'We mix Jeffries Organic Compost into the soil and leave some on top. It keeps the soil moist, friable and easy to work with'
Read the story hereDec 1, 2011
Tek is a second-generation farmer who grows continental cucumbers in hot houses at Port Gawler in the Northern Adelaide Plains (NAP). Like many farmers on the Adelaide plains, Tek was accustomed to using chicken manure to fertilise his crops.
After attending some organic farming courses, most recently completing a course run by Tony Burfield*, Tek discovered that chicken manure contains very high levels of salt (sodium). The only way to reduce the salt in the manure was to leech by using lots of water - a very long process, and one that he found created a lot of weeds and insects.
Because of this discovery, Tek approached Jeffries to talk about his interest in converting to using Jeffries Organic Compost, which contains less than one fifth of the salt found in chicken manure. Tek took the approach of having his soil scientifically tested so that he knew exactly what his soil needs, eliminating the guess work and resulting in money saving by not applying fertilisers that the crops don’t need. Based on the results of the soil analysis, Jeffries was able to prepare a special Jeffries Organic Compost blend specially suited to the soil and the crops to be grown.
So far, the changes to Tek’s crops from using Jeffries Organic Compost as opposed to chicken manure are all positive and Tek does not see any down side to using the compost.
“Since converting to Jeffries Organic Compost, I’ve noticed that my crop is more even, and the fruit is a lot healthier and more consistent in size” said Tek. “I have also watered this crop a lot less than previous crops as the soil has retained a lot more water than when I was using chicken manure” he said.
With the proof now in the produce, Tek is now in the process of convincing his parents to use Jeffries Organic Compost on their crops too. We will let you know how they get on!
Click here for more information on Jeffries Horticultural products.
To find out how Jeffries can work with you on preparing a special blend of Jeffries Organic Compost for your soil, contact Account Manager, Brian Silvy on 0421 250 686 or bjs@jeffries.com.au or for more information.
*Tony Burfield has an honours degree in biological science and twenty five years experience in adult learning in various settings. He has been based with the SARDI Entomology unit at The Waite Institute campus for the past nine years working as an extension officer, mostly with the greenhouse vegetable industry at Virginia.
Tony has been involved in various projects focused on sustainable farming including Compost for Soils project and related soils programs, Integrated Pest Management (IPM) extension and trials for managing Western Flower Thrips and other greenhouse pests, anational program to promote adoption of preventative disease management practices on greenhouse farms.
To find out more visit www.hortexalliance.com.au/contact.php
