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Experience in California June, 1997
with EnviroMax™ (Formerly known as SoilMaster Rx)
We have been using EnviroMax™ (formerly known as SoilMaster Rx) in California for about three years. This report will talk about the overall differences we have seen over these three years. We have used the product in conjunction with an appropriate nutrient program for our area. The product is used on every soil type we have from sandy loam to clay, and sandy loam clay. The product works in all soil types and you will realize higher yields if you put the product on correctly and go with the appropriate nutrient programs.
In California, on carrots, we get 2 carrot crops per year. The farmers we service used to get 28 tons per acre. Now they get 10 to 12 tons more per acre, and the carrots come out fairly clean. The yield increase is due to EnviroMax™ combined with the appropriate nutrients and the cleaner crops is due to EnviroMax™. The use of EnviroMax™ along with appropriate nutrients has shortened growing time by 10 days. We also save water using EnviroMax™, which is very important to us here.
We use 1/2 gallon of EnviroMax at pre-plant, and mix it with the liquid fertilizer. We use a program mix of NPKS and minors. We add the 1/2 gallon of EnviroMax to that mix. We have 4 fertigations during the season for each crop. Additionally at each application, we add one quart of EnviroMax and particular minors. If you do not use liquid at pre-plant, but a dry mix, then we put the 1/2 gallon of EnviroMax down at the germination watering. In August and September, it is very hot here and the beds tend to crust. EnviroMax prevents crusting and germination is faster when using the product. (For assistance with the best program for your site, Agri-Vision can assist you with testing and determining the program you require.)
We are testing water, soils and petials regularly. When there is any calcium in the soil, or high levels of sodium, it is especially important to use EnviroMax. And it is important to use it as I describe above, in five total doses per crop. High levels of sodium tie up the calcium, which in turn ties up every other nutrient. By using EnviroMax, we are able to release the nutrients.
We have also found that in sandy soil we require nitrogen that is an amoniacal form, rather than a nitrate form. Sandy soils leach nitrogen. Switching to this form and combining it with EnviroMax greatly reduces leaching.
We are now also using EnviroMax on potatoes, onions, garlic, alfalfa, almonds and grapes. Nutrient programs for the root crops should contain the appropriate nutrients, as is required on the carrot crop. It is vital to include EnviroMax in this program. It is also important to spread the use of the product over time, at pre-plant and at fertigation. For example, on potatoes, farmers normally see 300 - 325 sacks per acre. We are now getting 400 - 425 sacks per acre with our program. Onions and garlic are getting higher yields, maturity is enhanced, and time to harvest is shortened. We use the same 1/2 gallon EnviroMax at pre-plant, and one quart per fertigation. Our tare is much better. The crops are coming out clean.
We are reducing the crusting with grapes, and use it throughout the season in the drip.
On almonds, we use one gallon per acre through the emitters early in the season, then another gallon per acre in early summer. This can be sprayed on if there are no emitters, then flooded right after spraying.
We get 7 to 10 cuttings per year on alfalfa. By using EnviroMax, we free up the nutrients. We have higher yields and only irrigate once a month instead of twice a month.
Overall, my experience with EnviroMax is:
To date, we have not had any disappointments with the product, as long as it is applied correctly and used in conjunction with the appropriate nutrient program.
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© JMH/RSH1998