Table of contents

1. An Advanced Approach to Crop Nutrition ................................................................................. page 2 1.1 Introduction: Controlled-release fertilization for a broad range of agricultural crops 1.2 MulticoTech: Polymer coating technology for controlled-release nutrition 1.3 Multigro products 1.4 Overall advantages of controlled-release nutrition 1.5 Recommended applications 1.6 General recommendations

2. Cash crops in open field ..................................................................... page 5 2.1 Introduction 2.2 Cases where Multigro are recommended 2.3 Application recommendations 3. Protected crops................................................................................... page 6 3.1 Introduction 3.2 Special advantages of Multigro for protected crops 3.3 Application recommendations 4. Fruit trees........................................................................................... page 7 4.1 Introduction 4.2 Special advantages of Multigro for fruit-trees 4.3 Application recommendations 5. Arable crops ....................................................................................... page 8 5.1 Introduction: CoteN products 5.2 Cases where CoteN products are recommended 5.3 Application recommendations

1. An Advanced Approach to Crop Nutrition

1.1 Introduction Controlled-release fertilization for a broad range of agricultural crops
The advantages of supplying continuous nutrition through controlled-release fertilization have been well established. The method has met with overwhelming success, but until now was limited to specialty areas such as ornamentals and turf, as it was too costly in the large quantities required for standard agricultural crops. Happily, this is no longer the case. Haifas breakthrough is based on research into a deeper understanding of this highly efficient technology coupled with optimized production. Haifa now brings to market a viable and economical solution that can be applied to a very wide variety of agricultural crops.

1.2 MulticoTech Polymer coating technology for controlled-release nutrition

The most reliable and effective way to control the availability of nutrients for plant uptake is by regulating their release into the soil solution. This is effected by encapsulating fertilizer granules in a polymeric coating. During the production process, soluble fertilizer granules are coated by very fine layers of polymer. This polymeric coating, which acts as a semi-permeable barrier, allows measured diffusion of nutrients when the fertilizer granules are applied to the soil. The layered structure of the polymer coating ensures that the granules remain intact during shipping & handling, as well as over time. This Polymer Coating technology, now uniquely enhanced by Haifa, has been launched as MulticoTechTM.

How does it Work?

Following application, the granules start absorbing moisture that dissolves the nutrients inside the granules. The dissolved nutrients then diffuse, slowly and continuously, into the root zone. The rate of diffusion the actual release rate - depends upon and is dictated solely by the soil temperature. The release rate increases as temperature rises, just as happens with plant uptake rates. Other factors, such as soil type, humidity, pH, and microbial activity do not affect the release rate.

1.3 Multigro products

Taking advantage of MulticoTech polymer coating technology, HAIFA has developed Multigro - a family of controlled-release fertilizer products for agriculture and horticulture. Different compositions address the specific nutritional needs of each type of crop, growth interface, and growth conditions (soil, climate). Taking advantage of MulticoTech polymer coating technology, HAIFA has developed Multigro a family of controlled-release fertilizer products for agriculture and horticulture. Multigro products contain polymer-coated sources of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, with release longevity of 2 months, 4 months, 6 months or 8 months. Multigro products are recommended for Cash crops in open field Protected crops Fruit-trees For arable crops, CoteN polymer-coated urea and CoteN Mix products are recommended (see page 8).

1.4 Overall advantages of controlled-release nutrition

Controlled release: The optimal method of plant nutrition for realizing optimized growth and achieving highest quality yields. The fact that polymer coated fertilizers contain a particularly high concentration of nutrients, which are then released in a predictable manner, makes this method superior to all other sources of sustained nutrition. The release longevity of each of a wide variety of formulae is determined during the production process.

Significant Value-Added Benefits:

Nutrients are supplied in accordance with specific plant needs which assures optimal plant development Single application per season which results in a drastic reduction of field labor and application costs, as well as considerably less soil compaction Minimized losses through leaching, volatilization or fixation in the soil availability of nutrients throughout the growth cycle is ensured more efficient use of fertilizers without wastage, no surplus fertilization is required. ecologically superior (no soil or air pollution) salt accumulation in the soil is prevented Fertilization totally independent of irrigation no need to maintain sophisticated dosing systems no need for technical irrigations

1.5 Recommended applications

Multigro products are highly recommended in the following cases: On light soils, where conventional fertilizers are easily leached In rainy areas, where rainfall accelerates nutrient leaching Wherever nitrogen application is limited e.g., by environmental regulations For crops with a shallow root system For crops with high nutritional requirements In cases where mid-season application is not feasible (e.g. when the crop covers the soil surface, in mulched crops and in muddy fields)

1.6 General recommendations

Recommended product N Cash crops in open field light soil heavy soil Protected crops light soil heavy soil Fruit trees Planting Established trees Arable crops light soil heavy soil CoteN CoteN Mix 70 70 100 100 70-100 100 30-50 30 0 0 0 0 Multigro 50-70 50-70 70-100 70-100 70-100 70-100 100 80-100 100 20-30 100 50-70 Multigro 70 60 70 70 60 50 95 90 50 40 80 70 Multigro 70 50-70 70 70-100 70 70-100 50 50 30 0-30 30 0-30 Application rate % of conventional P2O5 K2O N P2O5 K2O % coated nutrients

See detailed recommendations on the following pages All the recommendations in this booklet should be considered as a general guide only. The exact rates, timing and mode of application should be determined according to specific crop needs, soil and water conditions and the growers experience. Consult Haifa agronomist to suit the optimal fertilization program for your needs.

2. Cash crops in open field

2.1 Introduction
Cash crops require a high degree of control over their nutrition. Both availability and the balance between nutritional elements need to be controlled during the season. Multigro products that are designed to provide controlled-release nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium are recommended for these crops. Multigro provides plant nutrition independently of the irrigation, leaving plant requirements the only consideration in fertilizer dosing. This also means that in the event of rainfall, irrigation may be ceased yet the nutrients will still be supplied.

2.2 Cases where Multigro is recommended

In light soils where nutrients are easily leached. Under rainy conditions leaching becomes more significant, so the use of leaching-proof nutrients is even more important. For crops with a shallow root system. As shallow roots absorb nutrients from a restricted zone, the grower must focus the nutrients within this zone For crops that close the passage between the rows during the season, which makes it impossible to apply fertilizer mid-season For crops with high nutritional requirements and/or high sensitivity to deficiencies

2.3 Application recommendations

1. 2. Select the formula with release longevity that matches the duration of the growth season Due to improved efficiency of nutrient use, lower application rates are required than is customary with conventional fertilizers. Light soil: apply only 70% of the nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium rates recommended for conventional fertilization methods. Heavy soil: apply only 70% of the nitrogen rate and 70-100% of the phosphorus and potassium rates recommended for conventional fertilization methods. 3. 4. 50% of the applied nitrogen and up to 30% of the phosphorus and the potassium should be in a controlled-release form. Apply Multigro in bands. The band should be 2 cm away from the seed row, and 5-15 cm deep in the soil.

3. Protected crops
3.1 Introduction
Traditionally, protected crops employ liquid fertilizers or fertilizer solutions. In most cases, water is applied in excess, in order to leach the medium and prevent salt buildup. But the water surplus also contains the fertilizer materials, which are thereby leached and lost. THE SOLUTION: application of fertilizer that will not be leached, and that is independent of the irrigation system.

3.2 Special advantages of Multigro for protected crops

The use of controlled-release fertilizers for protected crops can save up to 50% of seasonal fertilization rates, but the concept goes beyond that. Rather than just a saving in quantity, this method provides a much higher quality of nutrients in a reliable composition. The nutrients are applied independently of the irrigation, so losses by leaching are considerably reduced. No need to maintain sophisticated dosing systems No need to recycle leachates

3.3 Application recommendations

1. 2. Select the formula with release longevity that matches the duration of the growth season. Multigro provides leaching-proof nutrients, preferable to liquid fertilization that includes leaching. Therefore, application rates should be based on actual crop requirements. Light soil: apply only 70% of the nitrogen and phosphorus rates and 60% of the potassium rate recommended for liquid fertilization. Heavy soil: apply only 60% of the nitrogen rate, 70% of the phosphorus rate and 50% of the potassium rate recommended for liquid fertilization. 3. At least 90% of the nitrogen, 50% of the phosphorus and 80% of the potassium should be in a controlledrelease form. Increase the portions of controlled release nutrients in light soil, and where intensive irrigation is practiced. 4. Apply Multigro in bands. The band should be 2cm away from the seed row, and 5-15cm deep in the soil

4. Fruit trees
4.1 Introduction
In large orchard areas, manpower is often a limiting factor. There is an obvious advantage to the use of fertilizer that requires only one application per season. When new groves are planted, controlled-release fertilizers provide the nutrients necessary for good establishment, without any risk of toxicity or scorching. Multigro is highly recommended for young groves during the first four years of growth. Multigro supports balanced, even development of the trees.

4.2 Special advantages of Multigro for fruit-trees

Single fertilizer application per season provides the entire nutritional requirements of the tree, leaving the grower free to take care of all other tasks. The continuous release of nutrients results in healthy, uniform growth and improved yield and quality. Highly efficient controlled-release fertilization is especially recommended for young trees, up to 4 years after planting.

4.3 Application recommendations

1. 2. 3. 4. Formulae with release longevity of 6-8 months are the recommended choice. Apply only 50-70% of the recommended rate of conventional fertilization methods. Planting: apply Multigro in the planting hole. Cover the fertilizer granules with a thin layer of soil before inserting the plant. Use fully-coated, 100% controlled-release formulae. Existing trees: Multigro should be applied within the wetted area, preferably under the dripper or micro-sprinkler. Apply Multigro in 2-3 holes around the tree, 30 cm away from the trunk, and 10-20 cm deep. At least 80% of the nitrogen, 20% of the phosphorus and 50% of the potassium should be in a controlled-release form.

5. Arable crops
5.1 Introduction: CotN products
Arable crops (mainly grains) are often grown on soils that have a certain capacity to retain nutrients. The seasonal portions of phosphorus and potassium are applied as base-dressing. Nitrogen, however, is more mobile in the soil. To make up for losses during the season, it is usually applied in considerably excessive rates. CoteN products provide nitrogen in a controlled release form, protected from leaching and consumed by the crop in the most efficient manner. A single application of CoteN, either immediately before or just after sowing, provides all the nutrition required throughout the season.

CoteN
Polymer-coated urea - a rich source of nitrogen. Recommended for crops with high nitrogen requirements

CoteN Mix
Polymer-coated urea and readily available nutrients Recommended for cases where soil can retain nutrients to some extent, or when large quantities of nitrogen are required at the beginning of the season. CoteN and CoteN Mix products areavailable with release longevities of 2months or 4 months

5.2 Cases where CoteN products are recommended

In light soils, where nutrients are easily leached As base fertilizers for rainy season crops. Rainfall accelerates nutrient leaching, while the mud makes side-dressing application troublesome. In areas where nitrogen application rates are limited by local regulations, thus creating a necessity that the applied fertilizers be consumed by the plants with maximum efficiency.

5.3 Application recommendations

1. 2. Select the formula with release longevity that matches the duration of the growth season. Due to improved efficiency of nutrient use, lower application rates are required than is customary with conventional fertilizers. Apply only 70% of the recommended nitrogen rate for conventional fertilization methods. 3. 4. 30-50% of the applied nitrogen should be polymer coated, controlled- release urea. (e.g. 150 kg/ha CoteN + 300 kg/ha ammonium sulfate, or 350 kg/ha CoteN Mix with 40% coated urea) Apply CoteN / CoteN Mix in bands. The band should be 2cm away from the seed row, and 515cm deep in the soil.

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