

What Science Says About
NEW TECHNOLOGY
RLF PRODUCTS
About this Series
An engaging series of 11 videos that feature Dr Hooshang Nassery and Carol Phillips in a conversational style presentation about the science that underpins RLF product and practice.
It has been called ON SOLID GROUND for good reason, because the science of plant physiology provides the indisputable basis upon which all RLF products are developed.
This series will bring a relaxed and simple understanding for farmers and growers everywhere about the science that underpins the RLF brand, and the expertise that goes into every specialised crop nutrition product that RLF manufactures.
Carol Phillips talks with Dr Hooshang Nassery about New Technology
RLF Products
Carol Phillips (CP) : Hooshang, I’d like to talk a little bit about RLF products that are coming on stream at the moment. So, we need to keep evolving with our specialty fertilisers. Now, two-phase foliars, firstly the vegetative, and then the reproductive phase, foliars. Can you just explain what the difference is?
Dr Hooshang Nassery (HN) : Yes. Well that’s a good question. Again, it goes back to the physiology of the plant and what it requires at different stages of growth. In the vegetative cycle of the plant, we require a lot of nitrogen and some trace elements – in other words, we need more nitrogen. Whereas, when we go to the reproductive cycle, we need more potassium and phosphorus and of course some trace elements specific for that period, (such as boron, calcium and so on). So, RLF is trying to come up with a more advanced product so that the farmer avoids tank mixing, and has one (product), as we call it Foliar-1 or vegetative foliar for the first cycle of plant growth, and then as soon as the plant moves into reproductive phase – or during fruit development or grain development – then products that have high phosphorus and high potassium, and possibly certain trace element again would be much more relevant (Foliar-2). And the reason is, that during fruit production, or grain production, there’s a lot of requirement for potassium. If it is not there, then phloem transport and sugar transport is limited.
CP : | So does that mean that the crop doesn’t yield as much, or loses its fruit? What are the consequences of that? |
HN : | During that period we often find that the soil is also (in paddocks rather than irrigated dryland crops), we find that the soil is dry, therefore there is limited movement of nutrients like potassium and phosphorus in the soil. So, one reason that they benefit from that, is that the other one is the higher downloading of these nutrients from leaf into grains and into fruit. If we don’t have them, then we’ll not be able to make larger fruits, or larger grain, and filling every grain, so to speak. |
CP : | So it sounds like there would be real economic benefit for the farmer if it can all be done with one process, instead of nutrients or solutions having to be combined. |
HN : | Absolutely yes. Of course in some conditions we do have modifications of these, or might require some specific trace elements for a certain condition. But in general, that splitting into Foliar-1 and Foliar-2 is a strategy that is very useful both in horticultural and broadacre crops. |
CP : | It sounds it. Thank you. |
About Dr Hooshang
Hooshang is RLF's Plant Physiologist and he heads the company's Research, Development and Technical team. He brings the knowledge and enthusiasm for the industry with over 40 years of experience and he has played a central role in a number of new product developments, including the world-leading and innovative seed nutrition technology BSN. Contact Hooshang.
About Carol
Carol is RLF's Communications, Media and Policy consultant. She is the main author of information, marketing and website publications and part of her role is to plan targeted marketing and information strategies and resources for both customers and the wider RLF team. Contact Carol.
RLF Product Categories
RLF has 11 key product categories.
They all include specially developed and technically advanced crop nutrition products for all crop types, deficiencies and conditions.
The links at the following categories identify the specific, high-technology products available in each of the product categories.
Contact Details
1800 753 000 FREE CALL+618 9334 8700 (Outside Australia)




