Coir system brings higher yield for berry growers
Sydney-based coir supplier Galuku, has created a substrate production system made of organic coconut fibre that has already proven successful for major berry growers such as Driscolls. When blueberries are grown in soil, an average fruit yield of 0.5kg is good for the first year of production. With Galuku’s Australian patented Easyfil Planterbags, Driscolls has experienced first year average yields as high as 3kg per plant. "The crop was outstanding," Driscolls Australia agronomist Tyler Scofield says. “The high yield of quality fruit was combined with strong and uniform plant development – and this was achieved during a season of extreme weather conditions. Good substrate changes everything.”
Galuku’s patented Easyfil Planterbags use a blend of washed coir pith, husk chip and fibre housed in a high-density UV-treated plastic bag
Galuku’s system – incorporating OMRI-certified Easyfil Berry Planterbags, Latex Weed Mats and drainage pads – has increased production in farms in California, Florida, Mexico, South America, China and Australia. A study by Dr. Geoff Cresswell, one of Australia’s leading hydroponics experts, has found that Latex Weed Mats reduce the volume of weeds to almost nil and help with the distribution of irrigation water, while holding on to substrate moisture.
Made from 100 per cent organic coconut fibres, Galuku’s Latex Weed Mats are OMRI-listed. They have been proven to reduce weed volume and help with irrigation.
An independent report from Southern Cross University Coffs Harbour backs up the findings, suggesting that Galuku Latex Weed Mats reduce the cost of hand weeding by up to 60% and improve the effectiveness of irrigation by 30%. Over a five-hectare project, this will equate to large savings in labour, water and fertiliser each year.
Galuku’s drainage pads can be used in conjunction with Easyfil bags or with pots (as pictured).
The patented Easyfil Berry Planterbag features a blend of washed coir pith, husk chip and fibre, housed in a high-density UV-treated plastic bag. The Latex Mat is placed on top of the bag, creating a natural cover for crops, limiting the need for hand weeding and greatly reducing water loss. Lastly, the drainage pad sits underneath the Easyfil bag, improving drainage and lowering the risk of disease and insect infestations.
Galuku has 10 factories around the world, producing a range of coir products to suit a variety of plants and berries.
For more information:
Galuku International
2/665 Old South Head Road
Vaucluse NSW 2030
Australia
Tel +61 29-337-2198
www.galuku.com/berries
