h i g h q u a l i t y o r g a n i c f e r t i l i z e r s

4-3-3-65 OM

2

FERTIPLUS high quality organic fertilizerOrganic matter plays an important role in the physical, chemical and biological condition of the soil. A good soil structure optimises water availability and air distribution, which stimulates root activity. To maintain crop yields, mineral fertilizers are used but they loose efficiency when the organic material of the soil has become too low. High quality organic fertilizers, such as FERTIPLUS, maintain organic content and improve mineral fertilizer efficiency.

Nowadays, there is an worldwide increasing demand for high quality, easy to use, organic fertilizers. Ferm O Feed B.V. has invested along the last ten years in modern equipment and high skilled production teams. Now our company makes an easy to use standard product.

FERTIPLUS is produced in a modern factory where the production process is computer controlled. Our organic fertilizer is produced from selected raw materials.

Ferm O Feed B.V. is ISO 9002 and 14001 certified and one of the largest organic fertilizer manufacturers in Europe. Ferm O Feed B.V. is commercialising all the products.

This brochure offers you a brief selection of information regarding our product FERTIPLUS.

Contents:

I Product Characteristics II Humic and amino acids III Traceability IV Loss of organic material in the soil V Analysis FERTIPLUS VI Recommended utilisation quantities VII Some results of Spanish experiments VIII Synopsis

3

I: Product CharacteristicsFERTIPLUS is produced by up-to-date technology under control of a highly skilled production team. The raw material is brought to our factory by trailers. Trained workers will control the raw material before it enters our installations. If the material does not fit our standards it will not be accepted.

Once in our factory, we mix the various raw materials. A standardized starting material gives no problems in order to standardize the final product.

After our first processing of mixing and neutralizing, the product enters in composting area. By control-ling the oxygen level and temperature the product is composted in order to obtain a stable product. Two kilo of starting prime product will yield one and a half kilo FERTIPLUS.

When the product leaves the composting process it is dehydrated and physically processed. The product is now presented in a pellet, to be easily applied in the field. FERTIPLUS can be spread over the land using the same machine as for mineral fertilizer. FERTIPLUS is less dense than mineral fertilizers: a special sieve is used before packing the product preventing particles smaller than 2 mm (dust) to be incorporated in the commercial product. FERTIPLUS can be packed in plastic bags of 10 kg, 20 kg of 25 kg, or in big bags of 500 kg till 1500 kg. Stored in a cool and dry place FERTIPLUS can be maintained for a long time without loss of quality.

FERTIPLUS applied in the soil has a regular function for the soil minerals. When you have problems of blocked minerals you will notice an excellent result on crop yield and quality. You will see both, a de-blocking and a regulated effect at the same time. Farmers have noticed this effect on their invoices on fertilization products. Minerals do not get lost by washing and they are not blocked but available to the crop.

FERTIPLUS has a low C/N ratio. This means that they free nitrogen when soil micro-organisms decompose the organic material. The soil organisms will also decompose organic material with a high C/N ratio. Decomposing or mineralisation depends on temperature, moisture and aeration of the soil. When temperature runs up in spring mineralisation will speed up when plant grows.

When you apply FERTIPLUS, nitrogen will be available at this moment because of the mineralising of the product. When an ordinary organic fertilizer is used, plant growth will be negatively affected by low nitrogen availability.

Micro-organism demanding air from outside will decompose the organic material in FERTIPLUS. This will aerate the soil and stimulate root activity. Organic material is also important for moisture holding in the soil and will prevent erosion. FERTIPLUS absorbs 3 times its weight in moisture while the pellet will break down.

4

Farmers have noticed this when they apply the product localized filling a hole. After the growing season a network of roots is observed in the place where they brought in FERTIPLUS. This is also the best way to show that FERTIPLUS does not burn the roots.

FERTIPLUS the main brand of Ferm O Feed, is an easy to use basic organic fertilizer. The content of stable organic material is very high combined with a relatively high N-P-K content. Additional features being a 100% natural product, which maintains trace elements, is important for enzyme and photoelectric functions of crop (see analyses).FERTIPLUS is a complete basic organic fertilizer with proven yield. A three year trial project in Spain showed no doubts about the positive effects of FERTIPLUS on crop yield and quality (“some testresults in chapter VII”).

5

II: Humic and amino acidsFERTIPLUS contains approx. 20% humic acids and a slightly lower percentage of amino acids. These organic acids are formed during the composting process of the starting material. Not all organic material is converted into these acids during composting, but most of the material humifies once it is put into the soil. This is a slow process during which time the humic acids are released gradually. This is the most important part of the basic fertilisation process, which is essential for cultivation during the growing season.

These organic acids form complexes with inorganic particles in the soil, resulting in the release of nutrients such as phosphorous. The clay-calcium-hu-mus complex has an important function in the soil. This complex has the ability to absorb anions and cations and facilitates the release of ions into the soil making them available to plants. Within this same complex there is room for absorption of water, up to 15 times the material’s own weight. As a result this complex keeps the soil moist, prevents dehydration of the soil, protects it from erosion and ensures bacterial viability in the soil. This humus complex also reacts with tricalcium phosphate and sesquioxide complexes, whereby locked and immobilised phosphorous in these inorganic complexes is unblocked and released into the soil.

There are 2 types of humic acids in Fertiplus: humic acids and fulvic acids. fulvic acids dissolve when they come into contact with amino acids and sugars and in solutions with a low pH (2). Fulvic acid molecules are smaller than in the humic acids and the presence of humic acids accelerates this dissolving process.

During decomposition, humic acids are transformed into fulvic acids.

The remaining organic material, which cannot be defined as humic or fulvic acids, is called humin and fresh organic matter. Naturally this material decom-poses slowly and forms soluble substances.

Fertiplus contains a lot of proteins. The proteins are broken down during the fermentation process and are humified into amino acids. The amino acids activate the bacterial life in the soil and stimulate the root activity of the crops. The development of the micro-organism fauna in the soil is essential to fertilisation as this aids uptake of nutrients in plants.

6

III: TraceabilityFerm O Feed has introduced a traceability system. In practice, this system means that the materials used in the production process and during logistic operations can be followed step by step. The system enables us to monitor the quality from the raw materials to the product delivered to the customer.

The system works as follows: during the production process codes are assigned to each production batch of Fertiplus; the batch number then follows the ingredients/product on the journey to the place of administration. Samples are taken from each batch, and these samples undergo a general quality analysis. The results of these analyses are linked to the batch codes. If necessary, additional and more specific analyses can be performed on request, either during the production process or while packaging Fertiplus. An example of such an analysis is testing to ensure that the product is free of pathogens. In this case the batch number is also printed on the delivery receipt and the invoice. This form of traceability is an extra service which we offer to our customers on request.

The Eurogap standards and the requirements of some distribution chains can require registration of the products used during the production process. This often includes documenting the origin of the organic material and its sanitary quality. With a good traceability plan, like the one offered for Fertiplus, the fruit and vegetable producer can demonstrate the composition, origin and sanitary quality of the organic fertiliser used. This is particularly important with regard to the absence of pathogens in Fertiplus and for the natural origins of the product.

At this time, a number of food distribution chains in the UK have already made Ferm O Feed’s traceability plan a requirement to accept the use of Fertiplus as an organic material.

Ferm O Feed can provide 2 methods of traceability. The first method, which is also the most complicated and most expensive, is to follow the product from the organic raw material to the final product. We only offer this service to our customers if this strict require-ment is necessary. After all, the quality control during the production process already provides sufficient guarantees. The product from each production batch is analysed to check its composition and confirm the absence of pathogens. Then the Fertiplus is stored in bulk together with the other production batches. However, Fertiplus that does not meet the defined quality standards is never allowed into this storage area.

The second method of traceability is to analyse samples during the packaging process or during transport to the customer. These analyses are carried out in accordance with the instructions of the Fertiplus customer. In this case, batches of Fertiplus are made, and a sample is taken from each batch and then analysed. A second sample is also taken from each batch, and stored for a certain period of time for any check analysis.Thanks to this second option combined with good quality control during the production process, most fruit and vegetable buyers accept the use of Fertiplus.

7

IV: Loss of organic material in the soilA theoretical estimation to give an idea of the yearly loss organic material.

Example:Cultivated topsoil: 25 cm (0,25 m)Surface: 10.000 m2 % organic matter: 2%Gravity soil: 1.725 kg / m3

Mineralisation factor: 2% yearOrganic matter FERTIPLUS 65%

Cultivated soil:0,25 m x 10.000 m2 x 1.725 kg / m3 = 4.312.500 kg

Total organic matter in soil:4.312.500 x 2% = 86.250 kg

Yearly breakdown of organic matter:86.250 kg x 2% = 1.725 kg

Replacement of organic matter:Crop rests in the field: 750 - 1250 kgNetto need of external organic material: 475 - 975 kgIn terms of FERTIPLUS: 730 - 1500 kg

Conclusion:Although FERTIPLUS is not only a substitute of organic material it can clearly be used for that. FERTIPLUS should be used on base of crop needs in basic fertilizer and organic matter replacement in your field.

8

V: Analysis FERTIPLUSProduct: 100% naturalForm: PelletDiameter pellet: 5,0 mm - 6,0 mmDensity: 700 kg/m3Organic matter: 65% Dry matter: 88% minimumHumidity: 12% maximum

Most important minerals Nitrogen total (Ntotal): 4,2%Nitrogen organic: 3,5%Nitrogen ammonium: 0,7%Phosphate (P2O5): 3,0%Potassium (K2O): 2,8%Magnesium oxide (MgO): 1,0%Calcium oxide (CaO): 9,0%Sodium (Na2O): 0,5% max.Chlorine (Cl): 0,5% max.

Trace elements Iron (Fe): 1200 mg/kgManganese (Mn): 480 mg/kgZinc (Zn): 420 mg/kgCopper (Cu): 110 mg/kgBorium (B): 45 mg/kgMolybdenum (Mo): 11 mg/kgCobalt (Co): 2 mg/kg

Other characteristicsTotal Humus Extract (THE): 32%Humic acids (HA): 8,6%pH: 6,4C/N: 9Water absorbent capacity: 2,9 l/kg

-Free of seeds

-Free of pathogenic bacteria

9

VI: Recommended utilisation quantitiesTomatoes: 1.250-1.500 kg/ha*Cucumbers: 1.250-1.500 kg/ha*Chilli: 1.250-1.500 kg/ha*Aubergines: 1.250-1.500 kg/ha*Cabbages: 1.000-1.250 kg/haLettuce: 1.000-1.250 kg/haLeek: 1.000-1.250 kg/haAsparagus: 1.500-1.750 kg/haStrawberries: 2.000-2.500 kg/ha(Water)Melons: 1.250-1.500 kg/ha* In case of greenhouses: 2 times

Vineyards: 300-500 gr/vine max. 1.750 kg/haOlive-trees: 2-5 kg / treeFruit trees: 2-5 kg / tree max. 1.750 kg/haTobacco-plants: 1.250-1.500 kg/haPotatoes: 1.000-1.250 kg/haCarrots: 1.000-1.250 kg/ha

Above-mentioned figures are indications. The dosage depends also on the soil condition and the kind of agriculture. For further information contact your supplier or your agricultural adviser.

The effect of fertilizers is bigger if applied localised. If the crop is placed on or in a ridge you can spread Fertiplus on the land before forming the ridges. Fertiplus is an excellent fertilizer to use at drip irrigation. In that case you put a certain quantity under or around the drip opening. In meadows Fertiplus can be utilised by spreading out the product during spring and after summer.

10

VII: Some results of Spanish experiments

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

Fertiplus 5500 kg/haFertiplus 2750 kg/haUnprocessed manure 66 mton/ha

Blanco

2

3

4

5

6

7

Fertiplus 0,5 kg/vineFertiplus 0,25 kg/vineUnprocessed manure 5 kg/vine

Mineral fertilizer

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

Unprocessed manure 8000 kg/ha

Humus 2000 kg/haFertiplus 1400 kg/haBlanco

30

40

50

60

70

Fertiplus 1500 kg/haFertiplus 750 kg/haBlanco

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

2016128400

100

200

300

400

500

600

77 days56 days35 days14 days

Tomatoes, Almeria - Spain

Yiel

d kg

tom

atoe

s / m

2

Melons, Sevilla - SpainYi

eld

mto

n m

elon

s / h

a

Grapes, Valencia - Spain

Yiel

d kg

/vin

e

Potatoes, Valencia - Spain

Yiel

d m

ton

pota

toes

/ ha

N-release at 25°C (laboratory experiment)Subtitel: kg N mineral / mton Fertiplus

kg N

min

eral

Concentration NO3 in the above 12 cm of the soil

conc

entr

atio

n m

g/l

weekly intervals Blanco Unprocessed manure Fertiplus Data

CIO

M, W

agen

inge

n, th

e N

ethe

rland

s

11

VII: Some results of Spanish experiments VIII: SynopsisFertilizer value:• Complete basic fertilizer, contains organic material and all minerals and trace elements for optimal crop yield.• Organic N and P act as slow release fertilizer, which do not wash out minerals.• Increased availability of minerals and trace elements through complexity by organic compounds.• Combination of basic organic and top mineral fertilizers results in highest yields.

Source of organic matter:• Homogeneous and constant quality• High organic matter content• Low C/N prevents temporary N-immobilization

Transport and storage:• Low moisture content enables long-term storage under appropriate • conditions without significant effect on product quality

Soil quality and environment:• Improves soil structure• Increases water holding capacity of soil• Reduces leaching of nutrients• Stimulates soil micro organisms• Free from weed seeds and pathogens• 100% natural product

Advantages for application:• Easy to use• Clean and hygienic• Hardly any dust content• Pellet breaks rapidly down• Packed in high strong plastic bags

Data

CIO

M, W

agen

inge

n, th

e N

ethe

rland

s

P.O. Box 12, 5480 AA SchijndelThe Netherlands

For sales:Hermalen 7, Schijndel

The NetherlandsT +31 (0)73 543 10 08F +31 (0)73 549 83 60

E sales@fermofeed.comwww.fermofeed.com

VCA**

SGS

ISO14001 SGS

ISO 9001:2000 SGS