Nutrient Removal Science

What is Nutrient Removal Science

Nutrient removal, put simply, is the quantity of nutrient the plant, through growth, removes from the soil in a specified area.

Before soil testing became an accepted farming practice, the nutrient removal approach to crop fertilisation was the best that science had to offer. However today, with the introduction of High-analysis Broad-spectrum (HBS) nutrient solutions, this science is the basis for new modern farming practices by using RLF’s range of HBS products.

Nutrient Removal Science is therefore the expression given to the process of calculating the quantity of nutrients removed in the plant material harvested from the field for the particular crop-type.

All plant material contain and require the essential nutrients. The three Macro Nutrients (Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium – NPK) together with the three Secondary Nutrients (Magnesium, Sulphur and Calcium) are taken up in greater quantities and are present in concentrations calculated by percentage (%). The six Micro Nutrients (Boron, Manganese, Iron, Copper, Zinc and Molybdenum) are also present but in much smaller concentrations and are measured as parts per million (ppm).

Comparison of Nutrient Quantities
(Representation Graph Only)
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The Realities of Modern Farming

Nutrient removal science is an imperative for today’s Farmers and Growers.

Understanding how the science of nutrient removal works and how all elements work together to bring about successful outcomes of plant growth and yield is important knowledge. RLF have developed scientifically proved products to help take much of the hard work and the random influences from this task.

  • The Macro Nutrients
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Plants need NPK in large quantities.

These three macro nutrients combine to ensure the general health and vigour of all plants. Some of the growth factors associated with these nutrients include stimulated root development, increased stalk and stem strength and improved flower formation and seed production.

  • The Secondary Nutrients
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Plant growth requires energy, and lots of it.

Whilst the secondary nutrients are also taken up in large quantities their concentrations are calculated by percentage (%).

These three (Mg, S and Ca) all work together to capture the sun’s energy for growth and production through photosynthesis. The secondary nutrients are as important to plant nutrition as are the macro (primary) nutrients.

  • The Micro Nutrients
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The six Micro Nutrients (B, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn and Mo) are also present but in much smaller concentrations. They are measured as parts per million (ppm).

The micro nutrients combine to play many important functions, such as ensuring membrane stability and supporting the structural and functional integrity of plant cell membranes. They are also involved in the enzyme systems that regulate the early growth stages, and are vital for fruit, seed and root system development.

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How to Achieve a Balanced Outcome

RLF’s HBS (High-analysis Broad-spectrum Solutions) are formulated to optimum levels of nutrient, in order for the plant to access and use the nutrients required for growth.

These calculations are based on plant science (and for most food and fodder crops widely accepted as best representing that particular crop) and are commonly estimated from measured yields and published research and trial data.

Apply this Science

This principal of nutrient removal is the basis for the formulation of RLF’s HBS products.

RLF formulates the required concentrations of nutrient – some element higher and most micro nutrients in the small amounts needed. These formulations are then coupled with the RLF delivery technology (NDS and SDS), meaning that these concentrations are delivered directly as ‘plant available’ nutrient into the plant via the seed or leaf wall.

RLF delivery technology means more efficient uptake in the delivery of these concentrated amounts.

How RLF uses Nutrient Removal Science
to Engineer Better Products

RLF, as agriculture’s leading High-analysis Broad-spectrum liquid fertiliser company, is well placed to provide this important service for its Farmer and Grower Customers.

It has the resources and capacity required to meet the demand placed on it through its innovative science and technology systems and products.

Typical micro-nutrient levels appear small, however these amounts are based on the science of nutrient removal and are in the optimum range for the plant’s requirements.

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Mulders Chart

The chart that follows, (The Mulders Chart), demonstrates how care must be taken to ensure an adequate and balanced supply of ALL nutrients to the plant.

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