How Best to Apply Liquid Fertilisers such as UGF 6-in-1 Advanced Fish Fertiliser

Application Guidelines / Rule of Thumb:

• In the case of UGF 6-in-1, benefits are typically achieved for 3-4 weeks.
• The ‘rule of thumb’ is to apply a light-medium watering of diluted solution semi-regularly, around every 2 weeks.
• UGF 6-in-1 can be applied more frequently e.g. weekly or daily micro-dosing for better, more consistent results. Otherwise less frequently such as 4-6 weeks as practical, dependant on needs of plant and soil.

MIXING:

Shake or stir concentrate well before diluting with water: With more natural and diverse liquid fertilisers such as UGF 6-in-1, some ingredients are heavier than others and it’s best to thoroughly shake/stir prior to diluting.

Always dilute concentrated liquid fertilisers with water!

• Standard dilution for UGF 6-in-1 concentrate is 1 part to 100 parts water (1:100). E.G. 10ml concentrate makes 1L of solution, 90ml concentrate for a 9L watering can, or 1L makes 100L.
• Can be mixed more concentrated (minimum 1:40) for hardy plants, grasses in moderate climates and farming for more effective growth.
• Can be mixed less concentrated (e.g. 1:200) and applied more often. When applying UGF 6-in-1 as a foliar spray on sensitive plants, suggest starting with 1:200 and monitor before increasing concentration to 1:100.

Note: Some natural liquid fertilisers (especially fish-based ones like UGF 6-in-1) may froth up if water is added to UGF 6-in-1 concentrate under force (hose or tap).

Tip: To help avoid frothing and help ensure a more consistent mixture, options include:

• Pre-dilute the concentrate with some of the water (say 10%), then add that pre-mix with the rest of the water volume.
• Alternatively, prepare majority of the water volume then add the liquid fertiliser concentrate to form stage 1 of dilution. Then, add the balance of the water under pressure (hose or tap) to help mix the UGF 6-in-1 throughout.

Note: Storing with water can trigger microbial growth so only mix as required. Careful if mixing liquid fertilisers with other products as a chemical reaction may occur. This could be fizzing or coagulation over 24 hours or so.

TIMING:

NEW PLANTS:

• NGI scientists and associates explain that the first stages of growth are the most important.
• If seeds/tubers/corns, etc receive healthy nutrients upon germination, they are mostly likely to succeed and achieve.
• Ideally apply UGF 6-in-1 during the early stages of growth (seed and infancy), then throughout growth cycle as practical.

ESTABLISHED PLANTS:

• Apply natural liquid fertilisers before growing season to ‘prime’ soil and microbes.
• Ideally apply UGF 6-in-1 upon first signs of leaf burst & bud burst, then throughout flower and fruit formation for better, more plentiful and consistent harvest, plus resilience to pests, diseases & extreme weather.
• Also, apply UGF 6-in-1 post-harvest, then prior to dormancy so that energy of fish proteins and oils, etc can be absorbed and stored by the plant, etc for a quicker, more vibrant start to next season. Great for enhancing health and storage capabilities of tubers, corns, etc.

APPLICATION METHODS:

ROOT ZONE:

• NGI scientists advocate that it’s good to feed the root zone to stimulate soil microbes and symbiotic root activity, such as with mycorrhizal fungi which can thicken roots and allow them to absorb nutrients and increase resilience.
• This method is particularly relevant in early growth stages including when planting seeds and seedlings as well as for new season growth for annuals. Also great when repotting and planting out to reduce shock.
• UGF 6-in-1 is relied on to strengthen roots to grower thicker, deeper, longer, stronger for more resilience and better access to more nutrition.
• For best results, soil should be moist prior.

FOLIAGE:

• It can more effective, practical and cost-efficient to apply natural liquid fertilisers to leaves and stalks of plants. Note: Most plants can readily absorb nutrients via their foliage through the stomata and it doesn’t take long for those nutrients to travel down to stalk and roots as well.
• This method bypasses any soil limitations like compaction issues and going right to work, resulting in rapid nutrient uptake and visible improvements in size, colour and strength.
• Being natural and loaded with nutrients, the more astute commercial growers and champion exhibitors rely on UGF 6-in-1 as a foliar spray to deliver fast results and for recovery, especially after bad weather, pest infestation or herbicidal contamination.
• Some apply weekly (1:200), whilst some apply 1:100 weekly or fortnightly.
• Best applied in the early morning or late afternoon when the stomata is open.
• 16-times Grand Champion of Sydney Royal Easter Show - Gerard Oldfield likes to mist the underside of foliage as well and uses a hand held spray rod and nozzle to do so.

IN A NUTSHELL: NGI scientists recommend at least the first 2-3 applications include the root zone, and suggest applying UGF 6-in-1 as a foliar spray more so during the growing season. For best results apply to root zone and foliage but if this is not possible start with a soil drench for the first couple of applications and switch to foliar feeding for more impactful results. Mist if practical, or simply spray or water onto the leaves. Generally best to leave on foliage for at least 1-3 days, provided extreme hot sunny days are not expected.  

PLEASE NOTE: It is recommended to test on a small area before applying to the entire garden.

APPLICATION RATES & FREQUENCY:

A lot will depend on plant variety, size and stages of growth plus soil and weather conditions. The following is merely a guide for UGF 6-in-1 rates and frequency and if practical, NGI suggests doing split trials with double or triple the amount and/or frequency to gauge results. 

For fruit trees, vines, vegetables, flowers, shrubs, and ferns:

• For domestic use, use 20-80ml (2-8L mixed at 1:100) per 20sqm.
• For a 1m high plant, use 1ml (100ml mixed).
• For a vine, use 30-40ml (3-4L).
• For a large fruit tree, use 50ml (5L).
• For large commercial use, apply 5-10L concentrate per hectare (2-4L/acre).

Apply regularly, ideally at least every 2-4 weeks. If practical, apply more often with the option to reduce the amount of concentrate. Some of the best results have come from micro-dosing daily in automated fertigation systems.

For lawns, turf, pastures, and crop farms:

• For domestic use, use 100ml UGF 6-in-1 concentrate (10L diluted if diluting to 1:100) per 100sqm.
• For large commercial use, apply 5-10L concentrate per hectare (2-4L/acre).
• Rates can be concentrated to 1:40 if desired

Apply natural fertilisers with seed and then repeat regularly, ideally at least every 2-4 weeks. Some turf farmers interchange with granulated chemical fertilisers for even bigger boosts.

Test and Monitor: As usual, it’s good to trial different amounts of plant supplements on small areas initially.

Will natural liquid fertilisers go through fertigation systems and boom sprays?

• Many will, whilst some may clog nozzles and filters.
• In the case of UGF 6-in-1, it is ground down to 100 microns, which makes it suitable for use with most applicators, boom sprays and fertigation systems with medium nozzles and decent pressure.
• Consider removing any fine filters completely, otherwise replace them with a medium filter.