Biota Nutrients produces and develops liquid organic fertilizers suitable for agriculture and horticulture. Our fertilizers are suited for use via an irrigation system. We produce and develop products for two types of growing: growing on substrate with low contents of organic substances, and soil-based growing. In addition to our main and trace elements, we also have bio-stimulants that promote the absorption of minerals. We examine the molecular weight of the elements in developing our fertilizers. The lighter we can make the molecule, the more easily it will be absorbed by the plant.
In developing our fertilizers, we focus on single fertilizers, because we want to give the grower control over the mix. This allows the grower to create a tailor-made recipe using a limited number of products. Our nitrogen, calcium and potassium and single fertilizers, while phosphate comes in an NPK form. Trace elements are also single.
Nitrogen
Organic fertilizers contain different types of nitrogen. In organic production, nitrogen is the key element, and thus them most difficult to produce. The form of the element is critical for nitrogen’s absorption speed. Biota Nutrients currently offers two types of nitrogens. Biota-Amino and Biota N15. Biota Amino is high in organic nitrogen and contains amino acids such as ammonium as a source of nitrogen. Biota N15 is low in organic matter but high in concentration, up to 15% nitrogen. Both are plant-based. In addition to these two products, we also offer an organic nitrate and an organic ammonium, product of which will begin next year.
Calcium
Calcium is available in different hardness levels. The softer the calcium, the more easily and rapidly the plant can absorb it. In developing our calcium, we focus specifically on the softness and thus availability of the calcium. We currently offer 8% CaO in liquid form.
Potassium
Potassium is a common element. However, retrieving it from residual flows is a challenge. We currently offer a variety of potassium products, and will focus on their further optimisation in the near future. Our goal is to further increase the concentration.
Phosphate
As is true for nitrogen, retrieving phosphate from residual flows is challenging. Phosphate availability is an important part of this. We currently offer a 3% organic phosphate. We will add additional products in the coming years.
Trace elements and magnesium
We have a full range of trance elements permitted in organic agriculture and horticulture. Additionally, most of our fertilizers also contain trace elements, as these are extracted from the residual flows. We strive to obtain all trace elements from residual flows. This process will take a number of years.
Bio-stimulants
The term bio-stimulant is broad. A large variety of products is currently marketed as a bio-stimulant. Our bio-stimulants focus on improving the growth and uptake of fertilizers by the plant. Most of our bio-stimulants are made with plant extracts. Bio-stimulants can improve a plant’s resilience, making it less susceptible to diseases and pests.
Enzymes
Biota Nutrients also produces enzymes that can break down dead roots in the mat. We recommend these enzymes only be used in non-soil based growing.
Cleaning up dead roots removes the substrate for root diseases and thus reduces the risk of root diseases.
Plant extracts
Plant extracts include scented extracts that can contribute to improved scent for your products. Additionally, scents sometimes make plants less attractive to insects.
Biota Hydro
Biota Hydro is a unique product that can reduce water requirements by up to 50%. The use of Biota Hydro can further limit drying out, but also increase the shelf life of potted plants. Biota Hydro is liquid and acts hygroscopically. It is easy to use and works for up to three months.
Bacteria
Biota Nutrients is currently working closely with a partner for bacterial products that contribute to mineral absorption. For example, there are bacteria that can release phosphate and potassium, fixate nitrogen, and make trace elements more readily available. We expect to market these products in 2019.
Biopesticide
We are working closely with a number of partners for developing biopesticide. We have partners for development and partners for registration and market exploration. We will start the registration process for several different products in the coming years.
Studies and demonstration experiments
Every year, we conduct a number of studies and demonstration experiments to support the efficacy of our products. We are currently running a study in the Horti World Centre on improving the nutritional value of tomatoes. We focus on improving the tomato’s flavour, vitamins and lycopene content.
We are also conducting a study on sugar cane together with a partner company, called Terra Grow, in Colombia, with the aim of increase both production and sugar content. The study is in its second season, and the results look promising.