ICL Country Manager, Colman Warde details why Osmocote’s new controlled release fertilizer is perfect for Irish conditions.
Launched in 1967, Osmocote was Europe’s first controlled release fertiliser (CRF). In the intervening 40 plus years, Osmocote has been developed, refined and adapted to match market demand. The most recent development of the product is Osmocote Exact Hi.End of this safe and reliable coated fertiliser, culminating in our sophisticated 4th generation product – Osmocote Exact Hi.End – ideally suited to spring and autumn potting of container nursery stock (CNS). Delivering the first programmable release of nutrients, Osmocote Exact products can be used to tailor nutrient release more closely to the specific needs of CNS crops grown in Ireland.
Meanwhile for bedding plants grown in small pots and trays, our mini granular product – Osmocote Bloom – simply and efficiently provides the complete nutritional package while optimising uniformity and finished crop quality.
DUAL COATING MAKES OSMOCOTE EXACT UNIQUE
Osmocote Exact Hi.End employs dual coating technology (DCT). A second waxy coating delays the start of release by two to three months culminating in greater release in the second growth phase when plants need it.
DCT provides a highly efficient means of matching release to the plant’s nutritional demands. By varying the proportion of dual coating, we can tailor the release pattern. Following extensive pan-European trials and testing, we also know exactly how each product releases according to temperature.
RAFT OF BENEFITS
Osmocote Exact Hi.End delivers several tangible benefits as the release pattern closely matches the plant’s demand for fertiliser. As a result, plants grow better as they get the nutrients they require at any given growth stage while nutrient leeching is minimised, making it the most environmentally friendly CRF on the market in Ireland today.
By promoting optimum uniform growth, overall plant quality is improved. Meanwhile, pest and disease pressure is lower as plants are more vigorous. Customer satisfaction is high as thanks to the continued nutrient release plants retain their high quality after purchase.
In comparison, other CRF brands tend to be less sophisticated – equivalent to our earlier Osmocote 2nd generation range. These products tend to have a stated release period, such as 12-14 months, but no details regarding the actual release pattern. So this could mean a fast initial release, with the potential to inhibit root development, followed by a slow down towards the end of the crop leading to leaf yellowing impacting on quality.
REMOVING THE GUESSWORK
Here at ICL (formerly Everris) we take the guesswork out of nutrition programme planning using our award-winning AngelaWeb 2.0 precision nutrition programme. Covering over 960 different CNS and pot and bedding species, our skilled advisors generate specific Osmocote recommendation tailored to individual nurseries, based on their local climatic data.
Generally, the cooler maritime climate here in Ireland means fertiliser release is slower than elsewhere in continental Europe. Taking into account the local temperature data, AngelaWeb will produce a simple graph showing the release pattern for a specific Osmocote Exact product based on potting time and the sales period. Several different longevities and rates can be compared to pinpoint the most efficient programme for a specific crop.
In the case of CNS, simply switching from Osmocote Exact standard (12-14 months) to Osmocote Exact Hi.End (8-9 months) can result in better growth and quality at the sale. Providing an integrated fertiliser boost, the Hi.End product also saves time and money spent on additional water-soluble fertiliser applications during production.
OSMOCOTE BLOOM TAILORED TO BEDDING PLANTS
Another topical product from our extensive range is Osmocote Bloom, tailored to the specific needs of bedding plant crops grown in small pots and cells. Containing NPK in a 2:1:3 ratio, along with magnesium and all the necessary microelements, Osmocote Bloom promotes uniform condensed growth. 100% coated, these mini granules have pre-defined longevity of 2-3 months – perfect for crops with a short production cycle.
Easy to use, at full rates Osmocote Bloom provides the complete nutrition package with no need for water soluble fertilisers. Safe and reliable, it also helps improve shelf life – a genuine bonus during the trade and consumer phases leading to happy customers and repeat orders.
If you’re interested in finding out more about Osmocote Exact Hi.End, Osmocote Bloom or indeed any other production in our extensive range, please contact me – details below. colman.warde@icl-group.com l Tel: 087 779 9527. ✽
ANGELAWEB GENERATED GRAPHS TAKING IN TO ACCOUNT COOLER TEMPERATURES IN IRELAND
| GRAPH 1. COMPARING OSMOCOTE EXACT STANDARD (12-14 MONTHS) 5KG AGAINST OSMOCOTE EXACT HI.END (8-9 MONTHS) 4KG. SAVING 1KG OF FERTILISER WHILE STILL PROVIDING SAFE STARTING RELEASE, BUT MORE FERTLISER LATER – BETTER GROWTH AND QUALITY EVEN IN A WET SUMMER. |
GRAPH 2. FOR MORE VIGOROUS CROPS SUCH AS EVERGREENS, EG PHOTINIA, PRUNUS AND LAUROCERASUS, 4.5KG OF OSMOCOTE EXACT HI.END CREATES A SAVING OF HALF A KILO, WHILE PROVIDING GREATER GROWTH AND QUALITY POTENTIAL FOR THESE CROPS.                    |
 COLMAN WARDE His overall horticulture career spans twenty-one years. He started his education at Multyfarnham Horticulture College in Co Westmeath before continuing his studies at the National Botanic gardens in Dublin, where he achieved a higher diploma in horticulture. During this time Colman also enjoyed work placements at golf courses, garden centres and nurseries across Ireland. On completion of his study at the Botanic Gardens, he went on to work in and manage, a number of garden centres. He has worked for Everris, a part of the ICL Group as Country Manager covering Ireland for the last nine years. He specifically focuses on turf & amenity, professional horticulture, and specialty agriculture.
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