BiOWiSH Technologies, Inc. engaged Helena R&D as a third-party Contract Research Organization to conduct a 3-year study of the effects of BiOWiSH® Crop Liquid on walnuts. Full write-ups are now available on our website for years 1 and 2 of the study. Continue reading for a summary of our findings.
Walnut Trial Year 1
In the first year of the study, we compared 2 treatments:
- A regional fertilizer program (Control)
- The same program with BiOWiSH® Crop Liquid added (Control + BiOWiSH® Crop Liquid)
The objective of this research study was to determine the effects of BiOWiSH® Crop Liquid on walnut production when added to a fertility program common to the production area in central California. The focus was on BiOWiSH® Crop Liquid’s impact on plant vigor, in-shell and nut meat yield, nut grading quality, and the grower economics.
Shoot Growth Results
Shoot growth was evaluated twice, once in July and once in August. Control + BiOWiSH® Crop Liquid treated trees showed a significantly higher percentage of new shoot growth in August. The BiOWiSH® Treatment achieved an average 13% new shoot growth whereas the Control Treatment averaged only 8.5% new shoot growth.
Yield Results
Analysis of walnut yield parameters showed a 7.9% increase in in-shell nut yield and a 9.5% increase in nut meat yield in the trees that used the Control + BiOWiSH® Crop Liquid treatment.
Nut Grading Results
Analysis of USDA quality grades indicated that the Control + BiOWiSH® Crop Liquid treatment program had greater yields of USDA Medium, USDA Large, and USDA Jumbo, with lower yields of USDA Baby.
Grower Economics
The tree vigor, soil nutrient availability, and yield factors interacted to increase net income by 7.4% and increased profit by $1070 USD/ac ($2641 USD/ha) in the Control + BiOWiSH® Crop Liquid treatment.
Walnut Trial Year 2
The second year of the walnut trial also compared 2 treatments:
- A regional fertilizer program (Control)
- The same program with BiOWiSH® Crop Liquid added (Control + BiOWiSH® Crop Liquid)
The objective of the second year was to determine the efficacy of BiOWiSH® Crop Liquid technology in different years on walnut production when added to a fertility program common to the production area in central California. The focus of the study was on BiOWiSH® Crop Liquid’s impact on soil nutrients, plant vigor, in-shell and nut meat yield, nut grading quality, and the grower economics.
This study was conducted on larger plots, roughly 17.5 acres per treatment, compared to the first year. It was also conducted on 9-year-old Howard trees compared to the 7-year-old Howard trees of the first year study.
Tree Vigor and Growth Results
Leaf color and tree vigor were both analyzed 6 times between May and August. Color ratings were higher for the Control + BiOWiSH® Crop Liquid Treatment for 5 out of the 6 evaluations and vigor ratings were higher for 6 out of 6 of the evaluations.
Analysis of shoot growth showed the Control + BiOWiSH® Crop Liquid Treatment resulted in a higher percentage of new shoots for 6 out of 6 evaluations and a greater overall average shoot length.
Yield Results
Analysis of walnut yield parameters showed an 11.8% increase in in-shell nut yield and a 13.4% increase in nut meat yield in the Control + BiOWiSH® Crop Liquid when compared to the Control.
Nut Grading Results
The Control + BiOWiSH® Crop Liquid treatment program had greater yields within all USDA classes, including medium, large, jumbo, and baby. Both treatments had similar nut meat colors with > 88% showing the highest color rating.
Grower Economics
All the measured factors interacted to increase net income by 12% and increased profit by $1216 USD/ac in the Control + BiOWiSH® Crop Liquid treatment.
About BiOWiSH® Crop Liquid
BiOWiSH® Crop Liquid is a microbial solution that can be coated onto dry fertilizer or mixed with liquid fertilizers to create an enhanced efficiency fertilizer with industry-leading shelf-life and consistent results across a broad range of operating conditions and environments, all at a low cost to farmers. It stimulates native microbial activity and promotes root development, increasing nutrient uptake and improving plant vigor. BiOWiSH® Crop Liquid is proven to enhance the effects of applied fertilizers by increasing yield and soil productivity.
See all of our published write-ups in the resources section of our website, including more in-depth analyses of the studies summarized above. Sign up for our newsletter and keep an eye out for the Year 3 write-up and conclusion of the study later this summer!