Application Details
When?
For existing crops & pastures...Natra Min will not burn leaves and can be applied at any stage of plant or pasture growth.
At Planting...
for optimum results, apply 4 - 6 weeks prior to planting if cultivating incorporate into the top 5 - 7 cm of soil
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
Apply once or twice each year... Apply prior to each planting for small crops and other intensive crops.Once each year is sufficient on existing pasture or tree crops however it is beneficial to divide the recommended amount and apply regular small amounts rather than a yearly application. (Obviously the economics of spreading, machinery costs etc need to be taken into consideration.) In this way, mineral levels are steadily built up and the biological activity receives an extra boost with each application.
Suitable for Organic Use
Is
Natra Min OK for use in organic agriculture?
What are the levels of heavy metals within the product?
Tests for heavy metals in Natra Min have consistently shown low levels. Results have indicated less than 5 mg/kg Cadmium, less than 10 mg/kg Lead and below 0.1 mg/kg Mercury.
Can Natra Min be stored outside?
Spreading Equipment?
All products are semi-granulated and easy to spread... It can be applied by aircraft, combines, air seeders, belt spreaders and other conventional spreaders.
Spinners & Vicons
Natra Min blends are semi-granulated and suit a variety of spreading methods.
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. Natra Min products contain Silica dust. To prevent inhalation, 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 fom the air) storage of mixed product will result in a chemical reaction which will 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 Natra Min Water Soluble?
NO. Except for the Potassium Sulphate in Natra Min K, Natra Min Cal-K and Natra Min K Phos, Natra Min is not water soluble and will not leach from the soil. Natra Min 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.