VRM Is Proud To Present The XLR8 Range of Products
Use Less Fertiliser Unlock Soil Nutrients
Use Less Water Improve Soil Structure
Photosynthesis
Photosynthesis is the mechanism our eco-system uses to convert light from the sun into energy we can use. Photosynthetic organisms convert light into chemical energy which is used to manufacture “food” substances which can be stored and used by the organism itself or passed on. Carbon forms an important link in this chain of energy storage. Much focus has been given to photosynthesis as the way in which Carbon is converted from atmospheric gas to living matter. And rightly so. There is little doubt however, that photosynthesis underpins life as we know it. Without the energy captured during photosynthesis, there is no life. Additionally, photosynthesis is the primary mechanism by which our eco-system balances carbon-dioxide (CO2) concentrations in the air. Changes to the rate of photosynthesis contribute to increases in Atmospheric concentrations of CO2. Conversely, increases in photosynthetic activity result in reduction of atmospheric CO2 levels.
What you need to know is that photosynthesis is not confined to green plants. Much of the photosynthesis which keeps you and I alive is done in healthy soil by special microbes. XLR8 products foster and contain these microbes. - Bellamy 2008
Carbon
Soil Carbon – or humus – provides a buffer area in soil in which the activity supporting plant growth happens. When soil carbon is high, soils are generally healthy and productive. When soil carbon is low productivity is lower and disease and other issues are more frequent. In addition, soil carbon helps the soil to store significantly more water and to maintain moisture levels for longer. Soil carbon plays a role in maintaining good soil structure and in fostering the microbial activity which gives friability to soil. The bottom line is, without good soil carbon, farmers struggle to grow anything.This important resource also has benefits for the wider discussion on climate change. According to Dr. Mike Amaranthus ‘Soils are a potentially a powerful sink for accumulating carbon in the form of organic matter. Atmospheric CO2 can be recaptured to soil under a variety of conditions, including activities that slow soil decomposition rates, introduce greater amounts of plant biomass(and) reduce soil erosion…. 1 (foot note)
1 Degraded Soils, Food Shortages & Eating Oil by Mike Amaranthus, Jeff Anderson and John Marler. Acres USA The voice of Eco-Agriculture March 2009
Bio-Accelerants
By delivering nutrients in a liquid form and in a ‘pre-digested’ state, VRMs products allow faster uptake of nutrients and help build microbial populations which continue to feed plants after fertilising. These formulations enhance Carbon Sequestration and Nitrogen Fixation by microbes in the soil. With continued use, this activity builds humus in the critical root zone. This adds up to better soil structure better water holding capacity and better soil health.
XLR8 N
VRMs XLR8 N (please insert label) enriches microbial populations which transfer nutrients in your soil. XLR8 N establishes Nitrogen Fixation in soil. Application with Nitrogen fertilisers increases uptake and availability. Use in combination with XLR8 P and XLR8 Ca to build Soil Carbon. For best results: spilt applications are recommended. Match key plant growth periods such as establishment, flowering, seed set etc. Application: Arial, ground or centre pivot. Minimum Rates: 10 Litres per hectare per season depending on crop type and soil conditions. XLR8 N must be applied with 2kg of Calcium Nitrate or similar nitrogen source per hectare per season. Timing: To avoid evaporation XLR8 products should be applied in overcast conditions or late in the day.
XLR8 P
XLR8 P assists in cycling Phosphorus that is already in the soil, when applied with Phosphate Fertilisers it increases the uptake and availability for plants. Use XLR8 P in combination with XLR8 N and XLR8 Ca to build Soil Carbon. For best results: Spilt applications are recommended. Match key plant growth periods such as establishment, flowering, seed set etc. Application: Arial, ground or centre pivot. Minimum Rates: 10 Litres per hectare per season depending on crop type and soil conditions. XLR8 P should be used in combination with XLR8 N. Timing: To avoid evaporation XLR8 products should be applied in overcast conditions or late in the day.
XLR8 Ca
XLR8 Ca is used as a non-alkali calcium uptake promotant and activates soil based calcium to strengthen plant root structure. XLR8 Ca also promotes fruiting. Use XLR8 Ca in combination with XLR8 P and XLR8 N to build Soil Carbon. For best results: Split applications are recommended. Match key plant growth periods such as establishment, flowering, seed set etc. Application: Arial, ground or centre pivot. Minimum Rates: 10 Litres per hectare per season depending on crop type and soil conditions. Timing: To avoid evaporation XLR8 products should be applied in overcast conditions or late in the day.
Synergy
Use of the VRM XLR8 range of products simultaneously adds up to increased development of Soil Carbon. VRM’s Nutrient Acceleration products are approved products on the Prime Carbon approved products list as catalysts for the development and maintenance of enhanced photosynthesis in soil leading to enhancement of soil carbon reserves in carbon-poor soils.
Testimonials
‘I’m saving the reef without trying, and I’m not consistently looking over my shoulder. I’m building soil structure and have less erosion…there is less wear on the machinery which is a benefit in cost, less abrasive soil, and we use less fuel. Healthier soil means less drama’ B. Clerk, Herbert Valley
‘Our Carbon levels were terrible. Since we have been using VRM products our Carbon has been increasing steadily from 0.01% to 0.9% this is a large increase for us. Also, our soil isn’t as compacted and we have more phosphorus that is plant available’ M. Haselton, Burdekin
‘I’m a third generation farmer, this is in our blood. From using VRM products I am more confident that my generation is a good link for the next generations to come into a healthy farm and healthy farming methods’ P Finitsis, Far North Queensland
‘It’s all about how much money you have left. We don’t have humungous crops around here but we haven’t spent anywhere near what others do to grow it either. And our sugar is better so we make more money.’ Cane grower, Herbert Valley
Dilution Rates
|
On Ground (Min/Ha Dilution Litres) |
Foliar |
XLR8 P |
10/100 |
10/200 |
XLR8 N |
10/100 |
10/200 |
XLR8 Ca |
10/100 |
10/200 |
Case Study: Broad Acre Grain and Silage
Phosphorus and Soil Carbon Results
Simultaneous improvement in soil biomass and diversity of microbial development while in transition to a lower fertiliser regime is something sought by many growers. However most landholders hesitate to begin such programs due to the fear of losing yield during the transition period. Recently, greater urgency in this discussion comes from the growing need for soil structure management (to prevent erosion and wind-blown losses) and for moisture retention. These trials studied a transition to significantly reduced nutrient application while simultaneously applying products which fostered specific microbial development in soil.
It has long been observed that soils which contain higher levels of humus – the result of microbial diversity and higher levels of microbial biomass – are better structured and retain water and nutrients longer in the zones where plants need them. The clear benefits shown up by these trials have been the catalyst for the property concerned to adopt a significantly lower nutrient regimen combined with selected soil enhancement products over the entire property for the 2009 growing season. Widespread soil tests were conducted in 2007 and 2008 by Charles Sturt University. These have highlighted significant improvements in Total Carbon and Phosphorus availability levels.
These trials show consistent increases in available Phosphorus and soil carbon growth after use of VRM products.