The roots of plants and the root system are crucial to a robust and vital crop in many ways. The task of plant roots is multifaceted: they ensure the absorption of water and nutrients, of course, but also guarantee firm anchoring in the soil. Moreover, the roots are a storage organ and they create a soil climate in which (favourable) micro-organisms thrive. Practice has often proven that crops that start right from the beginning with Optima Root have a big plus.
- Accelerates the rooting of young plants.
- Improves root growth directly and shoot growth indirectly.
- Increases crop yields.
- Reduces the impact of stress.
On the left the plants that received a standard treatment, on the right the plants that were treated with Optima Root.
What is the effect of the nutrients in Optima Root?
- The seaweeds in Optima Root are naturally rich in alginates and complex sugars, which makes them resistant to the extreme conditions of the sea. Optima Root thus supports crops during periods of stress.
- In addition to nitrogen, fish hydrolysate is packed with amino acids and vitamins. These increase resistance to abiotic stress.
- The humic acids ensure that nutrients are better absorbed.
- The N, P, and K and the trace elements are very important for root development.
A gift of Optima Root is the best way to support root growth.
Optima Root ensures, among other things, that more (hair) roots are formed. See below a microscopic photo taken by the French test station Astredhor. Above is the treatment with Optima Root, below the treatment with a commercial reference.
A fast start for leeks
The added value of Optima Root in leeks has now been well demonstrated. Recent trials at the Belgian National Research Centre for Vegetable Production in Kruishoutem (B) show that the percentage of leeks in the premium Flandria category has increased enormously due to a better start of the growth, with up to 9 tonnes/ha more in this category.
Quality grades determined by the Belgian National Research Centre for Vegetable Production in Kruishoutem (B). In the Standard, a comparison has been made with a standard product from practice.
Floriculture: a solid start with bright prospects
Last year (2021) Optima Root was tested by Astredhor in France in various crops. The application of Optima Root systematically showed a stronger development of the above and below-ground parts of the plant right from the start. Naturally, this pays off in yield later on.
On the pictures below, from top to bottom, you see the crops Pelargonium, Euphorbia and Thymus. Each time, the application with Optima Root is in the middle, with on the left and right side two applications with two other products from practice.
Bean: more leaves, better rooting
In 2021, we carried out a trial in our own Test and Innovation Centre to see what Optima Root does to the root development of bean. This trial showed that the application of Optima Root leads to a 22.1% higher leaf weight and a 27.4% higher root weight.
Stay informed? Please subscribe!
Click hereApplication rates
Soil application
Tree cultivation, viticulture and (small) fruits
At planting/root forming:
10 litres per hectare. 2-4 times a year.
Lawn and meadows
At planting / rooting:
10 litres per hectare. 1 time per year.
Forestry and plant nursery
At planting / rooting:
7-10 litres per hectare. 1-14 times a year.
Floriculture
At planting / rooting:
10 litres per hectare. 1-14 times a year.
Vegetables and strawberries
At planting / rooting:
7-10 litres per hectare. 1-8 times a year.
Application via the fertigation system
Mother solution: diluted at 1/1 (50% water with 50% Optima Root)
Adjustment of the dosage pump to 1%. The application must be given immediately (within 12 hours).
Composition
Nitrogen (N) total | 37,0 g/kg |
Nitrogen (N) ureic | 16,0 g/kg |
Nitrogen (N) organic** | 9,0 g/kg |
Nitrogen (N) ammoniacal | 12,0 g/kg |
Phosphate (P2O5)* | 62,0 g/kg |
Potassium (K2O)* | 52,0 g/kg |
Boron (B)* | 0,1 g/kg |
Zinc (Zn)* | 0,2 g/kg |
Humic acid | 1,8 g/kg |
Fulvic acid | 0,8 g/kg |
Specific gravity | 1,2 |
pH | 7 - 8 |
Appearance | Brown liquid |
* = soluble in water | |
| * = Organic nitrogen is obtained by hydrolysis of fish meal and vegetable proteins |
Instructions for use
- Shake or stir well before use.
- Store frost free, indoor in a dark place. The product may crystallise at too cold temperatures (< 5 degrees C).
- Due to residue formation, avoid foliar applications on visually attractive crops immediately prior to harvesting.
- Not compatible with liquid calcium based products.
- Never mix pure products together.
- Optima Root is best applied early in the morning or in the evening to avoid strong sunlight. This minimises the risk of crop damage due to leaf burn. If the crop stays wet for longer, the nutrient uptake is improved. We recommend carrying out a trial application on a small area first, before applying to the entire plot.
- This product has a shelf life of 3 years from the moment of production. The shelf life of the product is stated on the label. Opening the packaging in the meantime has no influence on this. As long as the guidelines for storage are followed the expiry date (BB) on the label is leading.
