abstract / Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 3 Materials and Methods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 4 Tomato Plants from Seed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 6 Sowing Corn and Beans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 8 Growth Plot Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 9 Fertilizer Application Tables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 10 Results and Discussion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 14 Tomatoes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 16 Green Beans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 17 Potatoes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 18 Sweet Corn. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 20 Harvest Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 22 Soil Analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 23 Conclusions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 25 References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 27

2 AGGRAND Vegetable Productivity Study

Abstract / Introduction
Abstract: The dramatic increase in sustainable agricultural methods and associated use of natural fertilizers has increased performance and yield inquiries from growers. Still, many homeowners and commercial growers use water-soluble, salt-based inorganic products.
This study compared the performance of AGGRAND natural fertilizers with the performance of a leading inorganic fertilizer when applied to garden vegetables in raised planting beds. Each bed included four garden vegetables: sweet corn, potatoes, tomatoes and bush green beans. Parameters evaluated include total weight for each vegetable and plot, average vegetable weight per plot, maximum vegetable length or diameter and total number of vegetables per plot. Plots fertilized with AGGRAND natural fertilizers outperformed the plots fertilized with the leading inorganic fertilizer and the control plots where no fertilizer, only water, was applied.

INTRODUCTION
The practice of sustainable agriculture, or what is commonly known as organic farming and animal husbandry, evolved from work performed by researchers Dr. William Albrecht of the University of Missouri, Rudolf Steiner in Germany and Sir Albert Howard in England during the rst half of the 20th century. The term organic as it relates to agriculture was originated during the same period in England by Lord Northbourne, agriculturalist, as an abbreviated description of farming by recognizing a concept known as dynamic-living-organic-whole. This statement expresses the concept of using natural fertilizers and soil amendments to maintain and enhance soil fertility while rejecting the use of synthetic chemical fertilizers and pesticides; all while being supported by livestock production (Thilmany, 2006). The implementation of these concepts assisted in the establishment of the Soil and Health Foundation by publisher J.I. Rodale in 1947, eventually known as the Rodale Institute. The Rodale Institute is a leading advocate for organic and sustainable agriculture and operates a 333-acre organic farm near Kutztown, Pa. (The Rodale Institute, 2010) In recent years, The Rodale Institutes vision has caught the interest of the American consumer and farmer alike. In 1990, sales of organically grown food and beverages totaled $1 billion and increased to $20 billion in 2007, with an anticipated annual growth rate of 18 percent from 2008 to 2010 (Organic Trade Institute, 2010). However, organic, natural, or sustainable agricultural growing systems do not necessarily yield certied organic crops or produce. In addition to the ecological denition of certied organic crops and produce discussed here, there also exists the legal denition, uniform standards, record keeping, compliant/non-compliant materials, certication processes and many other requirements established by the National Organic Program under the authority of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA, 2010). The ecological denition of organic farming is used in this paper. The plant growth materials used in this study include: AGGRAND Natural Fertilizer (4-3-3), AGGRAND Kelp and Sulfate of Potash (0-0-8), AGGRAND Natural Bonemeal (0-12-0) and AGGRAND Liquid Lime; along with a leading inorganic salt-based product (24-8-16) commonly used in the consumer market. The formulas of AGGRAND natural fertilizers consist of natural materials such as kelp, emulsied sh, lime, fulvic acid, humic acid and sulfate of potash. These materials are recognized as part of an organic cropping system. They are designed to provide necessary nutrients for the plant to grow and thrive, and to build the soil by enhancing microbial growth, thus increasing the sustainability of the system. The inorganic saltbased fertilizer is designed to quickly and easily supply nutrients to the plant for optimum growth and yield (Havlin, et al 2005). The objective of this research was to determine yield results, weight and maximum length or diameter of garden vegetables fertilized with AGGRAND fertilizers according to AGGRAND recommendations and garden vegetables fertilized with a leading inorganic fertilizer according to the manufacturers recommendations. AGGRAND Vegetable Productivity Study 3

Materials and Methods


Establishing Test Plots
On-site planting beds were established at the AGGRAND facility in order to produce credible outdoor growth data.
Figure 1: Plot site plan

In April 2010, construction began on three 20-foot by 20-foot planting beds in the open space immediately to the south of the AGGRAND facility. Each planting bed was constructed with treated timbers, stacked three high, lined with landscape fabric and lled with blended garden soil from Monarch Paving of Superior, Wis. The perimeter of the planting beds was surrounded by an 8-foot fence to deter animals, especially deer, from eating the plants. In addition, a wind screen made of landscape fabric was established on the east and north fence lines to minimize the effects of the cold winds from Lake Superior. The planters were lled with soil and leveled. The soil was sampled on April 20. The growth plots were completed on May 4, 2010. (See Figures 2 and 3)
Figure 2: Planters undergoing construction Figure 3: Completed growth plot test area

4 AGGRAND Vegetable Productivity Study

Soil Sampling
The following soil sampling procedure was followed for each planting bed to characterize each growth plots soil. The soil depth was 18 inches and homogenous throughout the planter. Using a soil sampling probe, soil samples were obtained from the top six inches of the planting bed at nine evenly spaced points in the area. (See Figure 4)
Figure 4: Growth plot soil sampling

All soil samples were analyzed at Midwest Laboratories in Omaha, Neb., and were evaluated for percent organic matter, available phosphorus (weak and strong Bray), exchangeable potassium, hydrogen, magnesium and calcium, pH, buffer index, cation exchange capacity (CEC), percent base saturation of cation elements, carryover nitrogen as nitrate, micronutrient analysis of sulfur, manganese, boron, zinc, iron and copper, evaluation of excess lime and soluble salts. (See Tables 16 and 17 for a summary of all soil analyses obtained during this study)

Planting Plan
A growth plot sowing plan was established to use the area most efciently while providing ample room for the vegetables to grow and develop, leaving enough room to water, fertilize and weed the plots. A two-foot walking path was established between the vegetable types. (See Figure 5)
Figure 5: Growth plot planting plan

AGGRAND Vegetable Productivity Study 5

Tomato Plants from Seed


Popular hybrid varieties of vegetables were chosen for this study, with seeds established in Wisconsin or Minnesota that would produce good yields in cooler climates. The following seed and seed potatoes were planted: Potatoes: Variety: 04671, Superior from Jung Seed, Co. of Randolph, Wis. Green Beans: Variety: 01020N, Blue Lake 274 from Jung Seed, Co. of Randolph, Wis. Sweet Corn: Variety: 01805N, Butter & Sugar from Jung Seed, Co. of Randolph, Wis. Tomatoes: Variety: 00426A, Lot 10-426-A, Legend (Determinate) from Jung Seed, Co. of Randolph, Wis. Variety: Celebrity plants from Dans Feed Bin of Superior, Wis. Plants were approximately 8 inches to 10 inches in height.

Tomato Plants from Seed


On April 5, Legend tomato seeds were planted in ve ats of 3.5-inch by 3.5-inch pots, for a total of 90 plants. The growing medium was Pro-Mix (PGX) Professional potting soil Part #0463 from Quakertown, Pa., topped with Country Cottage Sphagnum Peat Moss from Lancaster, Pa. Seeds were planted approximately 0.5 inches under the surface of the soil. Water was added to the ats by capillary action until the planting media was moist. The ats were placed into the growth area with heating mats under the ats. Fluorescent growth lamps illuminated a plastic drape over the growing area to maintain a temperature of 27.2C (81F) See Figure 6 Heat Mats: (2) 20.75 inches wide x 48 inches long from Hydrofarm , Petaluma, Calif. Nine-Sylvania 40W GRO-LUX F40 GRO Seven-VitaLite 40W DuroLite Light Duration: 14 hours per day Temperature = 27.2C (81F) as measured by a Taylor analog dial thermometer Temperature and soil moisture checked every day
Figure 6: Newly-planted tomato seeds

Initial emergence of the tomato plants occurred April 9, with a germination rate of 85.6 percent by April 12. An additional six seeds were planted the next day to replace the non-germinated seeds. AGGRAND personnel prepared to fertilize the plants that had developed at least two true leaves 25 milliliters (mL) of diluted fertilizer via graduated cylinder. The plants were separated, measured for length and tagged for a specic fertilizer treatment with either AGGRAND Natural Fertilizer (NOF, Lot 852-033), leading chemical fertilizer or none (control) with 28 plants in each category. The formulation used for the AGGRAND seedling fertilization was 5 mL of Natural Fertilizer to 1,000 mL of distilled water, mixed well and placed into a laboratory squeeze bottle. Using a 25 mL graduated cylinder, 25 mL of the solution was added to each plant. The chemical fertilizer called for 1 gram of powdered material to 946 mL of distilled water, mixed thoroughly. Each plant designated to receive inorganic fertilization received 25 mL of this solution. The fertilization and measuring process was repeated on May 3. As the plants increased in height the growth lamps were raised accordingly. 6 AGGRAND Vegetable Productivity Study

On May 10, the heat mats were turned off in the growth chamber to begin the hardening process. The temperature was reduced from 27.2C (81F) to 23C (73.4F) with the soil temperature ranging from 20.5C (68.9F) to 22.2C (72F). During the afternoon of May 17, the tomato plants were placed on a pallet and placed outdoors in a shaded area for a couple of hours to harden. This process was repeated on May 18, May 20 and May 21 for periods of 3.5 hours, 4 hours and 8.25 hours, respectively. The best 24 tomato plants for each plot were selected and sorted on May 24. Because of their long stems, the plants were planted into holes one-foot deep. Wire supports were placed around each plant. Ambient temperature was approximately 60F and sky was overcast, with fog. During the previous evening 0.25 inches of rain fell. Each plant was fertilized with an AGGRAND fertilizer solution of 180 mL of Natural Organic Fertilizer (NOF, 4-3-3) (measured with a 250 mL graduated cylinder), 120 mL of Natural Liquid Bonemeal (NBM, 0-12-0) (measured with a 250 mL graduated cylinder) and 60 mL of Kelp and Sulfate of Potash (NKP, 0-0-8) (measured with a 100 mL graduated cylinder) into 6,000 mL of tap water. The solution was mixed thoroughly and 1,000 mL of solution (measured with a 1,000 mL graduated cylinder) was applied to the base of each plant (AMSOIL, 2010). The same procedure occurred for the control plants using 1,000 mL of tap water for each plant. This fertilization procedure was also followed for the chemical fertilizer with a formula of 17.96 grams of powdered fertilizer (weighed using an AND FX3000i digital balance, serial number 15610355) and 6,000 mL of tap water according to the manufacturers instructions. The tomato plants were evaluated on May 28 to determine the effects of transplanting into the growth plots. Eight AGGRAND plants were dead or close to death, all control plants were alive and viable for continued growth and seven of the chemically fertilized plants were dead. All tomato plants were watered with 1,000 mL of tap water. On June 1, all of the tomato plants appeared to be stressed and had soft, wet, succulent tissue. The three best-performing Legend plants of Figure 7: Measuring depth of hole for potatoes each fertilizer regime were kept and 36 Celebrity tomato plants were purchased from Dans Feed Bin, Superior, Wis. Each growth plot received 12 plants, approximately 8 to 10 inches tall. Each plant was watered with 1,000 mL tap water after planting. On June 2, all tomato plants were fertilized with 1,000 mL of solution as described above.

Potatoes: Preparation and Planting


Seed potatoes arrived during the week of April 25 from Jung Seed Company. On May 4, each seed potato was cut in half for a total of 126 pieces that contained several eyes. The cut seed potatoes were stored in a dark, cool, dry area on trays. On May 18, the seed potatoes were planted eight inches deep and covered with with three inches of soil. Four rows of seven plants were planted in each timber box. (See Table 1 for detailed planting data.) Seed potatoes were fertilized with an AGGRAND solution of 180 mL of Natural Organic Fertilizer (measured with a 250 mL graduated cylinder), 120 mL of Natural Liquid Bonemeal (measured with a 250 mL graduated cylinder) and 60 mL of Kelp and Sulfate of Potash (measured with a 100 mL graduated cylinder) into 6,000 mL of tap water. The solution was mixed thoroughly and 1,000 mL of solution (measured with a 1,000 mL graduated cylinder) was applied to the base of each plant. (AMSOIL, 2010) The control plants received only 1,000 mL of tap water per plant. The same fertilization procedure was followed for the chemical fertilizer with a formula of 17.96 grams of powdered fertilizer (weighed using an AND FX3000i digital balance, serial number 15610355) and 6,000 mL of tap water. (See Figures 7 and 8)

Figure 8: Method of fertilization for potato plots

AGGRAND Vegetable Productivity Study 7

Sowing Corn and Beans


Sweet corn and bush beans were sowed May 25. Four rows of each plant per fertilizer type were established. Seed was placed about one inch beneath the soil surface, covered and rmly packed by hand. (See Table 1 for planting specics and Figures 9 and 10 below:)
Figure 9: Corn seed spacing Figure 10: Bean seed spacing

Each row of the AGGRAND plot was fertilized with a solution of 180 mL of Natural Fertilizer (measured with a 250 mL graduated cylinder), 120 mL of Natural Liquid Bonemeal (measured with a 250 mL graduated cylinder) and 60 mL of Kelp and Sulfate of Potash (measured with a 100 mL graduated cylinder) and 6,000 mL of tap water. The solution was mixed thoroughly and each row of corn and beans was fertilized using a sprinkler can to evenly distribute the solution along the length of the row (AMSOIL, 2010). The control plants received 6,000 mL of tap water per row. The same fertilization procedure was followed for the chemical fertilizer with a formula of 17.96 grams of powdered fertilizer (weighed using an AND FX3000i digital balance, serial number 15610355) and 6,000 mL of tap water. (See Figures 11 and 12 below)
Figure 11: Row fertilization technique Figure 12: Fertilizing with leading inorganic

8 AGGRAND Vegetable Productivity Study

Growth Plot Maintenance


By June 2 all plots were seeded, and all tomato plants were in place according to Table 1.
Table 1: Planting summary

Crop
Corn Beans Tomatoes Potatoes

Row Spacing (ft)


2 2 2 2

Seed/Plant Spacing (in)


6 4 24 15

Seeds or Plants per Row


17 25 4 7

Seeds/Plants per Plot


64 100 15 28

Total Seeds/ Plants


192 300 45 84

Growth Plot Maintenance


After all plants and seeds were established, precipitation, routine weeding, cultivating and watering were monitored and are summarized in Table 2.
Table 2: Plot maintenance summary
Date 23-May 25-May 28-May 28-May 1-Jun 2-Jun 4-Jun 5-Jun 7-Jun 8-Jun 13-June 18-Jun 21-Jun 22-Jun 24-Jun 25-Jun 3-Jul 10-Jul 14-Jul 15-Jul 24-Jul 27-Jul 31-Jul 7-Aug 10-Aug 14-Aug 18-Aug 20-Aug 31-Aug 2-Sep 6-Sep 17-Sep 23-Sep 0.13 1.75 1.00 2.70 0.50 0.30 1.10 1.10 0.13 0.30 0.85 0.40 1.40 Removed excess blooms and pruned tomato plants 0.20 1.75 0.40 Trace 0.40 Weeded and cultivated all plots 1.00 1.60 the 0.85 Hilled potatoes, all plots Hail storm 0.75 0.50 Weeded and cultivated all plots 6000 Rain (in) 0.25 Trace 6000/1000 Each row of corn, beans, potatoes. 1000 mL ea tomato plant 3 potatoes emerged in AGGRAND Plot Corn and beans germinated in all plots Each row of corn, beans, potatoes. Fertilized tomato plants Watering (mL) Comments

AGGRAND Vegetable Productivity Study 9

Fertilizer Application Tables


Tables 3, 4, 5 and 6 summarize fertilizer applications and general formulas used for each plot. Percent indicates the amount of fertilizer to water as specied in tables 7, 8 and 9. Date of application shown in red.
Table 3: Planting soiling application

Crop Potato

AGGRAND 5/18 3% NOF 2% NBM 1% NKP 6/2 3% NOF 2% NBM 1% NKP 5/25 3% NOF 2% NBM 1% NKP 5/25 3% NOF 2% NBM 1% NKP

Leading Chemical 5/18 0.3% solution

Control 5/18 Water only

Tomato

6/2 0.3% solution

6/2 Water only

Beans

5/25 0.3% solution

5/25 Water only

Corn

5/25 0.3% solution

5/25 Water only

Table 4: Second application foliar feeding

Crop Potato

AGGRAND 6/18 3% NOF 1% NLL @ 2 weeks 7/1 2% NOF 2% NBM @ 1st bloom 7/13 One week before bloom 2% NOF 2% NKP 6/18 3% NOF 2% NBM 1% NKP @ 2 weeks

Leading Chemical 6/18 0.3% solution @ 2 weeks 6/18 0.3% solution @ 2 weeks 6/18 0.3% solution @ 2 weeks 6/18 0.3% solution @ 2 weeks

Control 6/18 Water only 6/18 Water only 6/18 Water only 6/18 Water only

Tomato

Beans

Corn

Table 5: Third application foliar feeding

Crop Potato

AGGRAND 7/2 3% NOF 1% NLL @ 4 weeks 7/21 2% NOF 2% NLL @ full bloom 8/2 One week before 2nd bloom 2% NOF 2% NKP 7/2 3% NOF 2% NBM 1% NKP @ 4 weeks

Leading Chemical 7/2 0.3% solution @ 4 weeks 7/2 0.3% solution @ 4 weeks 7/2 0.3% solution @ 4 weeks 7/2 0.3% solution @ 4 weeks

Control 7/2 Water only 7/2 Water only 7/2 Water only

Tomato

Beans

Corn

7/2 Water only

10 AGGRAND Vegetable Productivity Study

Table 6: Fourth application foliar feeding

Crop Potato

AGGRAND 7/16 3% NOF 1% NLL @ 6 weeks 7/29 2% NKP during fruit ll None 7/16 3% NOF 2% NBM 1% NKP @ 6 weeks

Leading Chemical 7/16 0.3% solution @ 6 weeks 7/16 0.3% solution @ 6 weeks 7/16 0.3% solution @ 6 weeks 7/16 0.3% solution @ 6 weeks

Control 7/16 Water only 7/16 Water only 7/16 Water only 7/16 Water only

Tomato Beans Corn

For beans, corn and potatoes, 6,000 mL of chemical fertilizer mix were applied with a watering can per row. For tomatoes, 1,000 mL (measured with a 1,000 mL graduated cylinder) was applied per plant. Control applications followed the same timing and volume as the chemical fertilizer and were treated with tap water through the growing season. Several AGGRAND fertilizer applications did not follow the prescribed schedule exactly because of frequent rains. (Table 2) The chemical fertilizer was applied at regular two-week intervals after the initial planting and establishment of the plants. Tables 7, 8 and 9 summarize the fertilizer formulations employed on the growth plots.
Table 7: AGGRAND fertilizer application timing and formulations

Vegetable Potatoes Tomatoes Beans Corn Potatoes Tomatoes Beans Corn Potatoes Tomatoes Beans Corn Potatoes Tomatoes Corn Beans

Stage Planting Planting Planting Planting at 2 weeks at 1st Bloom one week before 1st bloom at 2 weeks at 4 weeks at full Bloom one week before 2nd bloom at 4 weeks at 6 weeks during fruit ll at 6 weeks one week before 3rd bloom

Water (mL) NOF(1) (mL) 5640 5640 5640 5640 5760 5760 5760 5640 5760 5700 5760 5640 5760 5880 5640 180 180 180 180 180 180 120 120 180 180 180 120 180 180

NBM(2) (mL) 120 120 120 120 120

NKP(3) (mL) 60 60 60 60

NLL(4) (mL)

Amount/row or plant 1,000 mL/ plant 1,000 mL/ plant 6,000 mL/row 6,000 mL/row

60 120 120 60 60 120 120 120 60 60 120 120 60

6,000 mL/row 1,000 mL/plant 6,000 mL/row 6,000 mL/row 6,000 mL/row 1,000 mL/plant 6,000 mL/row 6,000 mL/row 6,000 mL/row 1,000 mL/plant 6,000 mL/row None

(1) AGGRAND Natural Organic Fertilizer (4-3-3) (2) AGGRAND Natural Bonemeal (0-12-0) (3) AGGRAND Natural Kelp and Sulfate of Potash (0-0-8) (4) AGGRAND Natural Liquid Lime

AGGRAND Vegetable Productivity Study 11

Table 8: Leading chemical fertilizer application timing and formulations

Vegetable Potatoes Tomatoes Beans Corn Potatoes Tomatoes Beans Corn Potatoes Tomatoes Beans Corn Potatoes Tomatoes Corn Beans

Stage at planting at planting at planting at planting at 2 weeks at 2 weeks at 2 weeks at 2 weeks at 4 weeks at 4 weeks at 4 weeks at 4 weeks at 6 weeks at 6 weeks at 6 weeks at 6 weeks

Water (mL) 6,000 6,000 6,000 6,000 6,000 6,000 6,000 6,000 6,000 6,000 6,000 6,000 6,000 6,000 6,000 6,000

Fertilizer (g) 17.96 17.96 17.96 17.96 17.96 17.96 17.96 17.96 17.96 17.96 17.96 17.96 17.96 17.96 17.96 17.96

Amount/row or plant 1,000 mL/ plant 1,000 mL/ plant 6,000 mL/row 6,000 mL/row 6,000 mL/row 1,000 mL/plant 6,000 mL/row 6,000 mL/row 6,000 mL/row 1,000 mL/plant 6,000 mL/row 6,000 mL/row 6,000 mL/row 1,000 mL/plant 6,000 mL/row 6,000 mL/row

Table 9: Control plot fertilizer application timing and formulations

Vegetable Potatoes Tomatoes Beans Corn Potatoes Tomatoes Beans Corn Potatoes Tomatoes Beans Corn Potatoes Tomatoes Corn Beans

Stage at planting at planting at planting at planting at 2 weeks at 2 weeks at 2 weeks at 2 weeks at 4 weeks at 4 weeks at 4 weeks at 4 weeks at 6 weeks at 6 weeks at 6 weeks at 6 weeks

Water (mL) 6,000 6,000 6,000 6,000 6,000 6,000 6,000 6,000 6,000 6,000 6,000 6,000 6,000 6,000 6,000 6,000

Fertilizer none none none none none none none none none none none none none none none none

Amount/row or plant 1,000 mL/ plant 1,000 mL/ plant 6,000 mL/row 6,000 mL/row 6,000 mL/row 1,000 mL/plant 6,000 mL/row 6,000 mL/row 6,000 mL/row 1,000 mL/plant 6,000 mL/row 6,000 mL/row 6,000 mL/row 1,000 mL/plant 6,000 mL/row 6,000 mL/row

12 AGGRAND Vegetable Productivity Study

During the late afternoon of June 24, a heavy thunderstorm produced hail and damaged many of the plants in the growth plots. Fortunately, the vegetables were not owering at this time and long-term damage was held to a minimum. See Figures 13, 14, 15, and 16.
Figure 13: Damaged sweet corn Figure 14: Damaged tomato plant

Figure 15: Damaged green bean plants

Figure 16: Damaged potato plants

On October 7, after all crops had been harvested and prior to tilling each planting bed, soil samples were taken from each crop area in each bed. Samples from nine evenly spaced points were obtained (Figure 17), mixed and forwarded to Midwest Laboratories for analysis to determine percent organic matter; available phosphorus (weak and strong Bray); exchangeable potassium, hydrogen, magnesium and calcium; pH; buffer index; cation exchange capacity (CEC); percent base saturation of cation elements; carryover nitrogen as nitrate; micronutrient analysis of sulfur, manganese, boron, zinc, iron and copper; and evaluation of excess lime and soluble salts. A total of 12 post-harvest samples were tested; all soil samples are summarized in Tables 16 and 17.

Figure 17: Fall 2010 soil sampling

AGGRAND Vegetable Productivity Study 13

Results and Discussion


Tomatoes
Evaluation of tomato performance not only included the amount and size of fruit formed, but also plant growth rate and vigor of the Legend plants grown from seed. As already stated, initial emergence of the tomato plants occurred on April 9 and on April 12, the germination percentage was determined to be 85.6 percent. On April 19, plants were measured for height and separated into three groups of 29 destined for the three fertilizer treatments. This data was recorded and averaged. Fertilizer was applied on April 19, and on May 3, the height of each plant was re-measured with the data being averaged for each fertilizer type. Figure 18 summarizes seedling height per fertilizer.
Figure 18: Tomato start growth

The image in Figure 19 was taken on May 10 to demonstrate the relative height and vigor of the tomato plants with differing fertilization systems. The AGGRAND-treated plants appear taller than both the control and chemically fertilized plants, while the AGGRAND and chemically fertilized plants have more abundant and greener foliage than the control plants.
Figure 19: Tomato plants prior to being transplanted

14 AGGRAND Vegetable Productivity Study

Tomato seedlings were transplanted the last week of May because of the potential for frost and to provide ample time to acclimate to outdoor growing conditions. As seen in Figure 19, the plants were of adequate size to be planted in the garden plots; however, the delay in transplanting caused the plants to become spindly, with the plant tissue becoming soft and succulent. Figure 20 shows the tomato plants during the hardening process and the weakness of the plant stems.
Figure 20: Tomato plants during the hardening process

After planting, the majority of the starts showed substantial stress, died or were dying. Each plot retained three Legend tomato plants and each had 12 Celebrity tomato plants added. All 15 plants in each growth plot survived and produced fruit. Over the growing season, the AGGRAND-fertilized plants showed more vigor and were larger overall than the chemically fertilized or control tomatoes. On July 13, plant height and relative vigor were ranked on a one to ve scale where ve was the best and zero was a dead plant. AGGRAND Fertilizer Specialist Walter Sandbeck measured vigor by evaluating leaf color (intensity of green), leaf number, height, owering, plant rmness and stem diameter. The AGGRAND plants, even though suffering from hail damage, were ranked with vigor values of ve and ranged from 12 inches to 23 inches in height. All plants were blooming and several were in post-bloom stage. The chemically fertilized plants were given a vigor rank of four, with one plant having a rating of three. The plants had more maturity variation than the AGGRAND plants, with some in pre-bloom stage and three with small fruit emerging. Height of these plants ranged from 12 inches to 20 inches. Control plants were visually less appealing than AGGRAND or the chemically fertilized plants. Overall vigor was ranked between three and four, with half of the plants in pre-bloom stage and the remaining in bloom. Two control plants had one 0.375 inch and one 0.675 inch tomato per plant. Plant height ranged from 10 inches to 20 inches. On August 25, the rst tomatoes were harvested. The following criteria were developed to evaluate the performance of each plot: 1) Tomatoes should be orange or red on the vine at the time of harvest. 2) Fruit on the ground will be counted and measured, even when green. 3) Will harvest all, including green fruit, when a freeze is imminent. 4) Determine number, weight and maximum diameter for each tomato per plot. 5) Determine degrees Brix of one tomato from each plot per picking day. AGGRAND Vegetable Productivity Study 15

Tomatoes
Figure 21: Tomatoes at various ripening stages

Each tomato was weighed using an AND FX3000i digital balance, serial #15610355, and the maximum diameter was measured with a Mitutoyo Corporation Digimatic Caliper, Model CD-6 CSX, Serial #07435188. The diameter was measured perpendicular to the axis of the stem and center core of the fruit. See Figure 22. Tomatoes fertilized with the AGGRAND fertilization system produced fruit in greater numbers which equated to more total weight when compared to plants that were fertilized with the chemical product. As expected, the control plants fared the worst as far as quantity, but produced a slightly larger and heavier tomato. Average sugar content as measured by degrees Brix was slightly lower for the AGGRAND-treated tomatoes when compared to tomatoes grown in the other plots. Differences in quality are noticed when at least 2 to 4 degrees Brix between fruit samples are taste-tested (International Ag Labs, 2010).
Table 11: Final tomato results

Figure 22: Measuring maximum tomato diameter

Fertilizer

Total Number 792 630 404

Total Weight (g) 128,914.69 105,662.33 71,340.12

Total Weight (lbs) 284.00 232.70 157.10

Ave. Brix 5.3 5.5 5.4

Ave. Weight (g) 162.77 167.72 176.58

Ave. Diameter (mm) 71.59 71.63 72.47

AGGRAND Chemical Control

16 AGGRAND Vegetable Productivity Study

Green Beans
On June 1, most of the sowed bean seeds had germinated; some seeds were washed away or moved within the planting row due to heavy rains. Total germination of the AGGRAND plot was 83 percent; total germination for both the chemical fertilizer and control plots was 80 percent. On July 13, the green bean plants were measured and relative vigor rankings were determined on a one to ve scale where ve was the best and zero was a dead plant. The AGGRAND-fertilized plants, showed some signs of hail damage, but the majority of them (over 60 percent) were given a rank of ve, were owering and were 8 inches to 12 inches tall. The remainder of the plants ranked from one to four, with the majority ranking three to four with dark green foliage and little or no pest damage. The plants fertilized with the leading chemical product were healthy with little pest damage. Eighty percent received a vigor ranking of four, with many of the plants owering. Average height was six inches to eight inches, and the foliage was lighter green than the AGGRAND-fertilized plot. There were few plants ranked three and two, but most plants that were not ranked a four were ranked as a small plant (one). Control plants were visually less appealing than the AGGRAND or the chemically fertilized plants. The foliage was lighter green; over 88 percent of the plants were given a vigor ranking of three; and a number of plants were blooming. All plots were producing 0.5-inch to one-inch beans on July 20. See Figure 23.
Figure 23: Green bean plant comparison

AGGRAND plot

Chemical fertilizer plot

Commenced harvest on July 26 by picking beans that were at least four inches long. Attempted to harvest every Monday, Wednesday and Friday when weather conditions were favorable. On August 30, the harvesting was deemed completed when the plants yielded very few fruit and were degrading. See Figure 24.
Figure 24: Green bean harvest

The AGGRAND ferilized plot produced more, larger, heavier beans than the other growth plots. Due to the overall high fertility of the soil, the yields were very good for all plots. Average sugar content, as measured by percent Brix, was slightly lower for AGGRAND when compared to the other growth plots; this difference, however, would not be discernable by taste.

Table 12: Final green bean results

Fertilizer

Total Number 4196 3766 3506

Total Weight (g) 14,666.42 12,653.17 11,077.96

Total Weight (lbs) 32.33 27.90 24.42

Ave. Brix 5.4 5.6 5.7

Ave. Weight (g) 3.50 3.36 3.16

Ave. Diameter (mm) 71.59 71.63 72.47

AGGRAND Chemical Control

AGGRAND Vegetable Productivity Study 17

Potatoes
As previously stated, potatoes were planted on May 18, before all other crops. Growth rate and plant vigor comparisons were conducted when the plants started to emerge around June 1. Rapid plant growth occurred from June 1 to June 6. Figure 25 compares plant development per fertilizer/growth plot. Over the growing season, the AGGRAND potatoes showed more vigor and were larger overall than the chemically fertilized or control plants. On July 13 the plants were measured and relative vigor rankings were determined on a one to ve scale where ve was the best and zero was a dead plant. Again, AGGRAND plants, even though showing some signs of hail damage, were given a ranking of ve and were approximately 24 inches tall. Six plants were blooming. The chemically fertilized plants were given a vigor ranking of four. Fifty percent of them were blooming and they were between 12 inches and 18 inches tall. Control plants were visually less vigorous than the AGGRAND or the chemically fertilized plants. Overall vigor was ranked at three, with 11 out of the 28 plants blooming. Plant height ranged from 10 inches to 16 inches. Plant height and vigor had less variation within each plot, but showed distinct difference from plot to plot. Due to the excess moisture, as the growing season progressed, the plant leaves turned a brownish green and curled. By the end of August, dieback was obvious in all plots, but the AGGRAND-fertilized potato plants produced new, prolic shoots and leaves.
Figure 25: Potato plant comparison

18 AGGRAND Vegetable Productivity Study

On September 30, harvest was conducted when the control and chemically fertilized plants had essentially died back. See Figure 26.
Figure 26: Potato harvest

Yield comparison was determined by weighing each potato using an AND FX3000i digital balance, serial #15610355 and measuring their maximum length (See Figure 27). Sugar content was determined with an Atago ATC-1E Hand Refractometer that measured degrees Brix 0 to 32. See the yield summary in Table 13.
Figure 27: Measuring maximum potato length Table 13: Final potato results

Fertilizer

Total Number 228 169 137

Total Weight (g) 25,083.52 21,822.27 17,840.69

Total Weight (lbs) 55.25 48.07 39.30

Ave Brix 5.2 5.2 4.0

Ave Weight (g) 110.02 129.13 130.22

Ave Length (cm) 6.69 6.94 7.32

AGGRAND Chemical Control

Figure 28

Potato plots fertilized with the AGGRAND fertilization system produced greater numbers and naturally equated to more total weight when compared to the plots fertilized with the chemical product. As expected, the control plants fared the worst as far as quantity, but produced a slightly larger and heavier potato. Average sugar content as measured by degrees Brix was slightly lower for the control when compared to the other growth plots, but this difference would not be discernable by taste. AGGRAND and control programs yielded potatoes with less scabbing. See Figure 28.

AGGRAND

Control

Chemical Fertilizer AGGRAND Vegetable Productivity Study 19

Sweet Corn
On June 1, most of the sowed corn seeds had germinated; however, heavy rains forced some to move within the planting row and required they be reset at the proper depth and spacing. Total germination of the AGGRAND plot was 100 percent; one seed failed to germinate in the chemical fertilizer plot and three seeds failed to germinate in the control plot. On July 13, the corn plants were measured and relative vigor rankings were determined on a one to ve scale where ve was the best and zero was a dead plant. All AGGRAND-fertilized plants were given a ranking of ve and ranged from 10 inches to 28 inches tall. The plants fertilized with the leading chemical product were healthy, with 100 percent receiving a vigor ranking of four, ranging from 10 inches to 20 inches tall and a few were multi-stemmed. The foliage was lighter green than the AGGRAND-fertilized plants. Control plants were noticeably light green in color when compared to the AGGRAND or the chemically fertilized plants. Overall vigor was given a ranking of three with the plants ranging in height from 8 inches to 18 inchesnoticeably shorter than the AGGRAND and chemically fertilized corn. Additional observations were conducted regarding the formation of tassels and corn cobs throughout the growing season. On July 20, the AGGRAND corn plants were the only producers of tassels; 31 percent of the plants were at this stage of development. Investigation on August 3 revealed that 11 AGGRAND corn plants were forming cobs, while one chemically fertilized plant was observed at this state, and no control plants were forming distinct cobs at this time. The AGGRAND-fertilized corn was much more developed than the other plots. Harvest was conducted on September 8 to avoid Figure 29: Ear size comparison the corn becoming overdeveloped and starchy. The cob size was monitored carefully to provide the best-tasting product possible.

Figure 30: Corn harvest

20 AGGRAND Vegetable Productivity Study

Parameters measured include cob weight using an AND FX3000i digital balance, serial #15610355, cob length, total weight per row, total weight and number per fertilizer type along with average kernel count of the ve largest cobs from each row, and average cob length and weight. Maximum cob length was determined by using the apparatus in Figure 31. Corn fertilized with the AGGRAND fertilization system Figure 31: Measuring maximum corn cob length produced a greater number of total and edible ears that had a greater number of kernels than the chemically fertilized plants. Average ear length and weight were also greater for the AGGRAND plot. Figure 29 shows the ear size comparison from row 1 (south) of each plot. Note that the AGGRAND plot had 18 ears full of kernels, while the chemical and control plots had nine and eight full cobs, respectively. The best-quality ears are shown in Figure 30. As expected, the control plants with no fertilizer being added fared the worst as far as quantity and quality. The control corn stalks were brittle and easily broken, while the AGGRAND stalks were the strongest. The chemically fertilized corn had the only smut on the ears (3); one small smut spot on an AGGRAND stalk was evident. Row four (north) of all growth plots had a few ear worms
Table 14

Plot AGGRAND Leading Chemical Control


Table 15

Total Ears Total Wt. (g) Total Wt. (lbs) Ave. Ear Wt. (g) 101 97 57 14887.97 10562.29 5803.37 32.79 23.26 12.78 147.41 108.89 101.81

Ave. Ear Length (cm) 15.95 15.10 14.61

Ave Length (cm) 6.69 6.94 7.32

Plot AGGRAND Leading Chemical Control

Edible Ear Wt. (lbs.) 31.40 21.75 12.19

Ave. Edible Ear Wt. (g) 200.80 161.84 134.98

Ave. Edible Ear length (cm) 17.56 17.15 16.30

Ave. # Kernels 526 476 429

Ave. Ear Length (cm) 15.95 15.10 14.61

Ave Length (cm) 6.69 6.94 7.32

*** Edible Ears are greater than 50 grams in weight and may or may not be completely lled with kernels
Figure 32 Figure 33

AGGRAND Vegetable Productivity Study 21

Harvest Summary
See Figures 34 and 35 for harvest summary for all crops and fertilizer systems.
Figure 34: Yield comparison by number

Figure 35: Yield comparison by number

22 AGGRAND Vegetable Productivity Study

Soil Analysis
As previously mentioned, soil sampling and analysis was conducted after the soil was incorporated into the planters and after harvest. Nine samples of each plot were taken in the spring, and nine samples per crop per planter were obtained in the fall after harvest. See Figures 36 and 37.
Figure 36: Soil analysis probe/bucket Figure 37: Soil sample, 6 inches deep

Table 16: Soil analysis aummary


Phosphorus Plot AGGRAND Tomatoes Potatoes Beans Corn Control Tomatoes Potatoes Beans Corn Chemical Tomatoes Potatoes Beans Corn Date 4/27 10/16 10/16 10/16 10/16 4/27 10/16 10/16 10/16 10/16 4/27 10/16 10/16 10/16 10/16 OM 8.1 8.2 8.0 8.4 7.9 7.5 8.4 8.6 8.2 8.5 7.1 7.6 7.6 7.5 7.9 P1 9 51 23 32 40 9 10 14 14 10 9 13 12 14 15 P2 36 106 54 77 105 27 27 32 28 27 28 27 31 31 27 Exchangeable Cations (ppm) K 106 219 136 197 231 90 68 66 99 67 108 56 91 95 65 Mg 158 258 159 166 233 151 126 121 142 109 146 119 137 126 122 Ca 3228 3127 2930 3064 3378 3235 3192 3173 3377 2952 3003 2830 3285 2911 3092 Na 45 20 25 19 31 45 20 20 22 17 49 18 19 19 22 Soil 7.8 7.6 7.8 7.8 8.0 7.8 8.0 8.2 8.1 8.2 7.9 8.0 8.0 8.0 8.0 pH Buffer Index CEC 16.7 18.4 16.4 17.3 19.6 17.9 17.3 17.1 18.4 15.9 16.7 15.4 17.9 15.9 16.7 ppm 40 11 17 20 14 40 5 7 14 5 30 5 8 9 6 Nitrate - N lb/a 72 20 31 36 25 72 9 13 25 9 54 9 14 16 11 total lb/a 72 20 31 36 25 72 9 13 25 9 54 9 14 16 11

AGGRAND Vegetable Productivity Study 23

Table 17: Soil analysis summary


% Base Saturation Plot AGGRAND Tomatoes Potatoes Beans Corn Control Tomatoes Potatoes Beans Corn Chemical Tomatoes Potatoes Beans Corn Date 4/27 10/16 10/16 10/16 10/16 4/27 10/16 10/16 10/16 10/16 4/27 10/16 10/16 10/16 10/16 K 1.7 3.1 2.1 2.9 3.0 1.3 1 1 1.4 1.1 1.7 0.9 1.3 1.5 1.0 Mg 7.3 11.7 8.1 8.0 9.9 7.0 6.1 5.9 6.4 5.7 7.3 6.4 6.4 6.6 6.1 Ca 89.7 84.7 89.1 88.6 86.4 90.6 92.4 92.6 91.7 92.7 89.7 92.2 91.8 91.4 92.3 H 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 Na 1.3 0.5 0.7 0.5 0.7 1.1 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 1.3 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.6 S 254 38 68 38 68 268 64 53 35 45 216 50 54 43 61 Micronutrients (ppm) Zn 1.2 1.8 1.0 0.9 1.2 1.1 0.8 0.6 0.6 0.5 1.3 0.6 1.9 0.6 0.5 Mn 2 2 1 1 1 2 1 1 2 1 5 1 1 1 1 Fe 134 76 80 78 86 123 66 62 75 55 142 57 97 56 55 Cu 1.1 0.9 0.6 0.7 0.9 1 0.7 0.7 0.8 0.6 1.4 0.6 1.4 0.7 0.6 B 1.6 0.7 0.8 0.8 0.8 1.5 0.8 0.8 0.9 0.7 1.5 0.7 0.8 0.8 0.8 Excess Lime L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L Soluble Salts mmhos/cm 0.9 0.4 0.6 0.5 0.5 0.9 0.5 0.5 0.3 0.3 0.9 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.3 Rate L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L

With the addition of AGGRAND fertilizers, soil fertility was maintained in spite of the plants removing the nutrients throughout the growing season and in some cases it improved over the growing months compared to the chemically fertilized and control plots. Most notable were the increases in the levels of phosphorus, potassium and magnesium. The dramatic increase in phosphorus could be attributed to the addition of the AGGRAND fertilizers, while the other plots saw only a marginal increase. These marginal increases could be due to seasonal effects of increased biological activity. In all plots, some micronutrient, nitrate levels and soluble salts decreased from the spring to the fall harvest. The reduction could be attributed to plant uptake and to nutrient leaching associated with watering and rain movement through the soil layer.

24 AGGRAND Vegetable Productivity Study

Conclusions
This study shows that the AGGRAND fertilization program, as outlined in The Gardening Guide (AMSOIL, 2010), increased yield in terms of vegetable number and total harvest weight when compared to the leading chemical fertilizer for these garden vegetables and soil type. Average weight and size of the green beans and corn were higher, while the overall size of the tomatoes and potatoes was slightly smaller, but not signicant. The leading chemical product used in this study is easy to apply. It is comprised of soluble salts that rapidly dissolve in water. Application frequency is also straightforward by the simple addition of the product every two weeks during the growing season. The AGGRAND system enhances the soil environment, but requires the grower to monitor plant development, ower bloom and fruit growth for timely fertilizer applications, which is directly correlated to improved yield. The incorporation of nutrients into plants from the soil and fertilizer has been studied for decades and is well documented. In order to transport nutrients to the plant cells, mineral compounds must be dissolved in water to form ions. There are three ways ions move to the root. One is by root interception or simple contact of the ionic solution with the root. As roots grow and expand there will be an increasing chance that soil water containing nutrient ions will interact with a root and its hairs, enabling the plant to grow at an increasing rate. Second, when the plant is transpiring water from the leaves, water is simultaneously being drawn through the stem and root, pulling water and nutrients from the soil. This mechanism is called mass ow. Last, diffusion occurs when nutrients are transported from an area of high ion concentration away from the root, toward the root and an area of low ion concentration (due to the plants intake of the nutrient ions) (Havlin, et al 2005). The mechanisms employed to transport the nutrients are the same for the leading chemical fertilizer, AGGRAND fertilizers, and existing soil nutrients without supplemental inputs such as the control plot. Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium ratios (N,P,K) of the fertilizers employed in this study were 4-3-3, 0-12-0, and 0-0-8 for the AGGRAND program, and 24-8-16 for the leading chemical fertilizer. Summing the fertilizer applications performed throughout the study, one would expect the 24-8-16 product to produce more vegetables due to the greater amount of nutrient ions introduced into the soil. With all plots being the same, with the exception of fertilizer inputs, there appear to be factors that enhanced the productivity of the AGGRAND vegetable plot beyond the simple addition of these elements. There are several factors that may have contributed to the increased production of the AGGRAND plot over the chemical fertilizer-grown vegetables. One is the treatment of the organic matter and the associated microorganisms in the soil. Organic matter is one of the most neglected and important components of the soil due to its seasonal release of plant nutrients. Soils and crops can survive, even when mismanaged, if sufcient organic matter is present (Albrecht, 1996). According to Kinsey and Walters (2009), Without an active organic matter system in the soil you cannot grow any crop at all, no matter how much nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus you add. The soil used in this study had ample, if not ideal amounts of organic matter, but organic matter in its non-decomposed form has little impact on the soils nutrient level. Many times organic matter and humus are considered synonymous, but in reality humus is the main driver of holding and supplying nutrients to the plant. Humus is decomposed organic matter that is the main source of naturally available nitrogen, phosphorus, sulfur, boron and zinc (Kinsey and Walters, 2009). Active organic matter, or humus, along with other soil nutrients is produced by the activity of organisms in the soil. Soil organisms ranging in size from the smallest bacteria to earthworms break down organic residues, consume other organisms and enrich the soil by their movement and death (Soil and Water Conservation Society, 2000). AGGRAND fertilizers incorporate sh, kelp, blood meal and other carbon sources that provide food for soil organisms, resulting in increased microbial activity, all while supplying necessary inorganic nutrients. The chemical fertilizer used in this study does not contribute organic compounds or carbon to the soil organisms. In fact, studies show that inorganic fertilizers, when used alone, negatively impact microbial populations. The use of organic fertilizer increases the nutrient level, the productive potential and microbial activity of the soil (Nakhro and Dkhar, 2010). Again, with the increase in organic and sustainable farming practices a greater awareness has developed regarding the use of chemical fertilizers and

AGGRAND Vegetable Productivity Study 25

pesticides. Among the reasons chemical fertilizers are prohibited in an organic agricultural system is their negative impact on microorganisms and earthworm populations (Bolen, et.al., 1996). According to Mder, et.al. (2002), who conducted a 21-year study in central Europe comparing organic to conventional farming systems, organically managed soils exhibit greater biological activity than the conventionally managed soils. Their study also revealed a 1.3- to 3.2-fold increase in the number of earthworms in the organic system as compared to conventionally farmed plots (Mder, et.al., 2002). Humic substances, which include humic and fulvic acids are derived from decomposed soil organic matter or peat and range from yellow to a dark brown to black in color (Jones, Jr., 2005, Rauthan and Schnitzer, 1981). The physical and chemical properties of these compounds are derived from the environment in which they were formed. Humic and fulvic acids are formulated into AGGRAND Kelp and Sulfate of Potash (NKP) and AGGRAND Natural Fertilizer (NOF), which may account for the increased yield when compared to the inorganic fertilizer. Studies show that humic and fulvic acids promote growth and increased microbial activity within the soil. Recent research has revealed that humic acids play a denite role in inuencing mineral nutrition, holding micronutrient metal ions, and the macronutrients nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. These compounds also inuence plant hormones, antioxidant status and photosynthetic capacity (Schmidt and Zhang, 1998). The inorganic product only provides nutrients via the dissolution of salts into ions. In the early 20th century it was found that humic substances inuence plant hormonal activity and increased mineral ion solubility, specically iron. Years of research has revealed that humic compounds enhance turf root development, and tree seedlings have a propensity to increase the absorption of key nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, calcium, zinc, iron, magnesium, potassium and copper. Specically, fulvic acid forms stable compounds containing iron, and enhances the uptake of this essential element through the plant from the roots system to the shoots. It has also been found that foliar spraying humic substances on the plant increase the chlorophyll content of the leaves, helping prevent chlorosis in corn plants by the increased uptake of magnesium and iron and making the plants more resistant to environmental stresses and disease (Schmidt and Zhang, 1998). Rauthan and Schnitzer (1981) reported that concentrations of fulvic acid ranging from 100 parts per million (ppm) to 300 ppm increased the growth and development of cucumber plants, above and below ground, but also found, at low concentrations, increased algal and microbial growth within the soil. In addition, the number of owers was increased which has a direct correlation to yield. Kelp, commonly known as seaweed, has been used for human consumption and as a soil amendment since the advent of civilization. Extracts of seaweed are still used in agriculture and detailed research on the benets of these extracts has been available since the early 1950s (Thirumaran, et.al., 2009, Senn, 1987). Commercially manufactured seaweed extracts for agricultural use have been employed for at least forty ve years (Reitz and Trimble, 1996). Numerous studies show that potassium, key micronutrients, plant hormones, growth regulators/promoters, carbohydrates, proteins and vitamins are supplied by kelp species such as the Ascophyllum nodosum that is formulated into AGGRAND Natural Fertilizer and AGGRAND Kelp and Sulfate of Potash (Thirumaran, et.al., 2009, Senn, 1987). Field trials show that foliar applications of seaweed extract to bananas increase fruit productivity and shorten the time to shoot development. Kelp soil applications resulted in increased crop yields of a diversity of crops including oranges, potatoes, tomatoes, sweet corn and peppers. Improved shelf-life and resistance to drought and disease are also realized when the proper amounts of kelp are added to a fertilization program (Senn, 1987). Some experts report greater leaf mass compared to control plants when studying Ascophyllum nodosum extracts on Henderson Bush lima beans (Reitz and Trumble, 1996). Finally, test plot soil fertility will be monitored from year to year. From the soil analyses obtained to date, AGGRAND fertilizers appear to contribute to soil fertility, or directly provide the plants with enough nutrients to sustain healthy growth. More study must be done to determine the long-term effects of fertilizer applications to these plots.

26 AGGRAND Vegetable Productivity Study

References
Albrecht, W.A. (1996). The Albrecht papers. (Vol. 1). Metairie, LA: Acres U.S.A. AMSOIL INC. (2010). The AGGRAND gardening guide. G1292. Superior, WI: AMSOIL, INC. Bolan, N.S., L.D. Currie, and S. Baskaran. (1996). Assessment of the inuence of phosphate fertilizers on the microbial activity of pasture soils. Biol. Fertil. Soils. 21: 284-292. Havlin, J.L., J.D. Beaton, S.L. Tisdale, and W.L. Nelson. (2005). Soil fertility and fertilizers, an introduction to nutrient management. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education. International Ag Labs, Inc. (2010). High brix chart. Available at: http://www.highbrixgardens.com/pdf/brixchart.pdf Jones, Jr., J.B. (2005). Hydroponics a practical guide for the soilless grower. Boco Raton, FL: CRC Press. Kinsey, N. and C. Walters. (2009). Hands on agronomy. Austin, TX: Acres U.S.A. Mder, P., A. Fliebach, D. Dubois, L. Gunst, P. Fried, and U. Niggli. (2002). Soil fertility and biodiversity in organic farming. Science. 296: 16941697. McLoughlin, A.J. and E. Kster. (1972). The effect of humic substances on the respiration and growth of microorganisms. Plant and Soil. 37: 17-25. Nakhro, N., and M.S. Dkhar. (2010). Impact of organic and inorganic fertilizers on microbial populations and biomass carbon in paddy eld soil. Journal of Agronomy. 9 (3): 102-110 National Stone Association. (1986). Aglime fact book. Washington, D.C.: National Stone Association. Organic Trade Association. (2010). Industry statistics and projected growth. Available at: http://www.ota. com/organic/faq.html Rauthan, B.S. and M. Schnitzer. (1981). Effects of a soil fulvic acid on the growth and nutrient content of cucumber (Cucumis sativus) plants. Plant and Soil. 63: 491-495. Reitz, S.R., and J.T. Trumble. (1996). Effects of Cytokinin-containing seaweed extract on Phaseolus lunatus L.: inuence of nutrient availability and apex removal. Botanica Marina. 39: 33-38. Schmidt, R.E. and X. Zhang. (1998). How humic substances help turfgrass grow. Golf Course Management. 66(7):65-67. Senn, T.L. (1987). Seaweed and plant growth. Clemson, SC: Senn. Soil and Water Conservation Society. (2000). Soil biology primer. Ankeny, IA: Soil and Water Conservation Society. The Rodale Institute. (2010). History of the Rodale Institute. Available at: http://www.rodaleinstitute.org/ about_us#history Thilmany, D. (2006). The U.S. organic industry: Important trends and emerging issues for the USDA . Colorado State University Agribusiness Marketing Report ABMR 06-01. Thirumaran, G., M. Arumugam, R. Arumugam, and P. Anantharaman. (2009). Effect of seaweed liquid fertilizer on growth and pigment concentration of Abelmoschus esculentus (I) medikus. AmericanEurasian Journal of Agronomy. 2(2): 57-66. United States Department of Agriculture. (20100. National Organic Program. Available at: http://www. ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/nop University of Wisconsin - Extension. (2010). What is organic farming? Available at: http://www.extension. org/article/18655 AGGRAND Vegetable Productivity Study 27

Natural Fertilizer
Proven Performance through Natural & Organic Ingredients Multi-purpose excellent results on owers, fruits, vegetables, lawns, trees, crops and houseplants Formulated for foliar feed or soil application Promotes enhanced plant vigor, increasing resistance to disease and stress Convenient liquid concentrate Can be mixed with other AGGRAND products for easy application

Natural Kelp and Sulfate of Potash


Natural Formula Promotes Healthy, Productive Plants Improves tolerance for heat, cold and drought Promotes nitrogen (N) use efciency Helps reduce susceptibility to insect attack and infection by disease-causing organisms Promotes early growth and development Helps increase oil content in seed crops Promotes early ripening, improved quality and extended shelf-life of fruits and vegetables Aids seed formation and nitrogen xation in legumes Formulated for foliar feed or soil applications

Natural Liquid Bonemeal


Promotes Healthier Vegetables and Flowers through Fast- and Slow-Release Phosphorus Readily usable source of phosphorus (P) and calcium (C) Slow-release formula feeds plants throughout the growing season Perfect for all bulbs and transplants Outstanding performance on root and fruit crops Ideal for owers Convenient liquid concentrate Can be mixed with other AGGRAND products for easy application

Natural Liquid Lime


Quickly and Naturally Increases Calcium Levels in the Soil High-quality super-ne limestone Specically formulated for foliar and root applications Use on lawns, pastures and hay elds Combine with AGGRAND Natural Fertilizer to supply additional calcium Easy-to-apply liquid concentrate produces no dusty mess

Contact your AGGRAND Dealer for more information on AGGRAND products or to place an order. You may also order direct by calling AMSOIL INC. at 1-800-956-5695 and providing the referral number listed here.
Referral #_________________________________

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