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Winning producers are those who deliver what the consumer expects of them and for which consumers are willing to pay. Modern producers produce healthy and affordable food in accordance with acceptable and sustainable farming methods and uses. They utilise fewer chemicals and more natural products to keep up with global nutritional needs. They are focussed on development, and utilise environmentally friendly products and methods that promote the health of modern consumers.
In order to assist producers throughout this process, World Focus Agri offers the latest technology and natural crop production solutions, resulting in wealth creation through sustainable agricultural practices and products. World Focus Agri offers producers the best of both worlds through natural products that are enriched with mineral nutrients.
However, this is only possible through commercially viable production that yields an acceptable return on investment. This, in turn, is possible though integrated plant energy management (IPEM).
What is IPEM?
A plant’s growth cycle consists of different phases during which the plant may need more energy than is provided by the plant’s reserves. In grains, this phase can occur during yield initiation and when the plant transitions from the vegetative to the reproductive (flowering) stage. In the case of perennial vegetables, these phases can occur during flowering, cell division, and fruit or nut fill. Metabolic stress can also be initiated by chemical damage as well as mechanical and climate-related causes.
When this unique energy requirement is not met, the plant experiences an ‘energy crisis’, also referred to as metabolic stress.
Metabolic stress occurs when the plant runs out of energy. This can be measured by a Brix reading of the plant sap, as well as the pH and conductivity of the plant sap.
When a plant experiences metabolic stress, the yield and quality of the crop will decrease, and the plant will become susceptible to pathogens and insect attacks due to the lack of available energy. A Brix reading of plant sap is measured using a refractometer.
Optimising plant energy
This can be achieved by focussing on essential plant and/or crop components that include enzymatic systems, calcium (and the functional components thereof), and functional and available carbon (COOH). By adding a superior, organic metabolism support product, namely functional carbon (-COOH) and ionised calcium (CA ++), it is possible to restore the balance of the plant’s energy curve.
The biological effects of a more active and balanced metabolism are:
- More enzyme activation for metabolic changes and uptake of nutrients.
- An increase in hormone activity.
- Continued regrowth of hair roots (important for optimal Ca ++ uptake).
- An increase in the concentration of minerals and nutrients (Brix).
- An increase in the balance of abscisic acid and an increase in plant sap mobility (EC).
- An increase in photosynthesis activity.
- Buffing the soil or medium pH, and protecting seedlings and young plants against the high salt index of chemical fertilisers.
- Increasing the production of transport enzymes for better growth and hardiness.
- Obtaining optimal balance between photosynthesis and respiration.
These changes in the plant’s metabolism will result in a significant increase in glucose, sugar, starch, and amino acid production. This, in turn, creates excellent conditions for optimal flowering, fruit set, and eventual improved yield as well as an extended shelf life.
To achieve the best results with IPEM, use the following products provided by World Focus Agri:
- Enzymatic systems: Gliogrow.
- Calcium: CCM, Complex, Calsus, Complex Calsul, and Complex SuperCa.
- Functional and available carbon (-COOH): COA Fertigation, COA Root, and COA Foliar.
All these products are Ecocert certified. – At van Schalkwyk, World Focus Agri
For more information, contact At van Schalkwyk on 082 452 8983, send an email to at@worldfocusagri.co.za, or visit www.worldfocusagri.co.za. More information can also be found on World Focus Agri’s Facebook page.