Date: 29 August 2011
Commercial farmer divulges secret to increase in yield
Commercial farmers are reaping the benefits, quite literally from using the first ever C02 foliar fertilizer. There
have been a number of studies done both in New Zealand and overseas that have shown results impressive enough to
convince farmers to incorporate Lithovit into their entire spray programs. Lithovit, a Biogro organically certified
product has a base ingredient of calcium and magnesium carbonate, which is supported with numerous micronutrients. It
increases the natural photosynthesis to optimum concentration by supplying a much higher C02 from inside the leaves.
Lithovit can be used on all crops, grasses and trees, except those preferring acid soil.
Adam Kasper, Manager at Highway Orchards in Te Puke did a trial last season on 1.2 Hectare of Haywood kiwifruit. He
noted an increase in yield, consistency in size and an improved resistance to diseases. Fruit had a more rapid growth
resulting in them being able to harvest at week 13 of early start. Fruit was much larger in size without compromising
the dry matter and quality.
Kasper commented, ²The results blew us away despite it being a very dry season. Local orchardists have been keen to know
what we have been doing and the secret is out now. We wanted to finish out trials and get some statistics back first so
we could be sure what were advocating².
A glance at the stats show an exceptional increase in yield compared to other farmers. Zespri calculates an average
return per Hectare of 7,286 trays, the pool average of kiwifruit farmers in the Te Puke area last season was 7,330 trays
per Hectare, yet the grower using Lithovit had an incredible 12,000+ trays per Hectare, more than 65% higher than the
average contributor to the pool. The dry matter results were impressive too, the average size fruit was so large only 28
could fit on a tray on the Lithovit block vs. 31 fruits per tray on the untreated blocks.
Viticulture expert Luc Desbonnets had similar success in trials at two Waiheke vineyards. He found the grapes to be more
tolerant to diseases, an increase in yield and a consistency of healthy fruit, especially in the skin texture.
Healthy plants using C02 more effectively than unhealthy plants although they will still get a boost from Lithovit. Weak
plants will become stronger, healthier more resistant to any disease and respond really well to Lithovit.
Lithovit is now available to commercial growers, for more info call 0800 543 542 www.lithovit.co.nz .
Ends