Beets
Kozgro’s Agricultural Field Blend (more commonly called AFB) can help to control these common problems associated with sugar beet production: nematode, curly top, yellow mosaic, maggot, verticillium wilt, crazy root, mildew, etc. It also helps to break down crop residue faster and build soil fertility.
One of the most important advantages of the Kozgro program is, in most cases, using AFB helps to eliminate the need to fumigate, or use nematicides, to control nematodes.
The AFB does not kill these pests directly, but creates an environment through the Soil Food Web that is not conducive to Parasitic Nematode reproduction, while at the same time creating an environment in the soil that is conducive for Predatory Nematodes and other beneficial microorganism that feed on Parasitic Nematodes. These beneficial predators reproduce rapidly, consuming their own weight and more in Parasitic Nematodes at all stages of the Parasitic Nematodes’ life cycle, including their eggs. Thus, their populations can be successfully reduced in a relatively short period of time. This is the best way to effectively control Parasitic Nematode populations. |
Left, No Fumigation;
Center, Kozgro, No Fumigation;
Right, Fumigation
Left, Kozgro;
Right, Normal Practices |
The Kozgro program deals with the cause of the Parasitic Nematode problem, not the effect of the problem. The organic fertilizer AFB works with the soil to help restore it to its once productive state. It helps to establish humus in the soil very quickly, and helps to break down crop residue into organic matter and finally into the usable form of humus. The AFB also helps to create a healthier, conducive environment for beneficial microorganisms and earthworms to live in. As the earthworm populations increase, so does the fertility of the soil. With a healthier soil, you will have healthier, more productive crops. As a plant food, AFB helps to build up the immune system of the soil and plant. A healthier immune system, in turn, increases the plant’s sugar level. A high sugar content in plants is very important because sucking and chewing insects excrete sugar, but are unable to tolerate it. If these insects ingest too much sugar, they get a condition similar to severe diarrhea and will die. Generally, when the sugar content of the plant is high enough, the insects will simply avoid feeding on the plant, above and below ground.
Many diseases, such as mosaics, are carried by aphids and other chewing and sucking insect pests. If the sugar level in the plant is sufficient, the insects generally will not feed on the plant, thus, diseases will less likely be transmitted to the plant, and from plant to plant.
The AFB helps to increase the availability and utilization of the fertilizer you use to grow your sugar beets. Also, the fertilizer will remain in the root zone longer, while the losses from leaching, volatilization, and being tied up, are reduced. This is the reason 20 to 25% less nitrogen fertilizer will normally be needed to produce the same, or more, crop under the Kozgro program.
As the AFB helps to build the humus in the soil, water penetration and retention improves. This usually results in a water savings of up to 25% per crop season.
In the early stages of the Kozgro program, you will normally find the soil will be more mellow, better water penetration and retention, better germination, and better root growth (especially hair roots). As the sugar beet matures, look for better root development, more uniformity, increased hair roots, better beet size, and less stress problems (especially heat stress). Using the AFB generally results in better conductivity, less nitrates, and heavier beets with higher sugar content. The end result is normally higher sugar production, at less cost.
Kozgro’s organic fertilizer, AFB, is a liquid and very easy to use. It is most effective when applied broadcast. The AFB can also be applied through center pivot irrigation, if the proper injection equipment is used. Timing of application is extremely important for maximum results. The first application should be made as far in advance of planting as possible for maximum benefit. Contact your Kozgro dealer, or check the Kozgro Application Chart for application rates and times.
KOZGRO WORKS WITH THE CAUSE, NOT THE SYMPTOM |