May 10th, 2012 by Graeme Sait
Mineral uptake is facilitated by micro-organisms, whether it takes place in the soil, the gut or the leaf surface. A simple recognition of this fact is a prerequisite if we are seeking to abandon old, unproductive paradigms. It is the belief that “science will look after us” that is at the core of the modus operandi that underlies modern agricultural, veterinary and medical science. Acid/salt fertilisers, rescue chemicals, antibiotics and symptom-treating pharmaceuticals are all part of the product-driven “scientific” approach. The definition of the word “science” involves “adherence to natural laws and principles”. (more…)
Posted in Biological Agriculture, Human Wellness, Nutrient Strategies | No Comments »
May 8th, 2012 by Philippa Davis
At times we get asked the question: How long will my Prescription Blend last in the soil and will I require a blend next year? Unfortunately, there isn’t an easy answer to this question; it is really site specific. What it comes down to is how ‘completely’ the initial blend balances and amends the soil, and how much nutrient is lost each year (i.e., crop removal, leaching losses etc). (more…)
Posted in Biological Agriculture, Nutrient Strategies | 1 Comment »
February 21st, 2012 by Graeme Sait
Elise Wenden is the driving force behind Fruition Nutrition, a consulting business involved in sustainable agriculture in Charlton near Bendigo. She also represents NTS in Northern Victoria. Elise has recently become a finalist in the 2012 Victorian Rural Women’s Award and she is using the associated media interest to promote the cause of biological agriculture. Elise attended an NTS four day certificate course in 2010 and this served to inspire the move into her own business venture. I called her recently to check on her progress and I will share some of the conversation (more…)
Posted in Biological Agriculture | 6 Comments »
February 21st, 2012 by Graeme Sait
Two years ago, as part of an NTS field day, we visited Dean and Helen Bryant’s blueberry farm at Peachester in the Sunshine Coast hinterland (Brymac Industries). During the visit I was demonstrating the use of a refractometer by testing the brix levels of the leaves of the healthy and vibrant blueberry bushes on the property. I was initially convinced that the refractometer was faulty because I could not detect a reading with the device. The view through the eyepiece revealed a single colour with none of the normal delineation that indicates the relevant brix level. Then I noticed a delineating line running right at the very top of the screen. (more…)
Posted in Biological Agriculture | 10 Comments »
February 21st, 2012 by Graeme Sait
For the first time in my memory we are confronting a new year that holds more threat than promise. The triple specters of a European meltdown, a bursting Chinese property bubble and fragile “recoveries” in the US and Japan, present a torrid, tightrope walk through the coming months. Even if we muddle through and somehow avoid a major recession this year, we still need to survive the week before Christmas, which the ancient Mayans tipped to be a momentous moment in human history. In what is shaping up to be the “year of fear”, it seemed like it might be a good idea to offer some constructive suggestions to help farmers counter this most negative and destructive of human emotions. Breaking the cycle is critical because of the self-fulfilling nature of fear-driven inactivity. Now, more than ever before, we need strategies that help us rise above the negativity. Food, after all, is historically recession-proof, but you need to be in the driver’s seat to secure that inherent protection. Hopefully, these strategies will serve to cement your rightful place as the helmsman in the storm. (more…)
Posted in Biological Agriculture, Farming Techniques | 20 Comments »
December 13th, 2011 by Graeme Sait
Brewing microorganisms is almost an act of faith. You add some ingredients to the brewing tank, wait 24 hours and then apply the discoloured water to your soils or crop. You can’t see the new workforce you have created so you simply trust that something worthwhile is involved. You can, of course, minimise the guess work by buying yourself a microscope or by taking advantage of the free NTS service where one of our Chemists/Agronomists will check out your efforts and offer guidance if necessary. You will also maximise the potential of biological multiplication if you follow a standardised brewing protocol. Here are the essentials for successful microbe brewing. (more…)
Tags: microbe brewing, soil food web
Posted in Bio-Management, Biological Agriculture, Farming Techniques, Nutrient Strategies | 9 Comments »
November 15th, 2011 by Graeme Sait
Decomposition is a microbial process critical to life on this planet. Minerals are recycled, carbon is sequestered in the soil as humus and soils are constantly regenerated in a cyclical fashion. This natural decomposition involves the same processes found in composting. However, composting involves the fast-tracking of these natural processes through human intervention. Here, the efficiency of decomposition is maximised through a fusion of science and art. (more…)
Tags: compost, composting
Posted in Biological Agriculture | 11 Comments »
November 15th, 2011 by Graeme Sait
Imagine a liquid fertiliser that has been specifically designed to nurture and promote the most important creatures in the soil, whilst also supplying a comprehensive food source for the developing crop. This dual functionality has often been promised but rarely achieved as a cost-effective liquid fertiliser. The soil organisms in question are mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). These effective root-extending fungi are the most decimated of all the soil-life stars (numbers are down to just 10% of what they should be) and yet they are our most productive allies when striving to build both soil fertility and profitability. (more…)
Posted in Biological Agriculture, Farming Techniques, Nutrient Strategies, Research and Development | 5 Comments »
November 14th, 2011 by Graeme Sait
The central driving force behind the entire NTS approach relates to the critically important relationship between human health and soil health. Here we will answer some FAQ’s in relation to this link. (more…)
Posted in Biological Agriculture, Human Wellness | 6 Comments »
September 8th, 2011 by Graeme Sait
Click this link to read the article from the ‘Dairy News’.
Posted in Animal Health, Biological Agriculture, Nutrient Strategies | No Comments »