ICL's range of Fibagro Advance woodfibre grades will be on display at the Four Oaks Trade Show next month (Stand B30-32).
Showcasing the latest advances in Levington Advance sustainable growing media, the stand will feature progress in peat alternatives - as well as the associated nutrition and wetting agent technologies needed to optimize plant production.
"Replicating what we developed with quality peat growing media, we are screening and blending different Fibagro Advance wood-fiber fractions to optimize the performance of our peat-reduced and peat-free mixes," says UK sales manager, Adrian Thirtle-Watts. "Supporting the industry in its bid to go peat-free, ICL has invested heavily in R&D, including the development of a thermomechanical process that can now produce four grades of Fibagro Advance. The two new finer grades - Super Fine and Fine – complement the Standard and Coarse grades."
ICL's technical team will be on hand to discuss growing media and nutrition packages, incorporating Osmocote 5 controlled release fertilizers, as well as theUniversol and Peters water soluble ranges.
"With the loss of imidacloprid, the residual UK vine weevil population is on the rise," warns Adrian. "Growers need to take a belt and braces approach to control. In addition to nematodes, programs should include Lalguard M52, an eco-conscious solution to help control this devastating pest. Conveniently added to growing media mixes, it ensures every plant potted on the nursery is treated."
Other stand highlights include the 3-in-1 wetting agent H2Gro and ICL's new microbial inoculant - Vitalnova TriBoost. Promoting a healthy microbiome in sustainable growing media mixes, this biostimulant helps boost plant vitality - optimizing plant quality while minimizing losses, the ICL team states.
This year's ICL Four Oaks Seminar will be trials-led focussing on practical advances in peat-free growing. Technical manager, Andrew Wilson, will take delegates through ICL's 2024 peat-free growing media trials - which include 100% Fibagro Advance demonstration mixes - as well as the latest peat-free Osmocote 5 trials, seeking to optimize plant growth and health. Referencing new European trials, attendees can also view actual plants from several UK 2024 trials.
With new regulations due on biodegradable fertilizer coatings, Andrew will provide an update on ICL's encouraging progress in this area – including the imminent launch of a new Nitrogen fertilizer, N Boost, with a fully biodegradable coating.
For more information:
ICL Group
Epsilon House, West Road
Ipswich, IP3 9FJ
Tel.: +44 (0)1473 237100
Fax: +44 (0)1473 237150
Email: [email protected]
www.icl-group.com
www.icl-sf.co.uk
www.icl-sf.ie