QuadSHOT® Trials – 2014/15 Season

As a part of SLTEC’s commitment to R&D, we have initiated a range of bio efficiency trials in major Almond growing areas. Our aim is to ensure that we are not only delivering cost effective liquid fertilizer options; but also inputs and advice that assist you to improve and maintain the productivity and sustainability of your soil.

QuadSHOT® is a unique organic soil conditioner made from Kelp, Fish Emulsion, Molasses, and Humic acids. The ingredients of QuadSHOT® are combined with the aim of stimulating soil biology, improving soil health, nutrient cycling and the subsequent uptake of applied nutrients. Generally, organic/biological inputs will help to stimulate long term changes in nutrient uptake efficiency and subsequent plant health and product quality, rather than simply providing immediate increases in crop yield. Therefore it is often a challenge to prove short term results arising from applications of these types of organic inputs.

During SLTEC’s recent trials (Robinvale VIC), QuadSHOT® fertigated at 30 L/ha has stimulated an increase in soil microbial activity in the Almond tree root zone. We were able to measure this as a function of emissions of soil CO2 from the beginning of the growing season and importantly a consistently warmer soil in the QuadSHOT® treatments. This was an average of 0.7°C higher than the control over the 56 day testing period.