A basic overview of how soil preparation creates an environment for optimum plant health and yields.

• Step 1: Testing

Not all soils are created equal. Regular testing provides insight into your soil’s pH, Phosphorus, Potassium, and Soluble Salt levels so you can get ahead of low yields or outright crop failure.

• Step 2: Cultivation

Plowing, tilling, and cultivation remains a core tenant of healthy growth, turning and loosening the soil in order to enhance microorganism activity and maximise yields while also preventing weed growth.

• Step 3: Fertilisation

Fertilising with manure and mineral fertilisers improves the microbiological activity, enhancing soil properties and creating a healthy environment for crop growth. Liming should also be considered.

• Step 4: Soil Fumigation

Fumigation and disinfestation is a vital part of preparing soil for crops. It keeps soil pests and pathogens at bay, cultivates a healthy, sustainable environment for crops and maximises yields.

How can TriCal NZ help?

Regular soil testing does not turn up soil pests or pathogens. If left undetected or untreated, they’re effectively a ticking time bomb in your soil. That’s why TriCal NZ partners with growers around New Zealand in order to effectively treat and prepare soil for crop planting.

This includes the treatment of soil with leading fumigants, including the environmentally friendly Chloropicrin. Chloropicrin is a leading alternative to Methyl Bromide, helping to maintain healthy plant growth, mitigate against infestations, and support beneficial soil fungi without leaving behind fumigant residue.