ABR boron enriched SOP crop trial delivers positive results

ABR commissioned the University of Connecticut (UConn) to conduct crop trials of its boron enriched SOP (SOP+B) specialty fertilizer. SOP is a potassium-rich fertilizer that does not add potentially harmful chlorides to the soil. The objective of the trial was to evaluate the growth and yield of broccoli and tomato using four different blends of ABR’s boron enriched SOP fertilizer and compare the yield performance to the grower’s conventional fertilizers (without the addition of boron). The trials were designed on a randomised basis with four replications of blocks. Each block was 12.5 ft x 6 ft, with a total trial area of ~0.5 acres. Plant height was measured every 15 days, marketable fruit/head yield assessed, soil tested (before and after the application of treatments), and a tissue test conducted (during the middle of the growing season). The crops were planted on 25 May 2020.

Broccoli and tomatoes are ideal candidates for a boron-enriched SOP fertilizer for the following reasons:

1. Like many crops, they are sensitive to the chlorides found in other common fertilizers, yet require both potassium and boron (as an essential mirco-nutrient).
2. It is generally believed that test results for broccoli will apply to other cruciferous crops (such as kale, cabbage, cauliflower, and brussel sprouts).
3. California accounts for 92% of all broccoli grown in the US and 90% of all tomatoes.

ABR submitted four different SOP+B blends for use in the trial with varying ratios of boron applied. The final crop trial report was prepared by Dr Shuresh Ghimire who holds a PhD in Horticulture, and specialises in vegetable crops as an Extension educator at the UConn Tolland Agricultural Center.

ABR, CEO and Managing Director, Michael Schlumpberger, commented: “The independent crop trial results start to validate our thesis that ABR’s boron enriched SOP could potentially transform the North American specialty fertilizer market. Seeing broccoli yields more than double when ABR’s boron enriched SOP was applied is amazing. These results also support our view that ABR will have a major competitive advantage in the market given it can produce the boron enriched SOP on site without any double handling or logistics burdens.”

Read the article online at: https://www.worldfertilizer.com/potash/01102020/abr-boron-enriched-sop-crop-trial-delivers-positive-results/