06 Aug, 2024
Abiotic stress is now impacting large parts of the U.S. This article is for those not using Ferticell® products as a preventative measure and include those that are, who now need more information on mitigation to prevent losses (Read more on abiotic stress in Part 1 of the series, https://www.agweb.com/news/crops/crop-production/ferticellrs-non-gmo-prescription- prevent-and/or-overcome-weather-related). Since we can’t control sunlight, rain, all salinity, and all nutrients, we can control inputs to prevent or reverse the stress. Plants are now beginning to reach a level of dormancy and if not acted upon it’s harder to overcome and if left untreated the yield can decline by 8-40%. We know our products work because of what they contain and do not e.g. no salt. We can improve the soil biome and soil structure to increase water holding capacity, water productivity, and water infiltration (now is the time to start the transition to less salt inputs before it is mandatory). This is especially needed in heavy clay soils or high salinity soils since they may hold water at a force greater than plants can extract it and further increase stress. Another issue is high levels of N means low absorption that leads to stress especially N with a high salt index, like UAN 32 at 71+, that impacts all aspects of metabolism. Ferticell® products are non-GMO and contain natural plant growth phytohormones, found in algae, microorganisms, unicellular fungi, and bacteria. Among them: Abscisic Acid {ABA}, Auxins {lAA), Cytokinins, Ethylene, Gibberellins {GA's), and Jasmonic acid. Water is not needed to activate when applied, is absorbed by the plant and active immediately in the plant for better outcomes. Ferticell® products: Allows faster, efficient fertilizer assimilation. Increases root development by increasing lateral and deeper roots, longer tap roots are important in finding water for drought resistance and survivability. Has lower salt content than seaweed or kelp products reduces salt burn potential versus the high salt conventional fertilizers that share some common ingredients. Promotes continuous feeding to retard or reverse dormancy. These products counteract abiotic stress and continue growth while increasing survivability. Nutri Plus™ 2.5-0-0, is a bio stimulant with 19 of 20 essential peptides + amino acids, with a total of 42. Amino Acids are considered the best natural bio stimulant and catalyst, second to water, stimulates the metabolic processes in the plant. The high levels of Aspartic and Glutamic acid are precursors to the other metabolic processes. The high Glycine content of Nutri-Plus promotes and supports chlorophyll activity. Universal™ 0-0-1 has a 25% algae content to handle all four stressors and hydration. It promotes biological activity in the root zone, for a stronger plant set, deeper roots for more efficient nutrient exchange and uptake. Helps your plants reach water before and during stress to make nutrient more readily available. Microelements™ 1-0-0 is a comprehensive package with the added benefit of freshwater algae that further aids plants during stress. Its sulfur is vital for photosynthesis, respiration, and the formation of cell membrane structure in the plant. Now that stress is occurring the above products are the most helpful in combination, the 3 options in rank of effectiveness for severe stress with #3 being the most efficient. Use what’s the best based outcome based on your budget: Option #1 32% UAN or 28% UAN and 2 Qt./acre Universal™ Option #2 1 Qt./acre Nutri Plus™ and 1 Qt./acre Microelements™ Option #3 1 Pt./acre Universal™, 1 Pt./acre Nutri Plus™, and 1 Qt./acre Microelements™ Our freshwater algae helps to drive the internal plant mechanism to act so it continues to thrive and function. Unlike other algae/seaweed products Universal™ has no salt index. Other products further stress plants before they might reverse them from the issues of stress, if at all. This added salt could actually kill the plant by burning it and since salt acts to excrete water, it further removes moisture from the plant. Nutri Plus™ also provides a small amount of plant-based nitrogen which will further encourage the desire to live and function. The inclusion of the sulfur and iron in Microelements™ will stimulate production of green color and photosynthesis for food and oxygen, helping to keep the plant thriving. FERTICELL® PRODUCTS ARE THE BEST “TANK BUDDY” ON THE MARKET!