Mycorrhizal root extenders which magnify access to nutrients and moisture while simultaneously stimulating growth of existing roots.

Vesicular Arbuscular Mycorrhiza (VAM) are fungi that grow as fine filaments which attach to the plant roots, forming a pipe-like network, effectively extending the original root coverage by several hundred percent. This filament system retains and delivers moisture and nutrients to the host plant in return for the essential sugars and other nutrients supplied to the fungi by the plant. The host plant produces a larger root structure in response to stimulating compounds excreted by the fungi which are attempting to increase the available surface area to which they can attach. VAM are capable of extending the nutrient-scavaging capacity of the plant on a purely physical basis, but they also release compounds which dissolve the elements prone to forming insoluble compounds - phosphorus and zinc are prime examples. VAM improve soil structure through the release of organic glues that bind the soil particles into aggregates, forming a highly desirable crumb structure.

Benefits:

• Increased uptake and retention of water - VAM improve drought tolerance and recovery.
• Improved soil structure - VAM-induced crumb structure may be the most significant factor in long-term plant performance and overall soil health.
• Nutrient solubilisation - exudates 'unlock' minerals like phosphate from 'frozen reserves' in the soil.
• 90% of all plants have developed some form of mycorrhizal association.
• Encourages root growth.
• Some of the important crops that will benefit from Nutri-Life VAM-Tech inoculation include: avocadoes, apples, bananas, beans, carrots, clover, all citrus, corn, cotton, cucumbers, grapes, lettuce, mangoes, olives, onions, passionfruit, pawpaw's, stonefruit, peanuts, potatoes, rockmelons, soybeans, strawberries, sugar cane, tomatoes, watermelons and wheat.

Packaging:

• 500gr sachets, 1kg screw top containers, 10kg buckets.

Typical Analysis:

• Contains live fungal spores and propagules of Vesicular Arbuscular Mycorrhiza of the species Glomus intraradices. Minimum 100,000 spores or propagules per kg of carrier.

Application Rates:

Note: Nutri-Life VAM-Tech must come into contact with growing roots to be effective. VAM-Tech application rates and techniques include the following:

• Add to compost tea prior to application, at a rate of 500 grams / 200 litres.
• Dip damp roots into the powder or sprinkle the powder on to damp roots - 1000 grams per 500 transplants (small fruit trees, roses, grapes) - increase rates with larger plants.
• Sprinkle into the planting hole or side-dress (band) the powder into the planting row during planting - 1000 grams per 500 transplants.
• Make a slurry with water - 30gr per litre (2 tablespoons per litre) and dip plants into the slurry before planting. Use the remaining slurry as a soil drench during planting.
• Water in to freshly transplanted small plants -1000 grams per 2000 small plants (strawberries, tomatoes). For 'watering in' applications, suspend powder in clean water and delivery evenly to each plant. Agitate suspension during application. Wash well into the soil. The soil must come into contact with the growing root to be effective. Repeat applications will improve infection of roots.
• Water into turf and golf greens at 5 grams / m2. Wash into the soil profile after application.
• Mix into planting soil before potting - 10 grams per 25-litre bag of potting mix. For commercial applications, aim to apply between 10 and 50 spores per individual germinating plant. Product contains 100 spores-propagules / gram. Consult NTS for specialised applications.

Information:

• VAM-Tech is not an alternative to existing fertiliser programs but serves to improve the plants' ability to uptake nutrients and water. Repeated applications will not be harmful. No phytotoxicity has been recorded at very high rates.

© Steve Cselka 2002 - 2011