DETERMINING THE EFFECTIVITY OF THE NEW BIOLOGICAL FERTILIZERS  AS A STIMULATOR OF GROWTH FOR NEWLY PLANTED EXPORT GRAPES AS WELL AS FOR
THE YOUNG PLANTS. 

Introduction
Trials were held on the farm Rouxbyn in Brandwacht near Worcester. The time-lapse of the trial was from 14 September 2000 to 19 April 2001. The purpose of the trial was to determine the effectivity of these new fertilizers (normally used as a substitute for chemical fertilizers in graincrops) as a growth stimulator as well as biological fertilizer (for first few months) in the plantings of new vineyards. The effect as replacement for chemical fertilizer combined with the effect of our foliage feeder and Penac P on the vineyards were also studied.

Materials and Methods
The plantings used were Regal seedless on understicks of Ramsy. The ground was treated with 500g/ha Penac K to activate soilborne microbes for the breakdown of organic matter in and above the ground, the formation of humus, soil fertility and a better water retention capacity.

1. Plants were dipped in the fertilizer (1kg in 6L H2O treats 2000 sticks)
2. Penac P was sprayed four times after planting: weeks 6,11,14,17 (50ml/250L H20/ha)
3. Foliage feeder was sprayed twice after planting: weeks 8,18 (1kg/250L H2O/ha)
4. Biofeeder tablets were planted 13 weeks after planting ( 1 tab./stick 10cm from stick,
   6cm u/ground). These tablets serve as organic fertilizer for a period of 6 months.
 

(1) Regal seedless on Ramsy. Plantings 7 months old. Sustained growth throughout the vineyard was observed.

(2) Regal seedless on Ramsey. Plantings 7 months old. Vigorous growth observed throughout the trial period.

(3+4) Regal seedless on Ramsey. Plantings 7 months old. Vigorous growth
observed throughout the trial period

Results
Sustained growth was achieved for all plantings (fig. 1). Plants were found to be healthy and nutrients supplied seemed to be adequate. Vigorous growth in a vertical direction was observed (fig. 2 and fig.3) and roots (including hair roots) were found to be healthy and well developed. No differences in leaf size between the trial plants and others on the farm were observed.

Conclusion
The new fertilizers  can be used as growth stimulator and biological fertilizer for the nourishment of young vineyard plantings in conjunction with Penac P as leaf strengthener. The foliage feeder and Biofeeder as the sustainable source of nutrients for the growing plants.