Trials

The Black Stuff is an organic all purpose soil conditioner.

Humate type products have been used extensively in commercial crops in Europe and North America, where the benefits are known.  Its use in Australia is not well understood.

Detailed trials of the soil conditioner have demonstrated clear cost benefits to growers.

Grapes

Trials involved the application of humate both by drilling 12 cm deep inter-row and broadcast on a sultana grape planting. The trial was split between the 2 distribution methods. The trial covered a large area and had control rows adjacent.

Results

Treated rows had greater bunch size, juicier fruit and greatly increased foliage compared to the untreated rows.

Treated rows yielded 125 ten/kg buckets per row compared to 100 ten/kg buckets for the control rows.  A 25% yield increase.  Increased yields are expected to be maintained in subsequent years.

Treated rows had a significant increase in the number of new canes.

There was no discernible difference results for the different application methods.

Application Rates

Surface application: 3 cubic metres per hectare, applied inter-row then turned in.

Drill: 3 cubic metres per hectare drilled to 12 cm depth inter-row.

Rootling Starter Mix

15% The Black Stuff

70% Compost

15% Sand

Adjust PH to about 5.5, add trace elements and controlled release fertiliser and blend.