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Overview
 Programme
The Pro Gro programme is supported by a software package that takes the farmer through a number of key questions and then produces a nutrient management guideline.
Key questions are:
- What is the quality of your soil. It allows you to put in a soil analysis.
- What is the crop you would like to grow and what is the yield target.
- What management approach will you adopt? If a standard approach is adopted then normal losses of nutrients are expected but if a biological approach is used then certain savings can be achieved.
The output of the software package includes a liming and gypsum recommendation, a planting and topdressing recommendation and some other trace element and foliar guidelines. Although these guidelines can be used without further modification it is generally recommended that an agent is consulted 2 or 3 times in the year to adapt the guidelines. This brings us to tne next phase of the Pro Gro Programme.
Monitoring
Agents are now being equipped to monitor sap pH, brix and EC to get more information on the plant health. Visual observations will also be recorded. These data can be used to adapt the nutrient management guidelines and to perhaps look at a foliar correction from our Amplify range. Profert will then use selected data from the field to follow the next three steps of the Pro Gro programme which will then assist the agent in the following seasons.
Evaluation
The sap and nutrient management data collected in the season will be related with statistical techniques with yield and actual fertilizer applied.
Sample and analysis
The next set of soil samples will be taken and this is automatically used with the previous years data to upgrade the nutrient program.
Agronomist workshops
Workshops will be held with experts to interpret the efficacy of new products and to modify norms for each region. Experts from all over the world and local experts will be invited to attend these workshops and the proceedings and findings will be available to our clients on the website.
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