Frequently Asked Questions

NatraMin Mineral Fertiliser Application Details

When?

Natra Min can be applied at plant stage, or for optimum results incorporate into soil 4 – 6 weeks prior to planting.

Natra Min can be applied to existing crops and pasture at any time of year.  

Natra Min is safe to use as seed carrier.

How much?

The following rates are given as a general guide only... soil type and condition will determine the amount required. A soil test is recommended to identify specific requirements. 


Low Application Rate

dryland or broadacre farming

How often?
Repeat applications of Natra Min are vital to restore mineral elements to your soil.  Annual applications are recommended or twice each year for intensive crops such as vegetables or irrigated pasture.
 
Do I need to use other fertilisers with NatraMin?
NatraMin is great as a stand alone product for existing pasture.

Natra Min does not contain Nitrogen, so if planting improved pasture or other crops, it is best to use Natra Min in conjunction with water soluble fertilizers. Please contact us for specific recommendations for your soil and crop.

Repeat applications of NatraMin are vital to restore mineral elements to your soil. AgSolutions recommends a program of soil remineralisation, mulching and crop rotation including a legume.  As soil fertility improves, water soluble fertilizer can be reduced.


Suitable for Organic Use

Is Natra Min OK for use in organic agriculture?
YES, all products are certified “AI” by BFA - Allowed Input for organic and Bio-dynamic use.

bfa

Spreading & Storage

Can NatraMin be stored outside?

Spreading Equipment?
Natra Min blends are semi-granulated and suit a variety of spreading methods.

Spinners & Vicons
Three point linkage/PTO driven spinners and spreaders usually handle Natra Min with ease. Because Natra Min is such a heavy product it is important not to overfill spreaders as the weight of the product will pack down. For these spreaders it is also important to keep the product dry. The use of the extended agitator in spinner type spreaders is recommended. 

Belt Spreaders
Belt spreaders handle Natra Min with ease. The only consideration is that Natra Min usually is spread at a low application rate (250-500 kg/ha) and belt spreaders need to be closed/slowed to calibrate the product (weight is approx 1.3 tonnes per cubic metre).

Air Spreading
Natra Min fertilizers are well suited to aerial spreading, a common method used to apply Natra Min to pastures in the New England region.

Safety Precautions?
YES. NatraMin products contain Silica.  To prevent inhalation of dust, wear a safety dust mask.

Can Natra Min be mixed with other fertilizers?
Only if spreading of the mixed product is completed on the same day. Because Natra Min products are hygroscopic (absorbs moisture from the air) storage of mixed product will result in a chemical reaction which could be detrimental to both products. 

Is there a withholding period for stock?
NO. In fact we have had many reports that cattle graze treated areas in preference to untreated pasture.

Is NatraMin Water Soluble? 
Except for the Potassium Sulphate in NatraMin K, NatraMin Cal-K and NatraMin K Phos, NatraMin is not water soluble and will not leach from the soil. NatraMin is made available through the action of soil microbes. For this reason, Natra Min contains a special formulation to stimulate microbe and worm activity in the soil.