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02 Feb 2022

Plan Ahead for Your Fertility Program | Doggett Corp

Planning Ahead As you are gearing up another season, this is a good time to do some planning for your fertility program.  Whether you’re doing lawn care, tree and shrub care, or both it is a good time to evaluate what your needs are going to be. One of the best ways to determine your fertility program is take soil samples and have them test for N,P,K and minor elements.  You can also find out the pH, and CEC (cation exchange capacity) of the soil.  During the growing season you may opt take tissue samples and have them analyzed for any nutrient deficiencies. By doing this you can prescribe exactly the products that best fit.  This will help both you and your customers save money. With rising costs and lack of availability of raw ingredients, it’s more important than ever...

14 Sep 2021

Tips to Strengthen Trees Before Winter | Doggett

Fall is here and winter is right around the corner. You want to give your clients’ trees the best chance to overcome the summer stress and prepare for the cold winter months. 3 Tips to Strengthen Trees Before Winter Are: 1) Fertilize Before the Ground Freezes. We know trees and shrubs use nutrients all year-long. Yet, fall is when trees put on 60% of their annual non-woody (feeder) root growth. Applying fertilizer from early-late fall before the ground freezes is a good approach. Fertilizers can be applied before the leaves drop and the soil temperatures drops. Nutrients can be taken in by the root system and stored as energy for the spring when trees come out of dormancy.   Use a high-quality professional slow-release fertilizer with a low salt index like our Fall 12-24-24, 6-12-12 fall liquid, or 11-22-22 organic...

13 May 2021

Humates

What are Humates? Humates (humic acids) are the result of the decomposition of plant and animal tissue in the soil.  This final decomposition (humate) creates complex molecules which provide a variety of benefits to soil and plants. For more information click this link. Plants grown in humate rich soil produce better growth, better nutrient uptake, and are less subject to stress. Humates increase soil water holding capacity, holding up to seven times their volume in water. Humate molecules attach to plant roots and enhance the uptake and efficiency of nutrients. Humates stimulate root growth and development, thus speeding up establishment of newly planted trees, shrubs, and turf. Although humate is not a fertilizer, it complements a good fertilizer program. In soils, especially those lacking in organic matter, it is often advantageous to supplement the humate profile. ‘Doggett’s Natural Resource’ product...

22 Apr 2021

Micronutrients

Micronutrients  are plant nutrients essential for optimum plant growth, but required in small amounts. Most complete fertilizers contain 6 micronutrients, and the percentage of each is critical to prevent toxicities and/or deficiencies. These include: 1: Boron (B) – Aids in the differentiation of plant cells, and also regulates the metabolism of carbohydrates. 2: Copper {Cu) – Activates several essential enzyme systems in plants. 3:  Iron (Fe) – Required for the formation of chlorophyll, and also controls the synthesis of indoleacetic acid, a plant growth regulator. 4:  Manganese (Mn) – Assists iron in chlorophyll formation.  High levels of Mn may induce Fe deficiency.  This symptom is sometimes called Mn toxicity. 5:  Zinc (Zn) – An essential component of several enzyme systems.  Like Fe, it also controls the synthesis of indoleacetic acid. 6:  Molybdenum (Mo) – Required by plants for utilization of...

29 Mar 2021

Why Fertilize Trees and Shrubs?

Why do we fertilize trees & shrubs? Especially in the urban landscape setting, trees, as well as shrubs and ornamentals are the most valuable asset on the property. Promotes health, vigor, color and growth of landscape species. Simply to mimic the forest floor. Here is an article on the value of trees. Characteristics & Functions of Roots are as follows: Three Primary Functions • acquisition of soil-based resources: water & nutrients • plant anchorage • food (carbohydrate) storage Secondary Functions • synthesis of growth regulators • plant propagation • tubers • root buds • suckers Effect of N on Root : Shoot Ratios Fertilizers (nitrogen) generally stimulates shoot growth more than roots. This results in decreased root : shoot ratios Question:If soluble (coated) nitrogen sources contribute N faster vs. MU/UF, can they limit root growth; root; shoot ratios? Bottom Line:...

17 Feb 2021

Organic Fertilizer a Natural Diet

Organic Fertilizer a Natural Diet for the Greens, if you will be asked about your "Gardening 101" experience, this is probably one of those first answers you'll pitch! The most common, easy, and natural way of feeding our plants: through organic fertilizer. It is easy to discuss and share this common knowledge from our personal experiences in planting/gardening. It might be from our parents, family members, friends. It can be from school-related activities and projects that involve growing plants or even trees. Not to mention, you might also gain this source of knowledge from a group of people who are educated through undergoing and actively practicing the usage of organic fertilizer. It will come out naturally. It's as if it's the source of truth in agriculture in rural (countryside) areas. Now hear me out while I share some friendly tips...

11 Feb 2021

What is biochar and how does it help?

What is biochar and how does it help? Simply put, biochar is a highly adsorbent, specially-produced charcoal. It was originally used as a soil amendment. Scientists theorize biochar was first used in the Amazon Basin thousands of years ago.  In this area, there are extensive regions of dark, highly fertile soil known as terra preta were discovered, revealing high concentrations of biochar and organic matter. How It Works BioChar works very well in a "charged" state. Meaning, blended with a compost source.  Make it easier to handle, spread better.  Works with composted materials to make nutrients available and feed micro-organisms. Doggett's Myco-Starter 3-3-3 is a perfect combination with biochar.  Contains poultry compost, endo & ecto mycorrhizae for roots.  Perfect for amending and improving soils. While the Brazilian tradition provides long-term evidence of biochar’s positive impact on soils, recent research continues...