Fertilisers such as lime, gypsum and dolomite not only provide plant-available calcium but can also improve soil structure and optimise soil pH.
With strong demand forecast for horticultural crops this coming season, Ultimate Agri-Products has been ramping up production of their liquid calcium products – Gyp-Flo, PH-Plus, Dolomite Plus and Crop Block.
“Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, many imported products have encountered supply issues,” says founder of Ultimate Agri-Products Glen McDonald.
“Resellers have commented to us that there is an overdependence on imported specialty fertilisers and have turned to us for supply because we manufacture our products locally in our own dedicated facility.
“Ultimate Agri Products is an Australian owned company. Not only do we manufacture locally, but at least 95% of our raw materials and other inputs are sourced within Australia as well. It helps to guarantee continuity of supply and product quality to our customers.”
Gyp-Flo soluble gypsum and PH-Plus soluble lime are still leaders in their field, due to their suspension technology and effectiveness compared to conventional lime and gypsum products. Their ultrafine formulation (5-micron particle size) also makes the products suited to fertigation and overhead irrigation systems without causing clogging problems.
“Both Gyp-Flo and PH Plus are great sources of plant available calcium, but where magnesium is also required, growers can opt for Dolomite Plus which is an easy-to-use liquid as well,” Mr McDonald said.
A similar high grade ultrafine suspension technology has been applied to Crop Block – a liquid suspension of technical grade calcium carbonate that is applied to assist in the prevention and reduction of sunburn damage to fresh produce and general crops.
Crop Block protectant spray can be applied by either ground rig or aerial application and can be applied with other crop protection products, though best results are obtained when Crop Block is applied on its own to ensure optimum coverage and adhesion.
Crop Block residues on fruit and vegetables are relatively easy to remove by washing, wiping or brushing of the produce.
Mr McDonald said supply issues are now being further complicated by the war in Ukraine. “Skyrocketing natural gas prices have resulted in many European manufacturing plants shutting down production of nitrogenous and calcium-based fertilisers. It is simply uneconomic for them to continue production.
“This has affected many resellers servicing horticultural customers who use calcium nitrate to provide calcium to their fruit, nut and vegetable crops.
“Fortunately, due to our local manufacturing capability, Ultimate Agri have been able to supply Gyp-Flo, PH-Plus and Dolomite Plus to satisfy the demand for calcium created by the calcium nitrate shortage.”
Mr McDonald said resellers should contact Ultimate Agri now to plan their requirements for the coming season, and learn more about how Gyp-Flo, PH-Plus and Dolomite Plus can help their customers.
