This is a comprehensive list of the products that go into our ginger:
Natural Gypsum is a soil conditioner which can be added to the soil to improve the soil’s physical qualities; we have heavy soils on our farm and use it as a ‘clay breaker’ to improve soil structure.
Natra-Min (BFA allowed input – 437AI) is a soil ameliorant; It helps us to remineralise the soil by providing a source of macro-minerals such as Calcium, Phosphorus, Potassium and Sulphur, as well as a broad spectrum of micro-minerals and trace elements such as Boron, Zinc and Copper. It also has the added benefit of a bio-stimulant. The action of microbes and worms improves the physical properties of soil and assists the production of humus. Because humus provides a storehouse for moisture and plant nutrients, it is essential for healthy, friable and productive soil.
Lime is a soil conditioner which can be added to the soil to improve the soil’s physical qualities; Ginger, like all plants has a preferred soil pH range. The use of lime allows us to make adjustments to the soil pH in accordance with our management practices.
Kaytec Organic Super Growth (BFA allowed input – 451AI) is used during the Pre-Plant, Early growth and Midway stages of our ginger production. It is our primary fertiliser and depending on seasonal variation may be replaced by a liquid equivalent.
Potash comes from our wood heater. The seed is then dipped into ash prior to planting in an effort to provide a barrier to infection by disease or pest.
Seasol (BFA allowed input – 10767AI) is used during the Pre-Plant, Early growth and Midway stages of our ginger production. It is described by the manufacturer as a ‘bio activator’ and has been reported to enhance root development and reduce heat stress damage.
Old Season Ginger
And into the future…..
The crop we have just planted for harvest in winter 2015 has also been given the ‘bio-dynamic makeover’ in line with our goal to grow the best possible product using the least possible inputs. We have also incorporated beneficial Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) and Trichoderma to assist the plants in nutrient uptake, we are using a BFA registered product AI546. For more information regarding soil web fungal and microbial products see the manufacturers website at nutri-tech.com.au
In addition to this we are aiming to balance and re-mineralise our soils inline with a test and through the use of recommended organic products including organic stabilised boron, organic mined potassium sulphate and phosphate soft rock, more info on these BFA registered products available at the nutri-tech website above.
This growing season will also see Michael trial the use of Biochar in pots of ginger as part of a joint research project between University of the Sunshine Coast and Griffith University. More info on Biochar available at www.thebiocharrevolution.com
