Capture Atmospheric Nitrogen
Nitrogen Fixing Bacteria
A new way to improve plant available nitrogen levels in soils
Increasing nitrogen in soil content is well known to benefit plant growth and productivity.
Biostart N contains nitrogen fixing bacteria that produces nitrogen over a prolonged period, unlike conventional nitrogen inputs, and, as a biological product, works in sync with the plant's growth periods.
Biostart N contains concentrated nitrogen fixing bacteria.
Biostart N was developed in New Zealand and contains Azotobacter chroococcum, a free-living nitrogen fixing bacteria which converts atmospheric nitrogen to plant-available ammonium nitrogen in the soil.
Crop Timing | Soil Application Rate | Recommended Co-Application | Co-Application Note |
---|---|---|---|
Maize and cereal crops, post-harvest crop trash. | Apply 100 mL/ha in minimum 200 L of water. Apply directly on the soil during or after crop trash incorporation. | To speed up crop trash decomposition & build organic matter, co-apply BioStart Digester at 2 L/ha. | Once BioStart N is mixed with Digester or Mycorrcin, it must be applied within one hour. |
Maize, green feed crops and new pasture at sowing. | Apply 100 mL/ha in minimum 200 L of water. Apply directly on the soil. | Co-apply BioStart Mycorrcin at 2 L/ha for poorly aerated or water-logged soils, and to promote root growth. | Once BioStart N is mixed with Digester or Mycorrcin, it must be applied within one hour. |
Established Pasture In spring & autumn. | After grazing apply 100 mL/ha in minimum 200 L of water. | Co-apply BioStart Mycorrcin at 2 L/ha. | Once BioStart N is mixed with Digester or Mycorrcin, it must be applied within one hour. |
Pipfruit: At green tip. | Apply 200 mL/ha in 200 L of water. | Co-apply with spring BioStart Mycorrcin application. | Once BioStart N is mixed with Digester or Mycorrcin, it must be applied within one hour. |
Grapes: At budbreak. | Apply 200 mL/ha in 200 L of water. | Co-apply with spring BioStart Mycorrcin application. Make a second application at flowering. | Once BioStart N is mixed with Digester or Mycorrcin, it must be applied within one hour. |
Other crops | Call NZ 0800 116 229 for specific crop recommendations |
Product mixing: BioStart N contains living microbes. Prior to use the spray tank must be thoroughly cleaned to remove any chemical residues that could be toxic to the BioStart N microbe. Sanitise spray tank before application to remove any contaminating microbes. Add BioStart N to the tank last, after all other inputs have been diluted. Use a slow agitation rate to mix & reduce foaming during application. Do not exceed 60 psi.
Co-application note: Once BioStart N is mixed with Digester or Mycorrcin, it must be applied within one hour.
Time of use: Use whole bottle immediately after opening (within 24 hrs) as contamination of contents by other microbes may occur at any time after opening. BioStart takes no responsibility for opened product that is not used immediately.
Time of application: Apply in the late afternoon or when the incidence of UV rays is reduced and preferably before a rain event.
Maximising activity in the field: Azotobacter chroococcum microbes become active when pH, temperature and organic matter are favourable. It is recommended that Biostart N is applied when;
• Soil temperatures > 8 ЉC (autumn and spring application)
• Soil pH is ideally between 6.0 and 6.5
• Co-applied with Mycorrcin or Digester to convert organic matter to humus and stimulate soil microbial activity.
Note: To survive in adverse environmental conditions, A. chroococcum forms a cyst which is “resting” life stage. Once optimal soil environmental conditions return the cysts germinate and the A. chroococcum resumes activity.
The trace elements molybdenum and iron are essential co-factors for the BioStart N nitrogen fixation process. A deficiency of these minerals in the soil could impair the rate of nitrogen fixation by BioStart N.
The level of nitrogen fixation is directly related to the ‘activity’ of the BioStart N microbes in the soil. The activity of BioStart N can be compromised by soils that are not ideal for soil microbe activity e.g. water-logged and poorly aerated soils, soils with low organic matter levels. Co-apply BioStart Mycorrcin or Digester in these conditions.
Not a Foliar Feed
Compatibility: Always check that Biostart N is compatible with another product before
co-applying. Call BioStart 0800 116 229.
Handling precautions: When mixing or applying, avoid contact with skin and eyes. Wear protective clothing, gloves & goggles. Flush spray equipment thoroughly with water after use. Do not eat or drink while using. Wash hands & face before meals and after work. Wash protective clothing after use.
Product storage: Refrigerate at all times. Keep away from children.
Withholding period: None.
Container disposal: Triple-rinse before disposal.
Pack sizes available: 500 mL treats 5 ha.
Use within 24 hours of opening. Store below 25°C.
For specific crop recommendations call NZ 0800 116 229 or Australia 1800 359 559.