With the onset of the spring potato season, FCRD has commenced a potato trial in a series of controlled garden beds. The garden beds have been treated with varying amounts of FCRD alone as well as with varying amounts of regular commercial fertiliser in order to ascertain the combination which will deliver the greatest benefit. We also eagerly await the outcome of a trial where the actual potato seed piece is treated with FCRD rather than just being mixed through the soil. Results of the trial will be available on the website as soon as the potatoes are harvested in late October.

In other potato news, next week heralds the beginning of FCRD’s commercial potato trial program. South Australia’s mallee region will be the location of several trials aimed at gathering information as to the degree of success FCRD has on increasing potato yields and disease prevention. Again results of these trials will be available online as soon as they come to hand.

FCRD is proud to announce the expansion of its vegetable trial program to a commercial setting. In conjunction with B & M Stoeff Glasshouse Supplies, FCRD will conduct a series of trials on commercially grown tomato, zucchini and capsicum plots in Virginia. It is great to have Boris and the team on board to further demonstrate the benefits FCRD can bring commercial vegetable growers.

Remember to support local growers and buy SA produced fruit and vegies!

On Friday the 24^th of July an FCRD delegation attended the 2009 Organics Expo, this year held in Melbourne. The event is the most important gathering on the Organics Australia calendar with all significant players in the industry present. The event was well supported and it was fantastic to see such strong interest in the burgeoning organic produce market. It was obvious to all in attendance that the movement to organics is rapidly gaining momentum, with all sorts of new and exciting developments on display. From a business perspective, the day was great to make new contacts and share ideas with like minded producers and suppliers. As a result, FCRD is to embark on several new trials in combination with local organic dairy and beef cattle producers aimed at pasture improvement.

The Organic food movement rolls on!

FCRD has recently launched an enhancement program designed to breathe new life into long suffering lawn tennis courts in Adelaide.  The program consists of a simple yet scientific three stage approach:

• Soil test undertaken and analysed by APAL
• Fertiliser and conditioner recommendations implemented
• Results monitored during season

FCRD has already assisted a number of court owners address common problems such as bare patches and sick or brown areas  that refuse to rejuvenate.  The program extends beyond the reach of normal fertiliser programs to rectify element imbalances in your soil.  Improving the soil quality will promote strong growth and disease resistance and make your tired tennis court the best on the street in no time.  Contact FCRD on (08) 8419 1070 for more details!

Today, James and I harvested the last of the summer vege’s still going and the results were fantastic.

The eggplants treated with FCRD were rich purple, firm and dense with an average weight increase of 60.7% over the non-FCRD eggplants. I can’t wait to cook them up.

The green beans were crisp and juicy. We saw an increase in weight of 36.43% between those treated with FCRD and those not.

The red chillis showed an increase in weight of 40.1% between those treated with FCRD and those not. We even hinted an increase in chilli-ness between the two. Although that was subjective.

Full results from the Garden trial are as follows:

Vegetable Type            Increase in Average Weight
Oregano                          144.7%
Rocket                             63.7%
Eggplant                         60.7%
Potatoes                         57.2&
Baby Carrot                  48.2%
Red Chilli                       40.1%
Cauliflower                   40.3%
Green Beans                 36.4%
Radish                            25.2%
Bok Choy                      18.7%
Basil                                17.3%
Silver beet                    14.9%
Beetroot                        8.1%
Baby Spinach              6.9%
Average Increase in Weight    40.40%