BioFlora® was founded in 1972 with a goal to conceptualize, develop, manufacture, market, and deliver a proprietary product line to the agricultural community. Through our innovative products and programs, we provide solutions to our customers in both domestic and international markets. Today, we have over 30 unique proprietary products that benefit growers, retailers, and consumers. Our organic and sustainable agricultural programs maximize the efficacy and efficiency of traditional agricultural inputs, while being mindful of their environmental impact.
Romaine Lettuce Case Study
BioFlora® began a trial on romaine lettuce in Antigua, Guatemala to determine if adding several BioFlora® products to a conventional fertilizer program would increase the shelf life and the size of the romaine lettuce leaf. The products we used were:
Humega® enhances root protection by stimulating the growth of beneficial microbes.
BioFlora Seaweed Creme® acts as a growth stimulant, assists with development, and protects plant growth and post-harvest shelf life.
Fulmega™ 1% Mg assists with higher yield even with less chemical fertilizer input.
BioFlora Dry Crumbles® 6-6-5 + 8% Ca is our organic, carbon-based, dry granular fertilizer that works to improve soil structure and its workability. Soil that has been fertilized with this product will have better tilth and allow for more air and water to get to plant roots. Dry Crumbles® quickly releases nitrogen for faster uptake and slowly releases its remaining nutrients for long-term vigor.
BioFlora® 5-3-2 is a sustainable blend fortified with fish solubles for overall growth and production. When applied early in the production process, more nutrients will be taken up by the plant rather than leached or volatilized.
Our Method
In this trial, the grower used a conventional fertilization program based on the application of urea.
The BioFlora® test field was treated with Humega® during a pre-plant irrigation.
BioFlora Dry Crumbles® was incorporated into the planting bed prior to covering with a plastic mulch.
Foliar applications of the remaining three products: Fulmega™ 1% Mg, BioFlora Seaweed Creme® and BioFlora® 5-3-2 were mixed and applied at weekly intervals throughout the growing season.
Our Results
The root balls of the BioFlora® treated romaine lettuce were measured to be 2 to 3 times larger than that of the Control field.
The BioFlora® treated crop displayed larger leaves, and had a noticeable firmness that was not present in the control field, due to the high nitrogen program that was implemented.
The BioFlora® treated romaine lettuce had a shelf life of 20 days after harvest. The Control plots romaine lettuce only had a shelf life of 10 days after harvest in comparison.
With these results, BioFlora® successfully completed all of the objectives for this trial.
BioFlora® treated (on left) versus Control field (on right) romaine lettuce; notice larger root ball.
Control field (on left) versus BioFlora® treated (on right) romaine lettuce; notice thicker leaves.