Fullerton Farms Macadamias at Glasshouse Mts commenced using TM Agricultural in their orchards after observing the results achieved by their neighbour Michael Cooper, AKA Mr Macadamia. They purchased a couple of orchards previously under Michael’s management. Based on their observations, TM Agricultural, along with Michael’s overall nutrition program, has been adopted across all of their macadamia orchards.

Fullerton also operates an extensive pineapple plantation near Elimbah. Family member Ken manages this enterprise. It was decided to trial TM Agricultural in the pineapples also, a first and always a challenge to determine results in a slow growing crop with a 2 year cycle. A block already planted was selected, and one bed was left untreated as a reference.

Two applications of TM Agricultural and Best Fulvic Plus at 500 mls/ha each were applied approximately three months apart. The planting was inspected in June, and a penetrometer was used to determine any benefit in soil structure, aeration and drainage potential. A difference was registered in that the untreated bed showed a hardpan from approx. 125mm to 250mm depth, requiring 600 psi pressure to penetrate. Conversely, the treated beds did not indicate any evidence of hardpan, and less than 300 psi on the penetrometer easily penetrated to full depth.

Ken indicated harvest would be in August, and it was agreed to visit again then to attempt to determine any other results. This took place yesterday, 20^th August. We tested for brix levels. For the pineapples to be ready for market, they are required to register above a brix level of 12. When we tested the untreated bed, we registered a (lovely, sweet) reading of 16. When tested, fruit from the TM treated beds registered 17.5. This was pleasing, not that the difference was noticeable to taste, but we know the higher the brix reading, the better the quality and improved shelf life. This was the third harvest round through these beds, with pines being selectively harvested according to visual maturity levels.

These plants will now be set to produce a ratoon crop. A single application of TM Agricultural and Fulvic Plus will be applied as soon as the harvest is completed to give the ratoon crops a boost. A large spray rig is used to achieve this, applying hundreds of litres or more water per ha, as required.

A check was carried out on soil pH levels with no statistically notable difference being recorded. Pineapple soil, often referred to as “battery acid” soil runs generally between 4.5 pH and 6 pH, considered too low for most crops.