A REVOLUTIONARY POLYMERIZED FORMULA

TO AID IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF COFFEE PLANTS/TREES

The formula can be applied with a spray system on a variety of soil types and for a variety of soil problems. Application of this product solves or improves many of the challenging conditions we face today. If this sounds too good to be true, or too broad a claim, let’s examine both the problems and the "cure". As our technology increases in the art of farming through better fertilizer programs, improved seeds and plantings, better control over weeds and insects, we face new types of problems.

Compacted soil areas are costing a great deal of money and time every year, and the problem seems to be getting worse rather than better. For example, many farmers are breaking the soil by cultivating. This process itself only aggravates the entire problem because of making additional "fines" in the soil which increases the compaction.

The increase of salt in the soil in many areas has increased compaction and caused serious problems in the plant growth. This problem is severe with the high sodic soils or high calcified soils. The real answer to remedy the problem has to be to restore the tilth (pore space) back into the soil. This method not only solves most of the problems mentioned above but also makes better use of the available water and even reduces the amount of water necessary.

The formula produces a sticky solution of a strong anionic charged polymer that covers very fine particles of soil that have disassociated, causing them to agglomerate these fines into larger clumps. This works in a similar manner on existing pore space in the soil. The fine soil particles have the same clogging effect on the pores that have been blocked by these fines. With fewer dispersed fines in the water to continue blocking the pore space, the intake of water by the soil increases the water penetration of the plants and also increases the ability of the plant to bring water back into its roots by capillary action.

During its initial wetting stage with the formula, there is a binding of a layer of soil, that is from 0.5µm to 3 µm (.020 to .120 in) on the surface of larger clumps or clods of dirt making them more resistant to collapse, dispersion, and shear forces. This works either on the surface of the soil or in the soil profile as the formula and its water mix, makes its way down through the soil profile.

The movement of the mix is aided by a unique quality of the molecule, which is both hydrophilic (water-loving) and hydrophobic (water-hating). This reaction provides pore space to the soil, more water penetration for the crops and much lower run-off rates. The fact that the amount of fines are greatly reduced and the aggregates are larger makes them less likely to be transported in the water flow. This also helps to reduce the water velocity in the soil.

The idea of a soil conditioner is to alter the top few inches of the soil surface to keep the soil pores open and stable. The soil surface seals when soil particles break down creating fines, under the force of falling rain or because rainwater has a very low electrolyte content, causing the soil aggregates to swell, disperse, and flake apart. Excessive tillage, or high traffic areas will all compact these fines into a layer of soil that is almost impenetrable by water. This can take a soil with a fairly high infiltration rate of more than 64 millimeters per hour down to just 2, or even 1 millimeters per hour in a very short time.

Additionally, because of the anionic charge of the molecule, nutrients attach to the polymer chain and move with the molecule throughout the soil profile. This formula contains unique micronutrients, over 100 minerals, trace minerals, vitamins, enzymes, amino acids and natural growth regulators that are deplete in overworked soils, or soils which never have had crops ploughed under for replenishment. These micronutrients move with the anionically charged molecule to the root zone. The natural bacteria in the product aid in the utilization of nitrogen, phosphate and other crucial elements. The bacteria eats the minerals and excretes them. This converts the minerals to the most usable form for the trees. Because of the combination of these advanced agricultural technologies, the plantation owner can reduce the cost of applied nutrients, change the tilth of the soil, reduce erosion, better utilize water and nutrients, increase penetration and realize increased yields.

Advantages Provided by This Unique Formula Application

1. Increases water use efficiency by the plants. Through greater efficiency of water use and proper management of available water, run-off or drainage is reduced.

2. If applied to ponding or flood areas, it will increase infiltration and distribution through the soil profile.

3. Improves plant root growth and reduces the amount of energy needed for tillage and cultivation by reducing soil shear strength.

4. Improves crop prospects during drought by allowing water to wick up the soil profile. The plant, using capillary action, can draw water from deeper levels. This means water utilization is improved.

5. Positively charged hydrogen ions in water are attracted to the negatively charged soil particles and form a film of water around soil colloids. This film build-up comes from the water supply, rain, and compaction from tractors, equipment, or high traffic areas. This film build-up can cause severe clogging of the pore space. Formula has shown that it breaks this water bond and disperses the water laterally as well as up and down in the soil profile.

6. Nutrients move throughout the soil profile, including phosphates. Puts nitrates and phosphates in the root zone, making these available to the plant. Reduces the leaching of nitrates. Adds vital micronutrients, enzymes, amino acids, growth regulators back into the soil. Provides bacteria to make all nutrients more usable to the plants or trees.

Results

The advantages mentioned above will result in:

1. increase in porosity and tilth of the soil;
2. increased availability of nutrients and replenishment of over 100 essential micronutrients;
3. conservation of water due to wicking action; and
4. dispersion of salts through the profile and out of the growing area, which allows the plant to absorb more nutrients.

In summary, increased yields and the size and health of the fruit are some of the results you may look forward to when you have implemented a proper program which includes this formula.

Presentation Presented For Coffee Growers at SCAA Spring 1998
	by Richard S. Hornack
	by Samuel Olivieri PhD

Results of the international field trials conducted in 1998 for the 1999 harvest will be posted in the summer of 1999.