Well prepped citrus primed for juicier 2024

Incitec Pivot’s acquisition of Yara operations in Moree and Whitton in New South Wales, and Boundary Bend in Victoria delivers excellent liquid fertiliser options to growers across the east coast of Australia.

After weathering challenging conditions in recent years, citrus growers across the Griffith region are welcoming the 2024 outlook of better growing conditions, good export opportunities and strong prices on offer for fruit.

With early fruit growth well underway, growers are turning their minds to active growth in the first quarter of next year and increasingly considering Incitec Pivot Fertilisers’ expanded liquid fertiliser range to ensure their trees get sufficient nitrogen during this window of high demand.

Griffith-based Agronomist with Incitec Pivot’s EASY Liquids, Bob Moorfield, said meeting the nutritional requirements of citrus trees is critical following labour shortages and wet conditions

“Growers have faced numerous challenges in managing their crops in recent years, with difficulties accessing paddocks to fertilise, spray for pests and disease or even to harvest the fruit off the trees,” Mr Moorfield said.

“These factors can have a negative impact on quality and productivity for up to three years afterwards.

“What you do in one year doesn’t just affect that crop. It’s a long-term issue, and if a tree is put under significant stress, then it adapts to that stress in certain ways.

“Because of that, it’s more important than ever that growers put a real focus maintaining the health of their crops if they want to boost productivity and leverage better conditions in 2024.”

Mr Moorfield said that now is the time for growers to be looking ahead to January, when fruit growth really kicks into gear and the demand for nitrogen, potassium and calcium is high in citrus trees.

“Nitrogen applied at this time can also help ensure adequate carbohydrate reserves for next season’s flowering,” Mr Moorfield said.

“As growers are getting organised for the season to come, we are seeing good demand for nitrogen and calcium products in our EASY Liquids range for fertigation.

“Liquid fertilisers are becoming increasingly popular among growers who are looking to boost the accuracy, efficiency and flexibility of their nutrient programs.”

Since Incitec Pivot purchased Yara Nipro’s Australian liquid fertiliser business in October last year, the Whitton-based team has grown to a team of almost 10 experienced, local staff who understand the varied crops, growth habits and changing requirements of growers in the area.

“We’re excited to be growing our footprint in the liquid fertiliser landscape, and to be able to service the region’s diverse horticulture and cropping farmers with liquid plant nutrition products that are easy to use, control and handle,” Mr Moorfield said.

Incitec Pivot’s acquisition of Yara operations in Moree and Whitton in New South Wales, and Boundary Bend in Victoria delivers excellent liquid fertiliser options to growers across the east coast of Australia.

For media enquiries:

Debbie Guest
Group Corporate Affairs Manager, Incitec Pivot Limited
m: +61 403 614 468
e: debbie.guest@incitecpivot.com.au