In recent trials conducted in a banana field in Ecuador, ORGEVIT+, a 100% organic fertilizer derived from chicken manure and enriched with mycorrhiza and humic acids, has shown promising results. This article highlights the benefits observed during these trials, showcasing ORGEVIT+’s potential to improve soil health, nutrient uptake, root development, and pest control.
Enhanced Soil and Nutrient Uptake
The field trial revealed that ORGEVIT+ significantly improved nitrogen (NH4) uptake through its mineralization process. This process made nitrogen more readily available to the plants, decreasing NH4 levels from 90 ppm to 35 ppm over four months (fig. 1). Phosphorus uptake also saw remarkable improvement, with plants absorbing approximately 100 kg/ha due to the high organic carbon content and the presence of mycorrhiza. This combination enhanced phosphorus availability, reducing soil phosphorus levels!
Balanced Nutrient Relations
Maintaining the correct balance between key nutrients is crucial for healthy banana growth. The trial highlighted the importance of balanced ratios of calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and potassium (K). After four months of using ORGEVIT+, a significant improvement was observed in the Ca/K and Mg/K ratio, which are vital for the final weight and quality of the banana clusters (figure below).
Improved Root Health
A healthy root system is fundamental for the stability and productivity of banana
plants.
The trial indicated a improvement in the overall root health, with more live roots and fewer dead ones (fig. 3). The total amount of
roots increased with 45% from 155 roots per plant in August to 225 in December.
This is attributed to the high-quality organic matter, organic carbon, humic acids, and mycorrhiza present in ORGEVIT+.
Effective Nematode Control
Nematodes, particularly Radopholus similis, pose a significant threat to banana crops. At the beginning of the trial, R. similis levels were critically high at 11,200 nematodes per 100 grams of roots. Traditional nematicide treatments are costly, ranging from $135 to $200 per hectare.
However, ORGEVIT’s+ mycorrhiza component indirectly and directly controls nematodes by enhancing root health and producing compounds that antagonize nematodes. The trial saw a noticeable reduction in nematode populations within four months, offering a cost-effective and eco-friendly solution!
Conclusion
The four-month field trial in Ecuador demonstrates that ORGEVIT+ is a powerful organic fertilizer with multiple benefits for banana crops. It enhances nutrient uptake, balances critical nutrient ratios, improves root health, and effectively controls nematodes. Although the trial duration and data collection were limited, the promising results indicate a significant potential for ORGEVIT+ in sustainable banana farming.
ORGEVIT+ stands out due to its high-quality organic matter, improved nutrient availability, and the beneficial additives of humic acids and mycorrhiza. This unique combination not only boosts plant health and productivity but also aligns with the growing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly agricultural practices.
More additives, like different types of volcanic rock dust, algae, bacteria, amino acids and insect frass, are available. The additives can be added on request and tailor-made formulas can be developed. Please contact our customer service for more information about the different possibilities at [email protected]