Imagine a hardy, inexpensive, user-friendly tool that will predict your crop's pest pressure, yield potential, quality, shelf-life, calcium status and weed problems.
It will even detect boron deficiency, foliar spray suitability and the likelihood of frost damage. It seems a big ask for a single device, but the refractometer offers all of this and more for less than $100!
The ability to monitor your progress is integral to the Nutrition Farming® approach.
When you can clearly track benefits, you are inspired to continue on the sustainable path. Here are some things you need to know about the refractometer.
Brix tips
You are measuring the light refracting through the dissolved solids on the screen of this sawn-off little telescope.
You are literally measuring nutrient density or more accurately, your skills as a chlorophyll manager. In fact, you are monitoring your growing skills!
Fuel gauge
There have been many crestfallen faces when the deep green grape leaf delivers a brix reading of 2, instead of the required 12 degrees brix.
It looks like you are looking at a fuel gauge and in a way you are. A low brix reading is akin to a plant fresh out of fuel.
Calcium levels
The line that divides the two visible hemispheres can also offer an indication of calcium levels in the plant. If the dividing line is clean and sharp, this indicates a calcium deficiency.
It can actually be a sign of generalised mineral deficiency, but as calcium is 'the trucker of all minerals', this mineral is the chief suspect.
The goal of all good growers is to fuzz up that sharp line. A fuzzy dividing line is an indication of mineral density and desirable calcium levels in the plant.
Nitrate levels
Low brix levels are often linked to high nitrate levels in the plant.
It is impossible to achieve nutrient density in the presence of excessive nitrate nitrogen. This form of N is only ever taken up with water, so the higher the nitrate levels the greater the dilution factor.
Stress meter
A watery, mineral deficient plant is a calling card for insects and disease, so this could also be called a stress meter.
In effect, your likelihood of anxiety is all locked within this ten second measurement. The higher your brix levels, the greater your farming fun.
Brix and weight
High brix plants will have a higher specific gravity. They will weigh more and, if you are paid by weight, this is a good story.
Shelf life
Shelf life and brix are directly related. It amazes me that supermarkets have not cottoned on to this.
The higher the brix levels of fresh produce, the longer it will last on the shelves and the associated waste factor can be significantly reduced.
If supermarkets demanded higher brix produce and even paid a premium for this quality, they would flood their floors with shoppers seeking forgotten flavours and enhanced medicinal qualities in their food.
The success of the 'Farming for the Future' initiative by Woolworths in South Africa is acute evidence of this unrealised potential.
Humus (continued next month)
See this article in Tree Fruit May 2015
