Parasitic Nematode infestation is a severe problem today in most agricultural soils around the world, mint 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 have 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.
|
Kozgro Left
Normal Practices Right
|
A serious problem for mint farmers in many areas today is Parasitic Nematode infestations. Parasitic Nematodes reduce mint oil yields in many cases to the point these fields have to be taken out of production. The problem is how to control these pests economically, keeping production costs down and profit up. Nematicides and fumigants kill Parasitic Nematodes and other microorganisms they contact directly, 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 Agricultural Field Blend (AFB) helps to create an environment that is not conducive to Parasitic Nematode reproduction, while at the same time helping to create 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. The Kozgro program deals with the cause of the Parasitic Nematode problem, not the effect of the problem.
Stem and Root Borers are two other major problems facing mint farmers today. These pests not only decrease oil production, but actually decrease the life of the mint stand. Stands that traditionally produce profitable mint oil for 5 years are now being taken out of production in 3 years or less, due to Stem and Root Borer infestations.
As the AFB helps to build the humus in the soil, it has an active humic acid in it, it also helps to improve the water retention of the soil. This results in water savings of up to 25% per growing season. It also helps to improve water penetration to the point other products are not needed to accomplish this.
Insecticides presently being used to control Root and Stem Borers have had only limited success. These insecticides kill mostly the larvae and adult stages of the borers they come in contact with. Insecticides have little to no effect on their eggs, thus the life cycle continues. Also, insecticides are mostly non-selective, killing beneficial insects as well as the targeted pests.
Although chewing and sucking insects excrete sugar, they cannot digest sugar. Insect pests feeding on plants with high sugar, will develop a condition similar to severe diarrhea, and die. Generally, when the plant sugar level is high enough, the chewing and sucking insects will simply move off and feed on plants with a low sugar level. Kozgro's plant food, AFB, helps to trigger the plant to manufacture more sugar, thus helping to increase the sugar level in the plant. Normally, when the sugar level is high enough, insect damage is minimized. A high sugar level also indicates a strong, healthier immune system.
Another of the many advantages of the Kozgro program is that the organic fertilizer AFB helps to make more of the nutrients in the soil available to the plant. Also, applied fertilizers remain in the root zone longer, while the losses from leaching, volatilization, and being tied up, are reduced. This is why farmers using AFB are normally able to reduce their nitrogen fertilizer by up to 25% the first year and still maintain, and in most cases improve, their oil production.
Farmers using the Kozgro program have reported the following results: controlling Parasitic Nematodes, reducing their insecticide use, better pest control, reducing their nitrogen use by up to 25%, use less water (by up to 25%), the soil is more mellow, and higher oil production. The end result 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 |
