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We have entered the period of full production of the plant, with a succession of new crops and continuous harvests. Given the intense activity, specific solutions are needed to increase the number of flowers and to promote the fruit set in order to increase the final yield of the table tomato.

We have developed a specific program that can provide the plant with the right nutrients at every stage, to protect it from any thermal stress and support its growth.

The technical line

The fertilization of asparagus should be carried out in summer after the harvests so that it can replenish its nutrient reserves and better prepare the crop for the following year’s production.

The root system is in continuous renewal and, being the reserve organ, it is very important to stimulate its growth and promote the absorption of nutrients.

At the same time, a balanced development of the aerial part is essential.

Technical Line

These interventions allow an ideal development of the root system and an accumulation of reserve substances to prepare asparagiaia to produce at best (quality and quantity) the following year.

Almost all the products contain organic compounds (humic acids, fulvic acids, amino acids, carboxylic acids) which are very important for asparagus, a crop that, remember, loves organic matter, especially if of high quality.

GRANULAR APPLICATIONS IN POST-HARVEST

• JOLLY, a complex organomineral fertiliser with high phosphorus and potassium content. Dosage of 400 kg/ha
• CereaSlow 33, provides slow release nitrogen nutrition, lasting in asparagus growing time. Dosage of 200-300 kg/ha

The flowering of the grapewine is now near. This phase is very energy-intensive for the plant, as there is an intense demand for nutrients. However, it is important to avoid deficiencies or excesses, in order not to compromise the good flowering and subsequent grafting of the vine.

The interventions immediately following the fruit set aim to make the cluster lengthen (thus avoiding overly tight clusters) and develop the berries, in order to obtain high-quality production.

In all these delicate phases it is also advisable to support the plant, especially in situations of stress, with products with biostimulating action .

The technical line

In the pre-flowering, late blooming and potting phases we recommend the use of:

• Leaf P-Ca 4l/ha + Giove Bio Gold 1.5-2 kg/ha by foliar route

In the cluster stretching phase we recommend the use of:

• CalcioMagno 15-20 l/ha in fertigation (1-2 interventions at 15 days)
• VigorGreen 1,5 l/ha + Magnetical 3-4 l/ha by foliage (1-2 interventions at 15 days)

Want to discover the complete technical line?

In the drupacee, the swelling phase of the fruit is very delicate and requires specific and targeted treatments. Until the hardening of the stone it is played, in fact, a large part of the production as a good size of the stone will correspond to a good size of the fruits.

During this time, phosphorus plays an important role because it directly affects the enlargement of the stone; it is equally important to start, from this stage, to provide calcium, essential for compact fruits with intense and uniform coloration, ensure good shelf-life.

In the phases of enlargement and hardening of the kernel it is also important to avoid stress situations and possibly support the plant with specific products.

The technical line

FROM THE ENLARGEMENT TO THE HARDENING OF THE STONE

In the phase of enlargement we recommend 2-3 treatments every 7-10 days of:

• Hydrostar 10 kg/ha + Leaf P-Ca 10 l/ha  in fertigation
• VigorGreen  1,5 l/ha + Magnetical 3-4 l/ha per by foliar application

In the hardening phase we recommend 2-3 treatments every 7-10 days of:

• Hydrostar 10 kg/ha + Leaf P-Ca 10 litri/ha  in fertigation
• VigorGreen  1,5 l/ha + Magnetical 3-4 l/ha by foliar application

FROM VERAISON UNTIL 10 DAYS BEFORE HARVEST

We recommend 2 treatments every 10-15 days of:

• CalcioMagno 20l/ha + Supremo 20l/ha in fertigation
• MagnetiCal 3-4l/ha + Giove Bio Gold 1-2 kg/ha by foliar application

Do tou want to discover the complete technical line?

In order to put the plant in the best productive conditions it is necessary to stimulate a good and uniform flowering to promote the fruit set.

To achieve this, it is advisable to provide the plant with biostimulating products, in combination with normal fertilization, so as to avoid stress situations and increase the efficiency of use of nutrients at the most delicate stages of the production cycle.

The technical line:

In the pre-breeding phase:

• Nano. T Fe with dosage of 5 l/ha in fertirrigation + HydroStar with dosage of 10 kg/ha in fertirrigation
• VigorGreen in a dosage of 1.5 l/ha by foliar application

At the end of flowering we recommend the use of:

• VigorGreen in a dosage of 1.5 l/ha by foliage

In the allegation phase (and post-allegation) we recommend:

• Crisco with a dosage of 1.5 l/ha by foliar, to promote the elongation of the cluster.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE TECHNICAL LINE CLICK HERE

In the hazel the flowering has already taken place in the winter months. The plant is now in a phase of vegetative growth with the growth of new shoots. Stimulating a balanced vegetative growth of the plant allows at the same time to promote the subsequent fruit set.

Therefore, in these stages it is important to have an optimal management of nitrogen and other nutrients (magnesium, iron and boron), to maximize the photosynthetic activity of the plant and promote a higher yield.

The following products are recommended in the stages of end germination and setting:

• CereaSlow 40, with a dosage of 200 Kg/ha, granular application to the soil
• NaturBlack 1.5 l/ha + Febo Mix 2 kg/ha, foliar application

Discover the complete technical line:

We tested the efficiency of Leaf P-Ca in the field. Experimental tests have shown that its application produces fruits with greater size and average weight, and also more colored.

During 2023, a fertilization test was set up in collaboration with the Technology Transfer Center of the Edmund Mach Foundation in San Michele all'Adige (TN), on the cultivar Fuji/ M9 in Spagolle, in the municipality of Castelnuovo (TN), to test the performances of the Leaf P-Ca product by Fcp Cerea in comparison with the standard company thesis.

Leaf P-Ca is a synergistic formulation of phosphorus (23.6%) and calcium (6%) bound together, recommended to promote fruit development and increase its size, hardness and shelf life.

The test was carried out on a sandy-loam soil (48.5% sand, 46.5% silt and 5% clay), subalkaline (pH 7.6), extremely calcareous (total limestone 64.4%) but with low active limestone endowment (< 1%), with high organic matter endowment (7.6%), very rich in assimilable iron and copper (48.4 and 48.8 milligrams/kilo respectively) and with very high contents of exchangeable magnesium (1000 milligrams/kilo of MgO).

The plants, planted in 2019, are grafted on the M9 rootstock and bred with biaxial system (3.50 x 1.18), with planting density equal to 2414 plants per hectare (photo 1).

Figure 1. Plants in bloom on 19 April, before setting the test and particular operation of measuring the area of the trunk section of both axes for the selection of plants to be used for measurements during the growing season, as well as taking the entire unit production per plant. (Source: Fcp Cerea)

Each thesis was replicated four times within the plot in elementary plots of 12 homogeneous plants. Three representative plants were selected in each parcel, as they are homogeneous in the trunk section area, to carry out measurements of fruit growth during the growing season and for harvesting the entire unit production per plant.

The product Leaf P-Ca was used at a dose of 5 liters/hectare for three foliar applications, scheduled 20 days after flowering, 35 days after flowering and 50 days after flowering. The firm’s thesis was simultaneously treated with a concentrated solution that guaranteed the same calcium supply, which is the element that most affects the dynamics affected by the test.

All distributions were carried out with the same pump and with volumes ranging from one thousand to 1500 liters/ hectare in relation to the vegetative development of the plant.

From the three sample plants of each plot, 4 branches were chosen per plant, two on each side and placed at two different heights, for a total of 96 branches, to carry out diametric development and growth measurements of all fruits. These measurements were made with the gauge at the 2nd surgery, one week after the 3rd surgery (photos 2 and 3 on the left) and more than a month after the last surgery (photo 3 on the right).

Figure 2. Particular of fruits in growth in a branch of the replica 1 of the two monitored theses Leaf P-Ca (left) and company (right) to 20 June. (Source: Fcp Cerea)

Figure 3. Details of the fruit growth measures on 20 June (left) and 25 July (right) with caliber. (Source: Fcp Cerea)

Chemical thinning of the fruits was carried out on all the plants tested and after mid-June, two other calcium-based interventions were carried out with the same solution used previously in the company thesis.

It should also be borne in mind that in July there were hail events which partially affected commercial production but did not affect the test with regard to the results set. 

The results showed no difference in the number of fruits per plant, whereas the fruit growth was significantly different (figure 1). At the end of July, plants treated with Leaf P-Ca had an average diameter of almost 3 millimeters higher with a daily growth statistically different from the company thesis.

Figure 1. Average diameters of the plants sampled in the two theses at the three survey dates. Significantly different values are indicated by different letters. Significance levels are reported for values of P < 0.05. (Source: Fcp Cerea)

This is confirmed by the result found at harvest with an average 3.6% more weight per fruit of the thesis treated with Leaf P-Ca (figure 2).

Figure 2. Average weight per fruit of the plants sampled in the two harvest theses. (Source: Fcp Cerea)

The distribution of fruits in the different size classes has also moved towards higher percentages in the upper classes, although statistical analysis does not detect statistically significant differences other than as trends.

Figure 3. Percentages of fruits in the different size classes in relation to the theses. (Source: Fcp Cerea)

Therefore, it is confirmed that Leaf P-Ca tends to increase the size at the same unit production per plant thanks to the synergy between phosphorus and calcium.

The analysis carried out with the spectrophotometer carried out on a sample of 40 fruits per parcel has also detected less yellow and more coloured fruits in the theses treated with Leaf P-Ca compared to those of the farm thesis.

Finally, an analysis of the main nutritional parameters was carried out, which revealed a substantial alignment of the two theses with significantly better performances than the untreated comparison test (Figure 4).

Figure 4. Comparison of some nutritional parameters in the three theses. Significantly different values are indicated with different letters. Significance levels are reported for values of P < 0.05. (Source: Fcp Cerea)

Do you want to discover the complete technical line for apple tree cultivation?

Considering that the flowers (and therefore the fruits) of the olive tree develop from the flower buds that arise from the branch of the previous year, in the vegetative growth phase it is necessary to make sure that the plant generates new and abundant sprouts for the following year.

In addition, in this phase, in preparation for flowering, it is essential to provide elements such as phosphorus, boron and calcium to induce a greater differentiation of the fruit buds and improve the fertility of the flowers, then the potting.

Fertiliser plans for traditional and intensive olive cultivation

TRADITIONAL CULTIVATION

In the vegetative recovery phase we recommend the use of:

• OLIVO (or Super Red) with a dosage of 300 kg/ha
• LEAF N with a dosage of 4 l/ha by foliar

After 15 days:

• LEAF N with a dosage of 4 l/ha by foliar

In pre-flowering:

• GIOVE BIO GOLD (1.5 l/ha) + NATURBLACK (1-1.5 l/ha) + HYDROSTAR (2.5 Kg/ha) for foliar

INTENSIVE CULTIVATION

In the vegetative growth phase we recommend the use of:

• OLIVO (or Super Red) with a dosage of 300 kg/ha
• LEAF N with a dosage of 4 l/ha by foliar

After 15 days:

• LEAF N with a dosage of 4 l/ha by foliar

In pre-flowering: 

• VIGORGREEN (1.5 l/ha) + NATURBLACK (1-1.5 l/ha) + LEAF P-CA (3 l/ha) by foliar
• SUPREMO (20 l/ha) + HYDROSTAR (10 l/ha) in fertigation

Discover the complete technical line:

The reference event for international agri-food professionals.

One of the most important trade fairs worldwide and showcase of Italian excellence in agrifood and agri-tech. The event is characterized by its uniqueness in networking three key elements for the growth of the sector: Business, thanks to the presence of professional operators; Networking between the impese and Knowledge, thanks to internationally renowned experts who guarantee the quality of the topics and intercept the news in the sector.

Macfrut represents a unique opportunity to meet all the main players in the fruit and vegetable sector (Italian and foreign).

We will be present at STAND 052 - Hall South, to present our granular and special products, with some interesting news about the line Nano.T.

We are waiting for you!

When? From 6 to 8 May 2025

Where? STAND 052 - South Hall / Rimini Expo Centre

For more information click here

Frosts, sudden changes in temperature, drought, excess water, high temperatures are all abiotic stresses that plants encounter when environmental conditions are not optimal.  These abiotic stresses lead to a slowing or even inhibition of the metabolism, limiting the development of plants and fruits.

The consequences will be: slowing down/reduction of chlorophyll photosynthesis, reduced protein synthesis, plants more susceptible to pathogens and therefore weaker, reduced vegetative development, difficult and/or compromised flowering, poor fruit set, poor quality and suboptimal production.

How can you help the plant in these delicate conditions?

After years of studies, research and field tests FCP Cerea proposes CERERE, a physioactivator, thermoprotector and osmoregulator suitable on all crops in every phenological phase. 

CERERE is a concentrate of medium and short-chain polyols (or polyalcohols) belonging to the family of hydrogenated carbohydrates (organic compounds).  These compounds enter directly into the plant cells and are able to help the plant to better manage free water, thus making it stronger and more resistant to adverse temperatures (too low or too high) and water stress (shortage and/or excess of water). 

Polyols can be rapidly transformed (within plant cells) into amino acids, essential compounds for plant metabolism, while plant-derived humic extracts stimulate the plant to a rapid recovery from abiotic stress.

CERERE also makes the membranes more elastic even in cases of frost, allowing fruit to swell and limiting the risk of cracking.

CERERE  is therefore a valid ally both to prevent the damage that abiotic stress can cause and to promote a rapid response and reactivation of the plant metabolism after stress.

The technical line of FCP Cerea

CERERE should be used 1-2 days before the expected adverse condition at a dose of 1.5-2.5 l/ha by foliar application on any crop (fruit, field and greenhouse horticulture, wine and table vines).  Repeat treatment 1-2 days after the stressful event. 

If the stressful event is prolonged (for example, periods of great heat and/or major thermal changes between day and night) treat every 8-10 days at a dose of 1.5-2 l/ ha.

To counteract the cracking of fruits use CERERE from walnut fruit every 12-15 days at a dose of 1.5-2 l/ ha.

CERERE can be combined with the most common plant protection products and foliar fertilizers to improve their effectiveness and persistence since it has an adhesive and wetting action.

Want to know more about our CERERE ?

In a few weeks, the sowing of maize will begin. Situations of stress and nutritional deficiencies (especially phosphorus) can have a negative impact in the subsequent emergency phase. For this delicate phase we propose a localized fertilization in order to induce a rapid and vigorous emergence of corn, paying special attention to the highly soluble phosphorus, fundamental for rooting.

Specifically, we recommend the use of:

• Blurain, a NPK fertiliser that uses the NUECR4 technology for controlled release of nitrogen, potassium and meso-elements (calcium and magnesium), with a dosage of 200-250 kg/ha located at band
• Universal Up, a NP with high phosphorus content, containing humic acids, which is more suitable where potassium fertilization has already been carried out. Dosage: 250-300 kg/ha located in band

Discover the complete technical line:

The agricultural sector will face many challenges in the near future. Trying to produce "more with less" will be an increasingly pressing goal as the world’s population is growing, arable land is shrinking and in Europe the Green Deal foresees a 20% reduction of fertilizer use by 2030.

This means that the efficiency of fertiliser use must be improved (Nutrient Use Efficiency - NUE).

Ideally, the perfect fertilizer can be considered as one that gives its nutrients as the plant requires them, following their needs according to the phenological stage in which it is (fig.1).

Figure 1- The ideal fertiliser releases elements in a synchronous way to the nutrient requirements of the crop. Source: Lammel, 2005 in G. Ciuffreda, "Nitrogen: three concepts to know in order to make better use of it". The agricultural informant, supplement to 15/2016.

The NUE can be expressed by the following formula and represents the percentage ratio of nutrients absorbed by the plant to nutrients supplied to the soil.

The FAO estimates that globally the NUE of macronutrients is about 50% for nitrogen, 10-15% for phosphorus and 40% for potassium [1].

Figure 2 - For every kg of nitrogen added to the soil, the plant uses less than half in China, about three-quarters in Europe, while the world average is around 50%. On the other hand, in the African continent the efficiency of use is very high as a result of the very low use of nitrogen as fertilizer. Source: Brentrup et al., 2010 in G. Ciuffreda, "Nitrogen: three concepts to know in order to use it better". The agricultural informant, supplement to 15/2016

These low efficiencies are due to a number of factors which can be summarised as: 

• Use of fertilisers with low nutrient efficiency (poorly soluble phosphorus, classical nitrogen forms;
• Application of incorrect cultivation techniques (wrong use times, under or overdosage).

The NUECR4 technology fertilisers of FCP Cerea are highly efficient in that they release nutrients slowly ensuring greater availability for plants, limiting negative phenomena such as leaching (removal of nutrients from the area explored by the roots by percolation into the deep layers of the soil) which is one of the main causes of the loss of efficiency of traditional fertilisers.

The NUECR4 fertilizers (CR acronym of "Cationic Retention") behave like the clays of the soil that, having negative electric charge, bind the cations to give them up over time. Specifically, once distributed in the soil, the granulate is hydrated, the nutrients are solubilised and the cations present (NH4+, K+, Ca++, Mg++, etc.) remain in the granulate and are progressively released (fig.3).

Figure 3 - Mechanism of action of NUECR4 technology

The NUECR4 technology is particularly active against the ammonia ion NH4+ (nitrogen), an essential element for plants whose soils are generally poor but also improves the efficiency of other essential elements such as potassium, calcium and magnesium.

Finally, it should be noted that the slow release of nitrogen takes place without using synthetic polymers (microplastics) that cover the granules of controlled release fertilizers, thus being more environmentally sustainable.

The benefits of NUECR4 technology contained in Fcp Cerea fertilizers are:

• Increased element use efficiency (NUE);
• Gradual release of nutrients;
• High nutrient availability for the plant also in the medium/long term;
• Strong and steady plant growth from early vegetative stages;
• Increased yields;
• Greater environmental sustainability

Today there are two products with NUECR4 technology in the range

• Blurain 10.12.16 suitable for tree crops, small fruits, horticultural open field and greenhouse. Ideal for a bottom fertilization or starter in band.
• Control 6.14 with low chlorine content, which has the advantages of NUECR4 Technology associated with slow nitrogen release from urea formaldehyde (40% on total). This allows the availability of nitrogen for plants to be further extended over time. Control is a formulation suitable for vegetable crops, fruit trees, meadows and golf courses.

In addition, in the near future Cerea FCP will obtain the registration of a microbial biostimulant CE (according to the new regulation EU 1009/2019) can improve the NUE by using the capacity of certain bacterial strains to bind atmospheric nitrogen and release nutrients (phosphorus and potassium) present in the soil in a form not available for plant roots.

A synchronized and uniform flowering remains the main goal to be pursued in this phase, so you must carefully manage nitrogen and pay special attention to possible biotic and abiotic stresses that may occur. The nutrition in vegetative response must therefore promote a balanced vegeto-productive development.

The technical line

• BluActive 300-400 kg/ha - granular, at the soil
• Hydrostar BTC 10 kg/ha - 2 applications in fertigation every 15 days

In case of forecast low temperatures and cold returns:

• Cerere at a dose of 1-1.5 litres/ha 24-48 hours before the onset of heat loss (also usable in case of full flowering).

In case of recurrent ferric chlorosis set the first application in vegetative recovery/sprouts development of:

• Nano. T Fe 5 l/ha + SuprEmo 20 l/ha

Technical in-depth analysis:

For the apple tree to check if it has received enough cold hours you must:

• Determine the "cold" period (e.g. October-January)
• Count the number of hours in this period below 7.2 °C.
• Consider that the required requirement is between 1000-1200 hours.

The technical line

Fertilization at vegetative growth:

• BluActive or Red Ball: 300-400 kg/ha granular to the soil
• Hydrostar BTC 10 kg/ha, 2 vegetative growth interventions, in fertigation
• Calcito 10 l/ha , 2 interventions from vegetative development to prehorning, in fertigation

Do you want more details?

Do you want more details?

n.b.: technical background:

For the drupacee to check if they have received enough cold hours, you must:

• Determine the "cold" period (e.g. October-January)
• Count the number of hours in this period between 2.5 and 9.1 °C.
• Consider the following requirements:

1. apricot 400-600
2. peach 700-800
3. Apple 800-1000
4. almond 250-500
5. cherry 700-800

In the post-transplant phase it is important to encourage the root formation of the melon, limiting as much as possible the negative effects due to unfavourable climatic conditions such as thermal changes or periods of drought.

For this reason it is important to add, in addition to the usual elements (NPK), substances (e.g. humic) that play a biostimulating role to promote the absorption of nutrients and contribute to the improvement of soil structure.

In the next phase it is good that the biostimulation action is directed to stimulate homogeneous blooms and to promote the consequent fruit set.

Technical line

POST-TRANSPLANT:
HYDROSTAR - 15 kg/ha (2-3 applications) in fertirrigation

VEGETATIVE GROWTH and EARLY BLOOMS
SUPREMO - 20 l/ha in fertirrigation

VIGORGREEN- 1,5 l/ha  +  GIOVE BIO GOLD - 1-1,5 kg/ha , every 8-10 days (foliar application)

Do you want more details?

In some areas, the productive phase is approaching and the fertilization must aim at maximising the fruit set and the development of new fruits.  It is also essential to obtain high quality fruits, tasty and durable.

Calcium and phosphorus are used to improve the specific weight and consistency of fruits, while potassium is used to enhance fruit flavour and colour.

Therefore, in the flowering phase of the fruits, it is recommended to use foliar:

Naturblack (1.5 l/ha), a concentrate of humic acid extracts with physio-activating action particularly oriented to the new fruit.

To encourage the enlargement of the fruit is recommended to intervene in fertigation with: 

Focus Ca (10-15 l/ha) which, thanks to its acidic pH, is able to improve the absorption of nutrients in the soil.

with

Giove Bio Gold (5 kg/ha), effective at low doses thanks to the powder formulation with very high solubility, performing an anti-stress function

For foliar it is recommended instead: 

Leaf P-Ca (2-3 l/ha) to improve the quality and weight of fruits and VigorGreen (1.5 l/ha), a Canadian seaweed concentrate that stimulates the metabolism of the plant by improving flowering, moist and uniform production.

Vuoi maggiori dettagli?

20 - 23rd November, ANFAS, Antalya Expo Center - Antalya, Turkey

GROWTECH. ANTALYA, as the world's largest exhibition dedicated to greenhouse technologies, not only gathers global attendees and prominent companies specializing in categories such as Greenhouse Technologies and Equipment, Irrigation Systems and Technologies, Seed Development and Growing, Seedling Cultivation, Plant Nutrition and Protection but also introduces a fresh perspective to the fair industry through events like the International Conferences, Growtech Agriculture Talks, and ATSO Growtech Agricultural Innovation Awards.

FCP Cerea will be present: hope to see you at Stall 6-C122

For further information click here

The industrial tomato is a crop with high production potential. To obtain abundant yields it is necessary to set up vigorous and balanced plants without excessive vegetative (luxuriance). For this it is very important in the post-transplant phase to "start" the seedlings at best ensuring an optimal rooting.

The following stages of transplanting are very delicate and the tomato needs a specific and balanced nutrition in order to stimulate rooting and, at the same time, create the conditions for an ideal development of the aerial part of the plant.

The technical line for post-transplant

An expanded root system that supports the plant in the production phases is the main goal of the fertilization in the post-transplant stage.

With the background fertilization, some of the macronutrients necessary for the development of the plant are provided, in particular phosphorus and potassium.

After the stress of transplanting, we proceed with phosphorus and calcium-based fertigations that stimulate rooting and strengthen the plant (greater resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses), in combination with organic nitrogen that improves nutrient absorption.

Specifically, we recommend the following products:

STAGE OF TRANSPLANT:

• Cereaphos, at a dosage of 200-250 kg/ha with localized application to the soil. Or Universal Up, with a dosage of 200-300 kg/ha with localized application to the soil. These two transplanting products promote rooting and a vigorous start, thanks to the high content of highly soluble phosphorus and humic acids.

TRANSPLANT STRESS OVERCOME:

• Leaf P-Ca, which contains phosphorus and calcium of high concentration quality that promote the rooting and development of balanced and compact plants, with a dosage of 10 l/ ha in fertigation;
• SuprEmo, rich in amino acids, tryptophan and organic iron to stimulate the optimal development of the plant, with a dosage of 20 l/ ha in fertigation;

Discover the complete technical line:

In May, 30th, at the Oranfresh conference hall in Catania, took place As-prò, the first event joined by renowned speakers and several industry professionals.

As the name suggests, the event was born from the will to develop a projectuality that, starting from Sicily and specific crops, aims to promote and spread innovation in citrus cultivation.

CEREA FCP gathered with sicilian Research & Development Institutes, European researchers and farmers to share knowledge and experience, not only to offer new research insights or do scientific divulgation, but also to provide concrete and innovative solutions for those who operate in the field.

It must be noted that the event was also streamed live online and shortly it will be available for online streaming.

It was Federica Argentati, President of the Sicilian Citrus Fruit District, who opened the conference and played skillfully the role of moderator by introducing the speakers with the different topics covered: rootstocks, iron chlorosis, production aspects and the phytosanitary impact.

As regards rootstocks, Alberto Continella, associate Professor of General Arboriculture and tree crops at UNI Catania, has presented results on some research relative to tolerances to pathogens and to different production potentialities both from a qualitative and quantitative point of view.

María Á. Forner Giner e Mary-Rus Martínez Cuenca of the Center of Production of Citrus Fruits and Plants of the Valencian Institute of Agricultural Research (IVIA) also took part to the conference in live streaming from Spain. They explained the essential role that iron plays in citrus fruits and how the element is absorbed. Finally, they thouroghly analysed iron chlorosis, a problem widely spread in mediterranean areas, to understand the triggering causes and what it involves in terms of yield.

Giuseppe Ciuffreda, Head of Research & Development and Agronomy of CEREA FCP, despite the complexity and vastness of the topic, has illustrated the advantages deriving from the use of nanotechnology to tackle iron deficiencies, in line with the European strategy “Farm to Fork” and environmental sustainability.
CEREA FCP over the last few years has in fact started testing  Nano.T® Fe in Sicily, a new nanotechnology product, active in a wide range of pH, effective at low dosages, completely biodegradable and also used during the day in fertigation. Also, it is a winning product as compared to other traditional chelating products, since it does not precipitate and favours the acidification of the rhizosphere. As underlined by Ciuffreda, CEREA FCP is further improving the application techniques by testing the product in greenhouses on different rootstocks.

Antonino F. Catara, Scientific Director of the project SIRPA, has addressed the management of systemic pathogenic organisms of citrus fruits. Throughout his speech, possible benefits deriving from the use of nanofertilizers have emerged (not only iron-based, but also containing other elements, topic that CEREA FCP is already dealing with) to mitigate the diseases of citrus fruits coming from phloem pathogenic organisms; this is possible especially thanks to the slow and constant release of nutrients, to a major bioavailability (specific area, dimensions, reactivity), to the reduction of nutrient loss and to a major resistance against biotic and abiotic stress, aspects that favour the respect for the environment and induce quality productions.

Finally, Giancarlo Roccuzzo, researcher at the CREA institute in Acireale, dealt with the topic of agroecology to prevent microdeficiencies and illustrated techniques to recycle organic waste and increase organic matter.

Closing the event, Drs. Argentati has suggested to create a permanent workshop to network with interested parties and farmers. This solution would allow to compare the most innovative and promising techniques favouring a more rapid development and a more punctual and widespread divulgation towards manufacturers.

On the basis of these assumptions, the As-prò project will continue with other events to make the citrus industry more and more influential and profitable.

WE'LL KEEP YOU UPDATED !!!

(wou will find below the video with the interviews to the speakers)

As-pró is a project born from the collaboration between FCP Cerea and Research & Development institutions based in Sicily, european researchers and farmers. The name refers to one of the main characteristics of citrus fruits (aspro : sour), and it is also formed by the suffix PRO which points out concepts such as:

• innovation
• projectuality

with the aim of always looking ahead in space and time.

As-pró is thus the union of two essential starting points of the event which, by focusing on some of the most symbolic crops of Sicily, aims to promote and spread innovation in the agricultural field.

The first event taking place in May 30th will deal especially with problems related to iron chlorosis.

Symptoms of iron chlorosis in plants are generally caused by a low content of iron assimilable by the soil. This is called deficiency-induced chlorosis since the factors influencing it are:

• Particularly calcareous soils
• pH
• susceptibility of the rootstock

The Mediterranean area is particularly affected by this phenomenon, considering soil characteristics, thus also the two main citrus fruits producers in Europe: Italy and Spain.
The cultivated lands in Italy and Spain are approximately 150.000 and 300.000 ha over 500.000 ha of the entire continent (FAO data 2020).
In Italy, the most affected area is Sicily with 81.000 hectares (ISTAT data 2021) equal to 58% of the whole cultivation on the national territory, followed by Calabria with approximately 37.000 hectares.

For this reason, the first As-pró event will take place at the Oranfresh Conference hall in Catania, on Monday, May 30th from 4:00 p.m.; during the convention, organized in collaboration with Fruit Communication and the Order of Agronomists in Sicily, partners of the project will introduce the latest news to tackle the pathology and enhance yield.

Iron chlorosis has a significant economic impact since it negatively affects:

• the life cycle of the tree
• the number and dimension of fruits
• the quality and aspect of fruits

Iron plays an essential role in photosynthesis and this is the reason why iron deficiency symptoms in citrus fruits are mainly visible in leaves losing their bright green colour and taking shades from light green to pale yellow according to the severity of the disease (leaf yellowing). Iron deficiency also influences the development and growth of new plant organs: in this case, according to the severity of the disease, the plant may encounter an early defoliation of sprouts up to their death or a stunted growth of the root system.

Citrus fruits are efficient plants which, in conditions of iron deficiency, have developed adaptive mechanisms to increase both absorption and the carrier capacity of the element.
The defence strategy adopted by the farmer should take into account these mechanisms and assist the plant while carrying them out.

The knowledge of the physico-chemical characteristics of the soil and the best agricultural pratices are always recommended, in particular if they help to maintain a correct structure of the soil and an adequate quantity of organic matter. However, the choice of innovative rootstocks and the use of suitable products makes the difference in containing the disease.

FCP Cerea is testing with great results a new product based on nanotechnology in Sicily, Nano.T® Fe, and is investigating, through trials in its greenhouse on different rootstocks, the most effective strategies to tackle iron chlorosis.

Nanotechnology represents an innovative approach since the product, thanks to the tiny particles (<100 nm), does not precipitate in non-soluble forms and guarantees a major contact surface with roots as compared to common products. The acidic nature of Nano.t Fe (pH 1,3) also favours the acidification of the rhizosphere which is essential for the absorption of nutrients. Moreover, the product is completely degradable, not subject to leaching and slowly released according to plant demands since it is retained by the solid particles of the soil. The event of May, 30th will be the occasion to listen to some of the most prominent experts in citrus cultivation, to explore the technical aspects and to significantly improve yield.

Chlorophyll is a natural pigment mainly present in leaves and which takes part in a fundamental process for human life: photosynthesis. Nitrogen, magnesium and iron are the essential nutrients that the plant needs in order to synthesize chlorophyll.

Iron is a necessary microelement which is however often ignored by farmers in fertilization. It is not very mobile within plant tissues and this is the reason why symptoms of iron deficiency are mostly visible in young leaves, through a yellow colour (chlorotic), showing the  absence of chlorophyll synthesis (green) and a low photosynthetic activity. The agricultural land is rich in iron, but the assimilable form, or soluble one, is very low.

Iron chlorosis is a widespread problem, especially in tree crops characterized by a multi-year cycle and by some objective limitations, since they struggle to store a correct quantity of iron.

The low availability of assimilable iron in the soil is the primary cause for deficiency. This type of chlorosis is defined as lime-induced since the high concentrations of active limestone and the elevated pH block iron (precipitation of iron-based salts) and highly limit its availability to the plant. Italian tree crops (grapevine, citrus fruits, kiwi, stone fruits...) are generally planted in soils rich in limestone with an elevated pH (over 8,0).

In order to tackle this difficulty, there are different aspects to take into account:

• choice of a rootstock tolerant to high concentrations of limestone;
• use of iron-based fertilizers;
• irrigation management, since irrigation water brings carbonates and bicarbonates in the solution, making them active and inhibiting iron absorption.

Among these aspects, what could contribute the most to provide iron is an adequate iron-based fertilization planning.

Nano.T® Fe, thanks to its innovative patented formulation, allows to increase the effectiveness of iron absorption since the iron-phosphate within the product and the nano-dimension (<100nm) form compounds that protect the microelement against carbonates and other inorganic salts in the soil.

After using Nano.T® Fe in fertigation, the product stays in the soil and moves through the mass flow and in proximity of roots, avoiding precipitations. Also, it allows the plant to absorb iron with long-lasting effect. This ensures a nutrient effect and prevents from chlorosis, since the iron that is not absorbed by the plant remains available enriching the soil.

Phosphorus is an essential element for the plant, in fact its deficiency may cause serious consequences for its growth and productivity. Moreover, phosphorus is characterized by a low mobility in the soil and a low efficiency of use. Considering these peculiarities a correct intake is fundamental not only in the area explored by the roots, but also in the phenological phase of the plant, when the absorption of phosphorus is essential.

Moreover, phosphorus plays an essential role for a correct growth and development of plants:

• It favours rooting, makes the plant more resistant to diseases and less sensitive to lodging
• It is mainly concentrated in the youngest tissues of the plant, it is important for the energy metabolism and in the synthesis, demolition and transformation reactions
• It is extremely important in the flowering phase and intervenes in the fundamental processes of metabolism
• It increases the speed of fruit ripening and improves quality

Solubility, absorption and retrogradation of phosphorus

Besides the extremely low mobility, the solubility of phosphorus, thus its ease of absorption, depends on the soil pH. Its solubility is at its maximum in generally neutral soils, while in too acidic or basic ones it may encounter insolubility (phosphorus retrogradation).

Through different chemical, physical and biological transformations and thanks to the solubilizing ability of roots, the compounds containing phosphorus release HPO₄^2- ions available for the plants, even if H₂PO₄^- ion is the most assimilable by roots. However, it must be taken into account that the ratio between the two ions is determined by the soil pH, therefore with a pH inferior to 7, the ion HPO₄^- prevails, while with a pH superior to 7, the ion H₂PO₄^2-  prevails.

In soils unfavourable to phosphorus solubility, the element may be subject to retrogradation phenomena which prevent from its absorption by the plant:

• if dissolved in water, phosphorus is retained by colloids
• in strongly acidic soils, it gives rise to insoluble compounds with iron and aluminium forming Fe and Al phosphates 
• in calcareous soils, tricalcium phosphate is formed and it is completely insoluble

The importance of phosphorus fertilization

In those periods of major development of the plant, the content of phosphorus present in the circulating solution within the soil is inferior to the daily intake, therefore a reintegration of the nutrient is necessary through fertilization.

On average, only 10-20% of the phosphorus provided to the soil through fertilization is absorbed by the plants. For this reason, it is recommended localizing the element in close proximity with the roots. Moreover, since it is subject to precipitation (calcium phosphates, magnesium, iron, etc.), it may be subject to losses due to surface runoff or to an accumulation in bodies of water (eutrophication of rivers, lakes and sea).

It is therefore fundamental to apply fertilizers containing high-quality and highly soluble phosphorus. If they also contain humic acids, efficiency is increased enhancing the absorption of phosphorus thanks to the formation of humo-phosphates compounds.

In this sense, a fertilization based on granular products of the Active and Active Premium families ensures the intake of soluble phosphorus. While, those of the Fert and Fert Premium families, which are organo-mineral formulas, besides containing high-quality soluble phosphorus, also contain humic extracts that during granulation bind to phosphorus protecting it from retrogradation phenomena.

The intake of high-quality phosphorus through fertilization and its absorption are fundamental requirements to favour an excellent rooting, to reduce plant susceptibility to diseases and to allow a correct vegetal development. Phosphatic fertilization, therefore, contibutes to improve the external appearance and the value of the vegetal production increasing the quality and quantity of the final yield.

A disorderly diet and the purchase of low-quality food, with a poor nutrition level in the last few years have led to malnutrition problems. This diet, with a low content of micronutrients and vitamins, is causing an increase of health problems such as anaemia and nutrition deficiencies. 

Increasing the nutraceutical value of vegetables is a particularly important challenge in developing countries, but also in those industrialised. This kind of progress may represent an added value for agriculture, favouring a major competitiveness of products on the market and ensuring a more healthy and complete nutrition for consumers.

How could we meet the need of producing quality food in support of a correct nutrition?
The answer is developing particular and specific techniques aiming to obtain functional and more nutritional products.
They can be divided into four categories:

• Enriched food: increase in the percentage of a naturally present nutrient in a processed/transformed food
• Supplemented food: addition of a non-naturally present nutrient in a processed/transformed food
• Fortified food: addition of mineral salts and/or vitamins in a processed/transformed food 
• Biofortified food: addition of minerals and/or vitamins during the vegetative-production cycle through an agronomic intervention.

Among the four categories, agronomic biofortification is the only way that allows to intervene directly on the plant, naturally ensuring improved nutritional values to fruit and vegetables.

Thus, biofortification employs non-invasive fertilization techniques with the aim of obtaining more healthy food and increasing nutrient bioavailability.

FCP Cerea, in collaboration with the Medicine Department of the University of Verona, has come up with an agronomic biofortification method which allows to increase, in the treated crops, the level of nutrients which are fundamental for human nutrition.

The activities carried out allowed to positively assess, in full-scale application conditions, the developed method and its great potential.

The agronomic biofortification exemplifies our constant engagement in growing better to eat better and fully reflects our values as a Cooperative of farmers for farmers.

The fundamental factors to take into account in order to obtain high-quality yields are: 

• the physical and chemical characteristics of the soil;
• the nutritional needs of different crops;
• the time and moment of nutrient absorption of the plant. 

On the basis of such information, it is possible to develop a fertilization plan suitable for every crop. The next crucial step is to choose high quality and highly efficient fertilizers to add value and obtain satisfying and sustainable crops.

The use of traditional fertilizers involves a loss of nutrients by leaching, volatilization and retrogradation (in the case of nitrogen, losses may reach 45%, while phosphorus and potassium losses may get up to 75-80% due to insolubility and fixation in the soil). This inefficiency leads to environmental costs and highly reduces the production potential of crops. 

Moreover, intensive farming and crop rotations (same crops cultivated on the same soil one after the other for many years) cause soil fatigue and a consequent reduction of organic matter and microbial flora, elements that reduce the biological and physical fertility of the soil. Therefore, synchronizing the availability of nutrients according to plant needs becomes fundamental to reach high quality and quantity yields.

Fertilizers with an improved efficiency are capable of regulating the nutrient release over time. This gradual release may be obtained through:

• the use of products with particular formulations such as urea formaldehyde and organic nitrogen: slow relase molecules which require the help of microorganisms to mineralize and release nitrogen;
• the coating of the granule with a waterproof material (physical barrier);
• NUECR4® technology based on cationic retention.

The fertilizers developed with the NUECR4® technology by Cerea FCP show an improved efficiency and meet crop needs effectively, by releasing nutrients in a controlled and continuous way. 

Thanks to the cationic retention, once distributed on the soil, the fertilizer hydrates, nitrogen solubilizes and replaces the cations present in the NUECR4® molecule within the granule. In this way, the release of cations takes place gradually and the plant can use the elements according to its needs in a more efficient way.

The NUECR4® technology family presents two products with different matrices: 

• Blurain, a mineral product with a high content of nitrogen and sulphur;
• Cereawin, an organo-mineral product containing nitrogen and organic carbon with a high nutritional value.

Both products are capable of exchanging and releasing cations according to plant needs.

Among the Cerea FCP products, we offer other mineral NPK formulations with an improved nitrogen efficiency:

• Mastercote, a mineral product with 12% of coated urea, ensuring a controlled release of the nutrient; 
• Control, a mineral compound NPK formulation, containing 5% of urea formaldehyde and favouring a slow nitrogen release.

NUECR4® technology and the specific nitrogen-based formulations are the ideal solutions for a targeted and effective nutrition. Improving the efficiency of fertilizers allows a correct nutrition of crops, avoiding nutrient losses and an extensive use of fertilizers. These aspects ensure yield and a high quality crop in a sustainable way.

An ever-demanding market and the necessity to produce quality food compel farmers to have effective technical means, which are able to respond to an increasing consumption without compromising consumers' health and the environment.  

The importance of horticultural and fruit production in Italy

According to data collected by Eurostat, Europe (28 countries) produced about 12% of fruit and vegetable global production in 2018 (47,9 million tons of fruit and 57,8 million tons of vegetables). Spain and Italy are the leading producers in the European horticultural sector (9,8 e 6,9 million tons respectively); the two markets represent about 34% of the total production in Europe (46,8 million tons).

Also, in 2018, in EU, tomato was the most produced horticultural product (16,7 million tons) followed by onion (6,3 million tons) and carrot (5,3 million tons). As regards fruit, Spain (14,2 tons) is in the lead, closely followed by Italy (10,5 tons) and Poland (5,84 tons) [1].

Italy, along with Spain, is the main producer and exporter of fruit and vegetables in Europe. Thanks to its climatic diversity, it offers a wide range of products; it is highly regarded for the conventional agriculture of apples and pears in areas with moderate temperatures, and it is well-known as a major producer of stone fruits and high-quality horticultural products such as tomatoes and eggplants.

[1] Source European Statistics Handbook – FRUIT LOGISTICA 2019 accessed on 10/03/2021

Over the last few years (2014-2018) our Country has produced up to 10 million tons of fruit and 7 million tons of vegetables. A third of fruit and 12% of vegetables are exported every year (Germany, France and Austria are the main destinations). 15% of horticultural production is intended for international export. Italy, in fact, is the ninth exporter of fresh vegetables, with 1,5 billion of euro reached in 2018 by exporting tomatoes, salad (in particular, ready-to-eat salad) and brassicaceae as main crops.
(Source: Ismea data processing of UN-Comptrade ITC)

Whereas, if we take into account the export of processed vegetables, Italy occupies the 4° position with 2,2 billion of euro in 2018 and 2,4% annual growth between 2014 and 2018. In this case, the most representative products are pulps and peeled products (42%) purées and pastes (29%). Germany, United Kingdom, France, Usa and Japan are the countries where the export is focused.
(Source UN-Comptrade ITC)

Cerea FCP for a quality horticultural production

The range of products chosen to be applied to the horticultural production includes four macro-categories: mineral e organo-mineral microgranulars, organo-mineral granulars, powdered and liquid microelements and biostimulants.

• Power: the Power line is characterised by microgranular formulations (0,7-1,7 mm or 1-2 mm) of mineral and organo-mineral fertilizers. The family offers a wide range of products, whic can be used both in organic and conventional farming. Their granulometry allows an application during transplant directly in contact with the seedlings or, in the case of potatoes, in contact with the seed or with the seed tuber (starter technique) without causing phytotoxicities. Moreover, it allows a reduction in dosages and respects the environment.
• Fert and Fert Premium: range of organo-mineral granular products with high-quality organic matrices and high nutritional value. They contain humic acids which act on the soil by increasing the mobilization and absorption of nutrients. The organic matter present in the products enriches the soil and enhances its structure. Also, in the Fert Premium line, the potassium contained in the formulation comes from sulphate, ideal for those crops sensitive to the presence of chlorine.
• Reactive: this family is composed by liquid and powdered products suitable both for fertigation and foliar treatment. They are characterized by the presence of meso and microelements, they help to prevent damages due to nutrient deficiencies and to provide plants with a balanced nutrition. In addition, some of these products, besides being allowed in organic farming, contain carboxylic or humic/fulvic acids which help to carry nutrients to the plant, increasing their absorption.
• Futura: line of liquid products containing organic active substances with a stimulating action. They activate the physiological processes and the natural defence mechanisms of the plant, they favour root growth, thus increasing the absorption of nutrients and help the plant to tackle situations of abiotic stress. The biostimulants of the Futura family contain aminoacids, algae extracts and humic/fulvic acids.

Field trials on the potato "Novella di Siracusa"

In the province of Siracusa, the potato "Novella di Siracusa", a Sicilian potato belonging to P.A.T. (Prodotti Alimentari Tradizionali, i.e., "Traditional Food Products"), is produced. It is characterised by a yellow pulp, a yellow smooth and thin skin with an elongated oval shape of medium-large size. The average yield of this potato is about 330 q/ha, and the production cycle lasts from November (sowing) to March (harvest).
In the course of the 2019/2020 agricultural campaign, a field trial has been carried out in order to assess two products:

• Super Power Extra, a micro-granular product of the Power family;
• StimUp, a biostimulant of the Futura line.

Product description

Super Power Extra, a mineral NP microgranular compound fertilizer (granulometry between 0,7-1,7 mm), is characterized by a high content of soluble phosphorus and a 1:3 nitrogen (ammoniacal)-phosphorus ratio. The product should be applied during the sowing phase, in direct contact with the seed.
Moreover, Super Power Extra contains Calcium, Boron, Iron and Zinc, wich are fundamental in the first development stages of the plant.

StimUp is a bioactivator of the rhizosphere with humic and fulvic acids and a low-molecular-weight. It stimulates the natural production of hormone-like substances, increasing the cell division of apical meristems, promoting root development and the tuber formation.

Materials and methods

• Company located in the area of Porto Commerciale Augusta
• Area: 1 ha
• Period of sowing: November 2019
• Electric conductivity and irrigation water pH: 1800 µS/cm, pH 7.3
• Average water hardness: 120-150 ºF
• Na average value > 300 mg/l, bicarbonates average value> 200 mg/l

Treatments
Cerea FCP field trial:

• Basal application with organo-mineral product with a high content of phosphorus
• Localized fertilization in furrow with 40 kg/ha of Super Power Extra 
• StimUp at sowing, dosage of 100 ml/hl
• StimUp foliar treatment with 100 ml/ha during tuber formation

Control:

• Basal application with  organo-mineral product with a high content of phosphorus
• Fertigation with biostimulants (algae, humic acids) through sprinkler

On February 21st, 2020 the first data were collected, showing the following results:

In Cerea FCP field trial, an optimal root development, with an increased growth of root hairs and a greater quantity of tubers (10 + 4) were observed, even though calibre and size were not completely homogeneous. Whereas, despite phenomena of morning frost, the foliar system had a balanced development, with a more globular and compact plant's habit, a thick leaf blade of a bright green colour and a greater stem section.

In the Control trial, the root system developed well, even if the presence of root hairs was inferior. The quantity of tubers was lower too (9 + 1), but they were uniform and homogeneous in size. The foliar system had an optimal development, although the percentage of damaged leaves due to frost was slightly higher than in Cerea FCP field trial. The stem section was less developed too and the plant's habit was more open and less compact, with leaf blades of regular thickness and colouring.

In April 9th, 2020 harvesting was carried out. During this phase, other tests were performed (10 m² plot), as reported in Table 3. 

Conclusions

The data collected and the observations made show that the plants of Cerea FCP field trial, fertilized with Super Power Extra and StimUp at sowing, had a major development of the root system resulting in a big and compact plant. The tubers at harvest showed a greater weight and a uniformity in caliber. Even if the gap was slightly wider as compared to Control, the marketable yield per hectare has proven to be greater thanks to the action of StimUp during tuber formation. The product enhanced their elongation, thus allowing to further reduce waste. Furthermore, the plant has suffered less stresses from frost, showing a minor damage and a faster recovery than Control.

The field trial points out how a correct fertilization at sowing (starter technique in furrow) and the use of a biostimulant on root development promotes a homogeneous growth, a greater resistance of the plant, an increase in tuber formation and an enhanced qualitative and quantitative yield per hectare.

The European strategy “Farm to Fork" aims at reducing of 50% the use of pesticides, diminishing of 20% the employment of chemical fertilizers and, at the same time, increasing the agricultural land for organic farming.

Organic farming in Italy

The 2020 Report of Sinab (System of National Information on Organic Farming) registers an increase in the soil for organic crops of 2% as compared to 2019. Thus, in the last 10 years, Italy has reached 1.993.236 hectares with an increase of 79%, and a number of farmers equal to 80.643, registering a 69% increase. Only in 2019 the incidence of organic farming in our country has reached 15,8% of the national agricultural land. These data not only confirm the importance of organic production, but also the positioning of Italy above European average (in 2018 equal to 8%).

The crops that represent more than 60% of organic farming in our country can be divided into three main categories: pastures (551.074 ha), fodder plants (396.748 ha) and cereals (330.284 ha). Also, organic agricultural lands of olive trees (242.708 ha) and grapevine (109.423 ha) are worth mentioning.

Among the regions with the highest numbers of organic farmers we may find Sicily with 10.569 unities, followed by Calabria with 10.576 unities and Apulia with 9.380 unities. Other regions such as Marche and Veneto in the past year have registered an increase of 32% and 13% respectively.

Also, the consumption of organic products has risen by 4,4%, surpassing 3,3 billions of euro (resource ISMEA). The main products are those for the fresh market: vegetables (+7,2%) and fruit (+2,1%). Moreover, during lockdown, there has been a considerable increase in the purchase of organic flours of 92%.

Frome these data, it is evident that we are heading to a new conception of food production, which, as a consequence, is also reflected in the fertilizer production industry.

In order to help achieve the objectives defined by the EU, Cerea FCP would like to offer to the farmer a range of products for organic farming. Thanks to our R&D activities, we have worked intensively to obtain effective organic formulations which guarantee a top-level vegetal nutrition.

Grow well to eat better

The organic line developed by Cerea FCP includes products divided into three main categories: granular/pelleted, microgranular and liquid:

- Organic: it gives the name to our family of granular products for organic farming. We have developed organo-mineral and organic formulations of high quality and ideal for basal application and top dressing for all crops.

They are characterised by the presence of organic nitrogen which ensures a slow release of the element in the soil, avoiding leaching and guaranteeing a constant intake over time. Moreover, they provide organic matter and microorganisms which enrich the soil and improve its structure.

- Power: within the line we may find products allowed in organic farming. They are organo-mineral formulations based on raw materials of high qualitative value and in microgranular forms, ready to be applied in small dosages and ideal for the starter technique at sowing or transplant. Their granulometry is significantly lower than in other granular products, thus allowing an application directly at sowing in low dosages and without causing phytotoxicities.

-Futura: this family is composed by special products, mainly liquid, which act as stimulators within the plant. They are based on meso and micronutrients linked to natural molecules (e.g. amino acids or humic acids), that stimulate the physiological processes of plants, promoting their growth and productivity, increasing their tolerance to abiotic stresses and a more efficient use of fertilizers (producing more food, while employing fewer resources).

Projects involving our products

Cerea FCP products have been at the centre of degree theses or projects with the University and Technical Institutes. Various tests were carried out and, as a result, we had the opportunity to evaluate once more the effectiveness and the application of our formulations.

Here we will show you the thesis of a student of the Agrarian Institute based in Buttapietra (VR) during the 2019-2020 campaign. The product considered was Power BioAger, an organo-mineral microgranular formulation allowed in organic farming. The following test was performed on organic durum wheat in Asparetto di Cerea (VR). The plot was subdivided in three areas where three types of different applications were tested. Two plots were fertilized with the starter technique, a method that allows the direct contact of the seed with the fertilizer. This is possible because the specific weights of the seed and of the microgranule are very similar, thus ensuring a homogeneity between the quantity of seeds and of the fertilizer applied.

Field trial 1 is represented in green on the left: here, Power BioAger was applied in a dosage of 100 kg/ha in direct sowing.

The light blue area represents the Control trial, following our company nutritional protocol (no fertilization at sowing).

Lastly, the red area on the right shows Field trial 2, that is the application of 50 kg/ha of Power BioAger in direct sowing.

Previously, an analysis of the soil has been carried out by a credited laboratory, showing the following results:

In the table below, the application period and the products employed in all three plots are reported. The difference between the Control trial and Field trials 1 and 2 is evident only at sowing, when no fertilizer was applied on the Control, while on the Field trials were applied different quantities of the same organic fertilizer (Power BioAger), as previously mentioned.

The pictures taken forty-seven days after sowing showed the germinated wheat and its root system, where significant differences were found between Field trials and Control.

Afterwards, the heights of 10 plants were measured at earing for each trial and the number of ears per square meter were counted. Subsequently, during harvest, an estimation of yield per hectare of all three plots was made and these were the results: 26 quintals for the Control trial, 32 quintals for Field trial 1 and 36,5 quintals for Field trial 2 (chart 3).

At a later stage, Cerea FCP agronomic laboratory carried out analyses in order to calculate the weight of a thousand seeds (g) and the hectolitre weight (kg/hl).

The humidity of wheat at harvest was registered at 17%. Wheat was then dried obtaining a percentage of humidity equal to 12%, with a loss of product of 3%.

Conclusions

From the results obtained, it follows that, with the use of Power BioAger in the starter fertilization at sowing, higher yields per hectare with a greater production quality were registered: a higher weight of seeds, a major hectolitre weight. As regards the vegetative growth, it was observed that the radical system was more developed, the height of plants was higher as well as the number of ears per square meter (twice as much as in Control and Field trial 1).

The dosage per hectare which gave the best results in terms of yield was Field trial 2 (36,5 ql/ha). In Field trial 1 (100 kg/ha) crop conditions were optimal in the initial stages (more plants per m2) favouring an ideal tillering. However, this did not lead to production, since at booting and ripening the plant was not supported by an adequate nitrogen-based nutrition.

Applying high-quality products with the best technologies has the objective to produce more by employing less resources. The strategy Farm to Fork sets challenging objectives, therefore the job of the farming system and of the whole supply chain will be to innovate and to pursue an ever-increasing sustainable development.