O.R.-90 COMPOST TRIALS - UPDATE
1. Growth of Lettuce in a range of compost mixes
Method
Blends of compost/potting mix were prepared as follows:
| Blend |
1
|
2
|
3
|
4
|
5
|
| %*
potting mix |
100%
|
75%
|
50%
|
25%
|
0%
|
| %*
compost |
100%
|
75%
|
50%
|
25%
|
0%
|
*by volume
Potting mix composed: coarse sand 20 L; peat 20 L; limil 40 g,
ground limestone 140 g; osmocote (3-4 month) 80 g
Duplicate pots of each blend, each pot containing 4 seedlings.
Result
Relative growth (mean cm leaf length)
Blend
Observations
Leaves of plants in blends 4 and 5 were narrower and chlorotic
(especially blend 5). The pure compost blend 5 had compacted
and was anaerobic in lower regions as a result of its
composition and constant watering.
Inhibidon of plants in blends 4 and 5 was probably due to lack
of aeration to the roots, with a possible contribution to
inhibition from organic acids produced by anaerobic
conditions.
Tests were conducted on plants from blend 5) for molydenum
deficiency/nitrate toxicity in plant leaves. These were negative
compared with molybdenum-deficient controls.
Conclusions
(a) A blend of 50:50 compost-potting mix was ideal for
growth of lettuces, this producing growth as good as the
full-nutrient mix (1). Higher ratios of compost were
inhibitory.
(b) The use of compost as a surface mulch requires caution
in
view of the anaerobic development under constant wet
conditions. In summer (intermittent wet/dry) there should
be no problem, but applications at this time of year should
be kept to a maximum depth of 6-8 cm. It was below this
that anaerobiosis was apparent.
2. Growth of radishes
Method
Blends as previously described, but with an additional range of
mixes being of compost with potting mix without osmocote
addition (nutrient-free.).
Seeds planted 8/6 (4 seed/pots in duplicate)
Results
Relative visual grow~
| Blend
|
1
|
2
|
3
|
4
|
5
|
| Full
nutrient potting mix Compost |
III
|
IIII
|
III
|
IIII
|
|
| Nutrient-free
potting mix compost |
+
|
++
|
±±±
|
++
|
+
|
Conclusion~
Growth is in the early stages, but visual comparison indicated
a 50:50 mix of compost with nutrient free potting mix gave
results as good as full-nutrient potting mix. In the full nutrient
range,blend (2) is showing better growth than the full-nutrient
mix.
3. Growth of cabbages, beans. potatoes, onions, Pinus.
Growth of these plants is insufficient for assessment It is
hoped to extend the trial of potatoes as the weather improves.
4. Germination of ryegrass/clover
Blends of nutrient-free potting mix/compost as previously
described.
Visual assessment of germination (approximately 200 seeds
sown in duplicate pots)
| Blend
|
1
|
2
|
3
|
4
|
5
|
Ryegrass
(% germination)Blend |
100
|
100
|
100
|
100
|
5
|
Clover
(% germination) |
100 |
100 |
100 |
100 |
5
|
Relative
growth
of regress |
+++
|
+++
|
+++
|
+++
|
+
|
Conclusions
Clover germination is more readily inhibited (at a 50:50 ratio)
than ryegrass. Growth of clover is insufficient for assessment
yet).
5. Compost inhibition of plant-pathogenic fungi.
Under a trial are lettuces in the range of (full-nutrient) potting
mix / compost as previously described, with and without
Sclerotinium minor, a widespread plant pathogen. The
pathogen was added to pots in the form of resting-stage
scleroses which only develop when conditions are suitable.
Results
Mortality of lettuce seedlings (planted 28/6)
| Blend
|
1
|
2
|
3
|
4
|
5
|
Control
(no
pathogen series) |
-----
no deaths-----
|
Pathogen-inoculated
series |
2/4 |
--
no deaths--
|
Other observations:
Mite infestation on the surface of these pots increased from
zero on blend (2) to very heavy (total cover) on blend (5)
Conclusions
This result is approaching confirmation of inhibition of a plant
pathogen - I am waiting for the other 2/4 plants in blend (1)
to
die with hopefully no deaths in the mixes.
Yours sincerely
MA LINE (Dr)
SENIOR LECTURER IN AGRICULTURAL
MICROBIOLOGY
END REPORT
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PRELIMINARY EVALUATION
OF O.R.-90 AS A SOIL ADDITIVE FOR GREEN BEANS
Objective
To assess the effects of OR-90 on the growth and yield of green
beans
Materials and Methods
A preliminary experiment was conducted at Fortside Vegetable
Research Station, Devonport. The experimental design was a
randomised block of two treatments and four replicas. The
treatment was OR-90 incorporated into the soil as a nutrient
source compared with a nil OR-90 plot. This experiment was
part of a large study on the effects of mulches for interactive
cropping.
OR-90 was applied to a bare soil at a depth of 100mm during
September and was left undisturbed until early December. The
soil was cultivated as for commercial cropping practices during
early December and the green beans were sown on late
December. At sowing on commercial application of mixed
fertilizers 14:14:11 was applied to both the OR-90 treated plots
and the nil OR-90 treated plots.
Plants were harvested at the flowering stage, early pod maturity
stage and full pod maturity stage.
At the full pod maturity stage, the OR-90 treated plants were
52% heavier, had 27% greater number of marketable pods and
34% greater weight of marketable pods compared with the
plants which did not have the OR-90.
Conclusions
The results of this preliminary analysis showed that OR-90
incorporated into the soil at a heavy rate (100mm thick) did not
have any harmful effects on the growth and yield of a relatively
sensitive crop such as green beans.
The OR-90 enhanced plant growth in both plant height and
bush size from early in the season and at the flowering stage,
the
OR-90 treated plants were 39% taller and 157% larger. This
beneficial effect was maintained throughout the pod growth
stage. At the full pod maturity stage, the OR-90 treated plants
were 52% larger, had 4 more marketable pods per plant and
had 34% greater yield of marketable pods per plants.
The results showed that OR-90 has beneficial effects on plant
growth when incorporated into the soil. Research is warranted
to further assess the affects of OR-90 on other crops and other
soil types.
BRIAN CHUNG
SENIOR HORTICULTURALIST
Results
Harvest No 1 - Flowering Stage
|
Treatment
|
Plant height(mm)
|
Dried
Weight
|
|
OR-90
|
405
|
31.9
|
|
Nil
|
292
|
12.4
|
At the flowering stage, the OR-90 treated plants were 39% taller
and
157% heavier than the plants which did not have OR-90.
Harvest No 2 - Flowering Stage
Yield (g Plant)
|
Treatment
|
Plant height(mm)
|
Total
Fresh
|
Marketable
Pod No
|
Total
Pod Yield
|
Pod
No
|
Pod
Yield
|
|
OR-90
|
510
|
93.7
|
8.6
|
26.7
|
16.7
|
39.5
|
|
Nil
|
420
|
51.8
|
4.8
|
14.2
|
11.7
|
23.0
|
At the early pod maturity stage, the OR-90 treated plants were
21%
taller, 81% heavier, had 79% greater number of marketable pods
and 43% greater total number pods per plant compared with plants
which did not have the OR-90.
Harvest No.3 - Full Pod Maturity Stage
|
Treatment
|
Total weight (g/plant)
|
marketable
number of pods/plant
|
marketable
pod weight (g/plant)
|
|
OR-90
|
139.8
|
19.9
|
68.3
|
|
Nil
|
91.8
|
15.7
|
50.8
|
END REPORT
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AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT
ANALYTICAL LABORATORIES
Re: Microbiological Testing on (OR 90)
The above material has been tested at our NSW Regional
Laboratory for the following pathogenic organisms, Salmonella
Legionella Listeria & Vibrio parahaemolyticus as per the
attached report. To summarize the results, Salmonella,
legionella and Vibrio parahaemolyticus were not
detected by AGAL's Senior Bacteriologist using the
laboratories most sensitive techniques, (<100/g is the
detection limit for Vibrio parahaemolyticus). The
detection of Listeria I am assured also should not be a concern
to you as Listeria is only harmful by ingestion and only then
in
concentrations well in excess of mere detection, he considered
it safe to ingest a kilo. These results are consistent with the
nature of the material and the temperatures likely to be
reached during composting. If we can be of and further
assistance please do not hesitate to contact us,
J. P.Ive
A/g Director
END REPORT
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TROWEENA ORCHIDS
Dear Sirs,
OR-90 IN ORCH1D PLANT PRODUCTION
The following information is provided in response to your
enquiry about the use of OR-90 in orchid plant production at
our nursery.
Background
We utilise a radiate pine bark medium for growing the majority
of our orchid plants and provide a high nitrogen chemical
fertilizer fed at low levels through a mechanical proportioner
at
each regular watering. Our plants are grown under light
conditions of approximately 40% shade with temperature
conditions ranging from cold (min 5°C) to warm (max 30°C)
according to individual requirements.
We have found that the long life of the bark medium, with its
ease of use in potting, to be particularly suited to our
requirements. However, from observation, plant growth had not
been as rapid as it was some years ago when a potting mix
incorporating leaf mould was used.
It was apparent that the fertilizers currently used were sufficient
to promote and maintain growth but did not provide the
necessary optimum growth ratios. Increasing strengths of
application was not an option as this only increased wastage
through rapid drainage. It also promoted a rapid build up of salts
in the bark leading to toxicity as breakdown of the substrate
occurred.
Trials
Some 18 months ago, we began a small trial use of OR-90 on a
limited number of orchid plants. We had received reports from
private growers that they had an excellent response from plants
in their collections following applications of your product.
Our radiate pine bark medium is graded in particle size from
5mm to 18mm and its use is varied according to plant size and
type. We understand that this is the most popular medium for
orchid growing in Australia. Because of the high nitrogen
requirement, it was decided to continue the low-rate chemical
fertilizer applications in conjunction with the use of OR-90.
It was necessary for us to ensure that, during the trial, OR-90
did
not prevent aeration of the bark medium by occupying space
between bark particles in the mix, and that no other deleterious
effects were introduced. To this end, OR-90 was applied as a
light top-dressing to the bark. Some heavier applications were
also trialled (without sealing the top of the potting mix) with
no
undesirable results.
Results
Over the period of a six-month trial, it was apparent
that growth response had significantly improved. An
inspection of the growing media (bark) showed no
clogging of air spaces; no evidence of toxicity was
found nor was there any increase in
break-down of the bark substrate.
Root growth appeared more vigorous and supported
bulbs and foliage that were both larger, stronger and
of better colouration than plants to which OR-90 had
not been applied. Observable, different results between light
and heavy applications were not evident and it is considered a
longer period would be needed for any appreciable growth
variation to be noted.
We were so pleased with the results that some 12 months ago,
we commenced routinely top-dressing all plants as they were
repotted. We also applied OR-90 to plants in Spring as they
commenced new season growth and to plants in autumn as
they began their flowering cycle. In all instances, and for all
orchid genera grown in radiate pine bark, we have found
superior growth, vigor and faster establishment after repotting.
At this time, we have found that an application of around 50g
(approximately 4 tablespoons) to the top of a 200mm pot
produces significantly better growth than plants that have not
been treated.
With climatic variations over the last few years, observations
over a longer period may be necessary before commenting on
any increase in the flowering capacity of plants. There has
certainly been no reduction and we would expect that the
better plant base that is being produced would ensure plants
flower sooner, more freely and with heavier cropping.
We would not hesitate to recommend the use of OR-90
in the growing of orchid plants and utilizing the
methods detailed above.
We have found that OR-90 used as a top dressing on a
bark medium and supplemented with a high nitrogen
chemical fertilizer has given demonstrably superior
results in plant production compared to using
inorganic fertilizers alone.
In summary, we have derived benefits and advantages from
using your product and found it
- economical
to use
- easy
to apply
- clean
and odour free
- a
natural product that is friendly to the
environment through its use of waste products
- provides
slow release feeding over an extended
period
- compatible
with bark mediums
- decreases
time to re-establish plants after potting
- gives
superior bulb and foliage results with a better
flowering capacity on mature plants
Please do not hesitate to contact us should you require any
further details on any aspect of our use of OR-90.
Sincerely
TROWEENA ORCHIDS
J0HN L WOODWARD
BEVERLEY L WOODWARD
END REPORT
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EXTRA FROM DSIR FIELDAY RIWAKA RESEARCH STATION
The medium plants thrive in:
The performance of growing plants depends on the interaction of
many
factors, some of which are environmental and others inherited.
The adoption
of different husbandry practices will change the environment in
which the
plants live.
To understand and use OR-90 in any plant growth situation to the
best
advantage, it is necessary to first consider briefly the soil,
its needs and
management.
When compost materials are added to soil they are acted upon by
bacteria
which decompose them. The mechanism of the formation of humus
is not
thoroughly understood, but some authorities believe it to be composed
mainly of the residue of the more resistant woody parts of plants
together
with material derived from the tissues of the bacteria and other
organisms
which were concerned with its decomposition. The products of
decomposition insluce nitrates, and mineral residues such as phosphates,
potash and lime.
The soil structure is closely related to the amount and nature
of the organic
matter in the soil, and when, as under continuous cropping and
cultivation,
organic matter and the micro organisms that live on it. These
are gum like
materials which are themselves subject to further decomposition,
and that is
why soil structure will deteriorate if the soil is not supplied
with sufficient
organic matter.
Nitrogen is the other critical element when considering soil conditioners.
The nitrogen in OR-90 is combined with other elements usually
in a
complex form. It must be broken down to either the ammonium or
nitrate
form before it can be used by growing plants. High yields are
made difficult
and sometimes impossible on soil depleted of organic matter.
The following comparative analysis of organic manures highlights
the
enriched content of OR-90 when compared with other commonly available
material.
Several factors have emerged from the first 18 months observation
of bark
as a soil conditioner.
1. Winter temperature 9am consistently 2°C higher where
bark
incorporated.
2. Better winter drainage.
3. Better summer moisture retention.
4. Increased colour in some vegetables. Particularly radish
and carrots.
Some observations using bark bolstered with fish effluent have
begun this
season, and include crops of beetroot, marrow and cabbage.
Developed to meet all the known needs of a soil conditioner, OR-90
is
made by a process which provides not only a soil conditioner but
a
carrier of total plant nutrients in excess of any farmyard manure.
The
combining of the high nitrogen organic masses with shredded bark
takes place over a six week period during which temperature rises
to in
excess of 64°C as certain organic reactions take place. The
end product
provides not only a valuable and efficient source of organic matter,
but
also provides the comprehensive range of minor trace elements
unexpected of plant foods from the sea.
END REPORT
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COMPARATIVE
ANALYSIS OF ORGANIC MANURES
| |
Raw
Bark Average
|
Saw
Dust Average percentages
|
Peat
|
OR-90
|
Poultry
Cage
|
Broiler
Litter
|
|
Nitrogen
|
.1.2
|
04.1
|
.8
|
2.0
|
1.25
|
2.20
|
|
Phosphate
|
.01-1
|
001-01
|
.03
|
1.56
|
69
|
1.05
|
|
Potash
|
.1.2
|
.01-1
|
.02
|
.15
|
.72
|
.1.67
|
|
Sodium
|
|
|
|
.78
|
.24
|
.28
|
|
Sulphur
|
|
|
|
.23
|
|
|
|
Calcium
|
.2-1.0
|
1.2
|
.5
|
2.3
|
2.5
|
1.9
|
|
Magnesium
|
.01-2
|
1.2
|
.12
|
.35
|
.28
|
.36
|
|
P.P.M
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Iron
|
|
|
|
1000
|
|
1000
|
|
Manganese
|
|
|
|
90
|
|
|
|
Zinc
|
|
|
|
160
|
1.400
|
.2000
|
|
Copper
|
|
|
|
.7
|
|
|
|
Cobalt
|
|
|
|
1.4
|
|
|
|
Molybdenum
|
|
|
|
1.2
|
|
|
|
Boron
|
|
|
|
28
|
|
|
|
Moisture
|
|
|
|
40%
|
72%
|
27%
|
Continued...
| |
UK
Research Farm Yard Manure Cattle
|
French
Farm Yard Manure Cattle
|
Liquid
Seaweed
|
Fish
Meal Extract
|
Seaweed
|
|
Nitrogen
|
.64
|
.58
|
.053
|
9.15
|
3.32
|
|
Phosphate
|
.23
|
.30
|
.063
|
1.0
|
1.95
|
|
Potash
|
.32
|
.50
|
.18
|
1.87
|
1.87
|
|
Sodium
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sulphur
|
|
|
|
.029
|
.29
|
|
Calcium
|
|
|
|
.015
|
0.15
|
|
Magnesium
|
|
|
|
.0055
|
.18
|
|
P.P.M
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Iron
|
|
|
|
110
|
110
|
|
Manganese
|
|
|
|
22
|
23
|
|
Zinc
|
|
|
|
20
|
24
|
|
Copper
|
|
|
|
7
|
7
|
|
Cobalt
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Molybdenum
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Boron
|
|
|
|
9
|
9
|
|
Moisture
|
76%
|
79%
|
liquid
|
36%
|
-
|
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