The use of a fully water-soluble, low carbon footprint calcium nitrate fertiliser is a three-way winning proposition for horticulturalists, delivering better agronomic, business and environmental outcome.
YaraTera CALCINIT is a premium grade, 100 per cent water-soluble fertiliser specifically formulated for application through fertigation systems, including drip systems, sprinklers and centre pivots.
Yara Australia Commercial Manager, Paul Eitzen, says YaraTera CALCINIT is widely used in high-value crops to ensure stress-free growth and high yielding, high quality produce.
“It delivers a rich source of fast-acting, plant-available nitrogen and strength-building calcium for fresher, tastier and long-lasting fruit,” he said.
“This balance of calcium and nitrate nitrogen, combined with an efficient irrigation system, means nutrients and water can be managed to optimise growth, yield and quality.”
YaraTera CALCINIT dissolves quickly in water without any residues. It can be mixed with a wide range of other water-soluble fertilisers, except concentrated stock solutions containing phosphate or sulphate.
“Yara has more than 100 years’ experience in producing calcium nitrate and more than 50 years’ experience in producing water-soluble forms,” Paul said.
“YaraTera CALCINIT is almost 100 times purer than the first calcium nitrate produced by Yara 100 years ago.
“Likewise, we’ve managed to reduce the level of insolubles from an average of 2000 to 50 ppm over the past 20 years.”
Yara continuously monitors the quality of calcium nitrates available throughout the world.
A recent analysis of 25 ‘greenhouse grade’ calcium nitrate products sold in Europe, Latin America and Asia found significant deviations in nutritional specification, impurities and product quality.
40 pc of the tested samples had calcium and/or nitrogen concentrations less than 97pc of label specification; 24pc contained lead, mercury or cadmium above minimum detection levels; and 56pc showed inferior product quality, such as dust, caking or black particles.
“These inconsistencies can directly affect the product’s quality, storage, handling and solubility characteristics – and most importantly, its performance,” Paul said.
“Inconsistent or sub-optimal nutrient delivery has a direct impact on crop yield and quality, poor product quality can block fertigation systems, while impurities can shut down market access.
“YaraTera CALCINIT has guaranteed specification, so you can be completely confident that what it says on the label is what you’re actually receiving.
“Furthermore, you know exactly where it comes from.
“Many calcium nitrate fertilisers are manufactured and sold as commodities, making it very difficult to trace the true origin of the manufacturer.”
YaraTera CALCINIT is produced in Europe using the highest quality ingredients and some of the world’s most energy-efficient processes.
“YaraTera CALCINIT is produced using patented catalyst technology that reduces CO2 emissions by up to 80 pc compared to other calcium nitrates,” Paul said.
“The use of coal-free nitrophosphate production processes further improves air quality and soil health.
“Yara has reduced its CO2 emissions by 45 pc since 2005 and it is on track to reduce this by another 30 pc by 2030 and become carbon neutral by 2050.
“It’s all part of our ambition of Growing a Nature-Positive Food Future.”
Unlike some calcium nitrates, YaraTera CALCINIT is not classified as an oxidising agent and is therefore not subject to restrictions in storage, handling and transportation.
Yara is one of the world’s leading fertiliser manufacturers. It markets a comprehensive range of fertilisers, including YaraMila (NPK), YaraRega (soluble NPK), YaraTera (fully water-soluble fertilisers), YaraLiva (calcium nitrates) and YaraVita (foliar micronutrients).
These products are supported by Yara’s team of sales agronomists, customer service representatives and technical support staff throughout Australia.
“Our goal is to deliver integrated crop nutrition solutions that genuinely increase the productivity and profitability of our customers,” Paul said.
This article was written by Elders supplier Yara for Seasons magazine.