Zucchini Trial – Bundaberg QLD
Information
This independent trial, conducted under replicated and randomised conditions in sandy soil, assessed the impact of Microsoil liquid fertilisers alongside standard farmer practices in intensive horticulture. A key takeaway was the need for greater upfront application of Microsoil products rather than spreading them over time. Results showed that plots using Microsoil with reduced standard fertiliser achieved the best outcomes, including a 14% reduction in fertiliser costs, a 25% decrease in Grade 2 fruit, a 17% reduction in Rubbish fruit, fewer instances of Silverleaf Whitefly, and an 11% increase in Premium fruit quality. The $325 cost savings, combined with improved fruit quality and maintained yields, demonstrate the success of this initial zucchini trial. Trial conducted by: Valencia Ecosystems.
Benefits
-
Cost Savings & Efficiency
-
Enhanced Fruit Quality
-
Improved Pest & Disease Resistance
This trial was conducted under replicated and randomised conditions to evaluate the effect of adding Microsoil liquid fertilisers to standard farmer practices in zucchini production. Conducted in sandy soil, this was the first independent trial Microsoil had undertaken in intensive horticultural crops. A key takeaway was that a greater upfront application of Microsoil products would have been more effective than spreading them throughout the growing period. This learning will help refine and optimise the approach for the next zucchini trial.
The results were highly encouraging. Plots using Microsoil with a reduced rate of standard farmer fertiliser delivered the best overall performance. There was a 14% reduction in fertiliser costs, a 25% decrease in Grade 2 fruit, and a 17% reduction in Rubbish fruit. Additionally, Silverleaf Whitefly instances were lower, and Premium fruit quality increased by 11%. The combination of cost savings, improved fruit quality, and stable yields highlights the success of this initial zucchini trial. These findings reinforce the potential of Microsoil fertilisers in enhancing crop performance, reducing input costs, and promoting more sustainable farming practices.
Future trials will focus on optimising application timing and rates to maximise benefits further. The promising outcomes of this study suggest that integrating Microsoil products into standard farming methods could lead to long-term improvements in yield quality and farm efficiency. By refining application strategies, farmers may see even greater reductions in input costs and enhanced disease resistance in crops.
