Parasitic Nematode infestation is a severe problem today in most agricultural soils around the world, citrus being no exception. Prior to the modern age of chemical farming, Predatory Nematodes and other beneficial microorganisms in the soil held Parasitic Nematode populations in check. With the use of pesticides, many of these natural predators have been destroyed. The use of salt-based commercial fertilizers and pesticides has greatly accelerated the Parasitic Nematode problem in our agricultural soils today. In high saline soils, created through years of using pesticides and commercial fertilizers, Parasitic Nematode populations thrive, while populations of Predatory Nematodes and other beneficial microorganisms have declined sharply.
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Normal Practices Left;
Kozgro Right
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Nematicides and fumigants kill Parasitic Nematodes and other microorganisms they directly come in contact with, but have little to no effect on the Parasitic Nematode eggs. These eggs hatch and the life cycle continues. Nematicides and fumigants deal with the effect, not the cause of the problem. The only way to effectively control Parasitic Nematode populations is to break their life cycle.
Kozgro's organic Agricultural Field Blend (AFB) helps to create an environment 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 microorganisms 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, by working with the Soil Food Web. The Kozgro program deals with the cause of the Parasitic Nematode problem, not the effect of the problem. |
The AFB also helps the tree to manufacture more sugar, thus helping to increase the sugar level in the tree. Farmers growing citrus using the Kozgro program have also reported fewer problems with thrip, mite, scale, leaf roller, and other pests common to citrus production. This is because chewing and sucking insect pests excrete sugar, but are unable to digest sugar. If these insects feed on trees that are high in sugar, they will develop a condition similar to severe diarrhea. If they continue to feed on trees high in sugar, they will die. Generally, when the tree is high enough in sugar, the chewing and sucking pests will simply move off to other trees that are low in sugar. The increased sugar not only helps to decrease insect damage to the citrus trees, but also helps to reduce frost damage.
One of the many advantages of the Kozgro program is that the AFB helps to increase the availability and utilization of fertilizers. The fertilizer also remains in the root zone longer, while the losses from leaching, volatilization, and being tied up, are reduced. This is why farmers using AFB normally are able to reduce their nitrogen fertilizer by up to 25% the first year and still maintain, or improve, their yields.
As the AFB helps to build the humus in the soil, it also helps to improve the water retention of the soil. It also helps to improve water penetration to the point other products are not needed to do this. This results in a water savings of up to 25% per growing season.
Farmers using the Kozgro program have reported that the AFB has helped in the following ways: controlling Parasitic Nematodes, improved water penetration and retention, quicker regrowth, more regrowth. They also reduced their insecticide use, had better pest control, reduced their nitrogen use by up to 25%, used less water, had mellower soil, and better quality and higher yields. The end result of using the Kozgro program is more profit.
Kozgro's organic fertilizer and plant food, AFB, is a liquid and very easy to use. It is most effective when applied broadcast. It can be applied through center pivot irrigation, if the proper injection equipment is used. Timing of application is extremely important for maximum results. Contact your local Kozgro dealer, or check the Kozgro Application Chart for application rates and times.
KOZGRO WORKS WITH THE CAUSE, NOT THE SYMPTOM |
