Bio-dynamics at Bulletin Technical Work in Crops & Soils Bio-dynamics at Work in Crops & Soils

EKO-Gro for
Seed, Table & Frozen Potato Crops
EKO-Gro is a foliar spray treatment for potato crops which provides multiple improvements to crop & soil health and numerous economic benefits to growers. EKO-Gro is:
Pure Ascophyllum nodosum marine algae harvested from the cold, arctic waters off Norway no additives. Nutritionally rich - chelated, colloidal, and optimally balanced = Bio-available Full of naturally-occurring, complex compounds which improve soil microbiology = Bio-active A complex activator of plant and soil biology.

EKO-Gro Benefits:
Yield increases of 20% and more Greater potato density Potatoes are more symmetrical and uniform in shape. Scab is greatly reduced, if not eliminated. Plants are healthier and resistant to pests and disease (reduction in chemical costs). o 30% reduction of nematode-cysts The respiration during winter storage is reduced and potatoes can be sold for up to 4 weeks longer in spring. Dramatic soil structure improvements Depleted soils are rejuvenated o Improved crumble structure + increased waterholding capacity = Decreased soil erosion o Post-harvest - the large amount of hair roots increase the raw humus offered to the soil biology. Glassy potatoes brought on by drought conditions are unknown when using EKO-Gro. Aroma and flavor of potatoes are Intensified. Reduces crop rotation requirements without ground fatigue or pest (nematode) increases Increased profitability from a GREEN alternative

EKO-Gro How it works:

Energy is diverted to root growth - 30 50 % more hair roots per treatment is normal. With the multiple treatment application, hair roots are increased 200%. (Note: Nitrogen is required to accommodate increases in hair roots and the resulting increase in Nitrogen uptake.) Beneficial biological activity in the soil is increased in both intensity and quantity - 20xs within 3 years of EKO-Gro usage. Worn out soil is revitalized and brought back to a natural balance fewer pests and more beneficial microbes and micro-fauna. EKO-Gro contains naturally-occurring Grey Humic Acid (produced at the end of the cycle of biological decomposition of organic material in soils). The increase of Grey Humic Acid enhances the activity of multi-layered silicates (ion-exchange capacity) and increases the fertility of the soil (through the rapid and balanced increase in the quantity and activity of the beneficial micro- and macrobiological organisms).

Nematode Control Option: Soil application in Fall can destroy harmful nematode populations.

EKO GEA's full product line is certified under the European Community EEC 2381/94, EG 8342007, and EG8992008 which governs organic production, labeling and control of animal and human feedstuffs. All of EKO GEAs products can be sold and used in the eco-systems of agriculture in all member states of the European Community without special permission.

EKO GEA d.o.o. Ul. M. Grevenbroich 13, 3000 Celje SLOVENIA Slovenia Corporate Tax Code: SI 831 31 833 www.ekogea.com Contact Details: Balkans: tel. + 386 3491 07 60 fax + 386 3491 07 61 e-mail: info@ekogea.com Outside Balkans: tel: UK +44 208 144 0102 US: + 1(217) 731-4744 e-mail: mkeenan@ekogea.com

EKO-Gro Application Times and Amounts - Potatoes

Potato Type Amount Of EKO-Gro
2,0 l/ha 1,0 l/ha 1,0 l/ha 1,0 l/ha 2,0 l/ha 2,0 l/ha 2,0 l/ha 1,0 l/ha 1,0 l/ha 1,0 l/ha 2,0 l/ha 1,0 l/ha 1,0 l/ha 1,0 l/ha

BBCH-scale for Potatoes

BBCH 10 (when 80 % of the leaf clusters are
visible and leaves begin to extend)

Seed potatoes
(4 applications)

BBCH 20 ( 8 days later) BBCH 30 ( 8 days later) BBCH 40 ( 8 days later) BBCH 10 (as 80 % of the leaf clusters are
visible and leaves begin to extend)

Table potatoes Early

(2 applications)

Table potatoes Main-crop

(4 applications)

BBCH 20 ( 8 days later) BBCH 10 (as 80 % of the leaf clusters are

visible and leaves begin to extend)

BBCH 20 ( 8 days later) BBCH 30 ( 8 days later) BBCH 40 ( 8 days later) BBCH 10 (as 80 % of the leaf clusters are
visible and leaves begin to extend)

Additional Application Option: A single EKO-Gro application to soil in autumn with organic material intensifies composting action (heat) and kills harmful nematodes in a natural process (premature hatching induced by composting warmth and death of L2-stage juveniles due to winter cold).

Fry/Frozen-market potatoes

BBCH 20 ( 8 days later) BBCH 30 ( 8 days later) (4 applications) BBCH 40 ( 8 days later) Important: If one of the treatments cannot be made due to bad weather, do not repeat or treat after BBCH 40. (BBCH 40 = When crop cover is complete - about 90% of plant foliage meets between rows.)

EKO-Gro Instructions - Potatoes

IMPORTANT: EKO-Gro is a poly-electrolyte, which can be partially deactivated by static electricity. Therefore tractors, self-propelled spray machines, and back-pack atomizers/sprayers MUST be grounded with a chain that is
in constant contact with the earth during filling, mixing, transportation and spraying operations. The chain should be attached to the trailer coupling at the rear of the tractor or to the rear axle of a self-propelled spray machine. If an extra water tanker is towed, this rig should be also grounded. This simple measure guarantees that the electrical charge is safely earthed before EKO-Gro can be deactivated and that the filter sieves on the spray units do not choke due to precipitation. This also protects the plants from electrical shock.

Potato Crop Directions Preparing the Spray:

Shake EKO-Gro well.
1. Fill spray tank full with water 2. Add Nitrogen Fertilizer: 0.5 Litres/hectare liquid or 0.5 kg/hectares dry (Please no more!) 3. Add EKO-Gro according to potato BBCH-scale dilution requirement (see above EKO-Gro Application Times and Amounts) a. minimum 1:100 EKO-Gro to water = 1.7 pints/acre b. or 1:200 EKO-Gro to water = 0.85 pints/acre 4. Finally, add other pesticide treatments (herbicide, fungicide, insecticide) to tank. EKO-Gro postpones the activation of herbicides and pesticides and protects itself against pesticide/herbicide damage.

Notes: EKO-Gro should not be mixed directly with undiluted pesticides. Micro, trace elements are only mixable with EKO-Gro when they are in the full Chelated form (without dissolvable additives). Magnesium (Mg) should not be mixed with our product. EKO-Gro breaks down water surface, i.e., no need to use adhesives (stickers/latex). If you have further questions, please contact your EKO GEA distributor/dealer. Toxicity: EKO-Gro products, in the recommended dosages, are completely harmless to man, animals, plants and the environment. Storage: Store out of direct sunlight. Keep out of reach of children. Note: EKO-Gro can be applied during all weather conditions rain, frost or strong sunlight the plants react immediately