Nitrosol & increased brix levels Dec 09
What is Brix?
In the food industry the term Brix is used to describe the approximate amount of sugars in fruit
juices, wine, soft drinks and in the sugar manufacturing industry. For fruit juices, one degree Brix
is about 1-2% sugar by weight. This usually correlates well with perceived sweetness. As the Brix
reading increases so does the perceived sweetness of fruit, fruit juices, etc.
In reality, degrees Brix (°Bx) is a measurement of the amount of dissolved sucrose to water in a
liquid. For example, if 100 grams of a solution had a reading of 25 °Brix that would mean that the
solution had 25 grams of sucrose and 75 grams of water.
In the field Brix refers to the total soluable solids (TSS) in the sap of the plant. Total soluable
solids refers not only to sucrose (sugar) but also fructose, minerals, amino acids, proteins,
hormones, and othe solids found in the plant.
Since cranberry juice requires additional sweetness to make it palatable, handlers and juice
manufacturers need to know the amount of sugar or sweetness in the raw fruit. In most fruit the
°Brix increases as the fruit become ripe and are ready to harvest. If cranberries naturally have
more sugar that means less external sweetener is needed to make a product palatable or to meet
manufacturing standards. Handlers desire fruit with higher Brix readings.
Grass has a Brix Value Too.
Forages are composed of many soluble and non-soluble compounds. Water soluble
compounds (WSC) include sucrose, fructans, minerals, proteins, lipids, pectins and acids.
A refractometer can be used to take a brix measurement of these soluble compounds in a
forage sample. This gives a value of the soluble content in a grass sample, and multiple
samples taken throughout a paddock will give an estimate of the average WSC content in
the pasture. This should allow effective monitoring of changing pasture sugar content and
corrective methods can be employed if the sugar content is low.
Why have high sugar content pastures?
Ruminant animals are relativity inefficient at converting grass proteins to milk proteins,
only achieving approximately 20% to 25% conversion efficiency. On top of this, some
proteins are not well utilized by the animal. The total milk output of a cow can be
increased by either improving this conversion efficiency or increasing the total grass
intake of the cow. Research proves there is some correlation between this conversion
efficiency and high sugar content on a farm. IGER Innovations produced research in
2001 suggesting high sugar grasses have a positive effect on the efficiency of milk
production in an animal.
Grass is broken down in the rumen of a cow, producing amino acids to grow and produce
more protein which is later used for milk production by the cow. However when the diet
lacks readily available energy such as sugars, rumen microbes either cannot grow or,
instead use amino acids to provide energy, meaning less milk production. Feeding
energy-rich foods in a concentrate feed is one way to increase the efficiency of the rumen,
however the cheaper way is to use the sugars which naturally occur in forages, (Moorby, 2001).
Many research papers show nitrogen fertilisation will directly increase the growth rate of
a pasture; in particular Moller (1996) shows this effect.
However, nitrogen application also significantly depresses the soluble carbohydrate levels,
and it was suggested because of this, weight gain or milk production would be negatively affected
(Moller, 1996). One study produced by IGER Innovations, shows an 8% increase in milk
production
from cows which were grazed on high sugar ryegrasses, although they also had higher
dry matter intakes (Miller et al, 1999). It was suggested that higher sugar grasses increase
animal performance, and also increase feed nitrogen utilization, and reduce nitrogen excretion.
Research has also been done which proves live-weight gains of other animals
can be improved by using high sugar grasses (Downing & Gamroth, 2007).
From this research done at IGER, AberDart and other varieties of high sugar grasses were
developed and released. This has lead to various reports and articles of farmers using
high sugar grasses and obtaining a noticeable increase in productivity. A Hawkes Bay
farmer stated increases from 6900 litres p/day to on average 7250 litres p/day, when the
herd was shifted from normal grass to AberDart grass, (Straight Furrow, 2008). AberDart
grass was also sown by a UK farmer in early January 2007. It was stated that the milk
yield per cow increased from 22 to 25 litres per day. It is also stated the farmer found
these grasses more resistant to drought, and recovered well after a dry spell, (MacKenzie,
2007).
In the summer 2007 Edition of NZ Grassland News, high sugar grasses were a feature of
the modern developments in pasture science. It was stated that, from their trials, that milk
yields from high sugar pastures were significantly higher than normal pasture grasses. It
is suggested there is not a lot more research to be done before the theory becomes widely
accepted by NZ farmers, (Allison, 2007).
A more widely accepted practice is to grow high sugar content grasses for silage and hay
production. Cutting silage and hay when it contains higher sugar content means more
sugar is retained in the feed and this will be present when it is fed to an animal. These
high sugar levels allow the animal to digest it more efficiently, as fermentation in the
rumen is more efficient. Quality silage and hay generally should have high sugar content,
low nitrate levels and high digestibility values, so sugar content is one of a few important
factors affecting feed quality.
From this literature research we can conclude that higher sugar content in forage tends to
increase the efficiency in a ruminant animal. Research also suggests there may be some
correlation between high sugar content in grass and higher dairy milk production per
kilogram of dry matter, and further tests should be done to test this. The brix of milk can
also be tested, indicating the quality of the milk. If the method is proven, higher brix
measurements of milk may equate to more dollars per kg of dairy milk.
To read the full article see “Monitoring pasture quality using brix measurements” by Novel Ways
Hamilton www.novel.co.nz
How Does a High Brix Help Me?
A higher Brix reading means:
 High Energy Grass for eventual better milk production.





Balanced nutrient rich grasses for better live-weight gains.
Fruits or vegetables that taste sweeter
Foods that are lower in water content & more minerally nutritious
Crops & pastures that show greater resistance to insect damage
Plants that have a significantly lower freezing point & greater resistance to frost damage
High Brix Foods Taste Better
Taste is built upon the upon the carbohydrate and mineral levels in the produce. When they
decline so does the taste. What about aroma? That seems lost as well.
High Brix Plants Are Insect And Disease Resistant
A liver is necessary to digest sugar. If an insect, which does not have a liver, ingests sugar, that
sugar will eventually turn to alcohol and kill the insect. Insects instinctively know this, and plants
with high Brix value (and, as a result, high sugar content) will emit different UV light patterns and
electrical charges which communicate to insects that they should stay away.
Unfortunately, it has become the norm to ignore those warning signs and simply kill off all the
bugs - either with some toxic chemical or with some natural alternative. Of course, of those two
options, the natural insecticide is certainly the better option, but it still does not address the central
problem of this situation. The bugs are there for a reason. The plant is not healthy. Make the plant
healthy and the sugar content of the plant will rise, the insects will move on to a more attractive
food source.
A poorly balanced soil will produce plants susceptible to disease. Properly balanced soil will
produce plants resistant to disease.
William Albrecht put it this way:“Insects and disease are the symptoms of a failing crop, not
the cause of it. It’s not the overpowering invader we must fear but the weakened condition
of the victim.”
Animals Instinctively Prefer High Brix Foods
High Leaf Brix protects against frost
Pure water freezes at 32 degrees Farenheit. However, a 5 brix water-sugar mixture freezes at 26
degrees; a 10 brix mixture at 22 degrees; and a 15 brix mixture won’t freeze until it reaches 17
degrees. Plant frost damage (killing) occurs when ice crystals rupture plant cells. Many HIGH
BRIX growers find their production season extended because the first few light frosts no longer
harm their crop.
Measuring °Brix
Brix can be determined in several ways and each method has its level of accuracy. The most
common way to measure °Brix is with a refractometer. A photo of a hand-held refractometer is
shown below. Refractometers work on the principle that compounds refract light and the amount
of light that is refracted is related to the concentration of the compound in solution. So as the
sugar concentration in a solution, such as fruit juice, increases light refraction also increases.
Raising the Brix of a Plant
Raising the brix of a plant is really quite simple.
Provide good nutrition to your grass, including a balanced diet of macro and micronutrients and
trace elements.
Three part Biological Soil Program




Nitrosol Oceanic Balanced Biological Fertiliser or
Nitrosol Oceanic Balanced Biological Fertiliser With added Gibb
Phlolime the fine particle sprayable Lime
Nitrosol Peptone Amino Biological Stimulant and organic Nitrogen
Part 1. Nitrosol Oceanic
Biological suspension fertiliser (Solid in suspension)
Contains a balanced formulation of; Deep Sea Fish Blood and Bone, Nitrogen, Phosphate,
Potassium, Sulphur , Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium, Iron, Manganese, Zinc, Copper, Boron,
Molybdenum, Cobalt, Selenium, Natural Humates, Carbohydrate and free Amino Acids.
This is in a readily plant available form to feed through the foliage as well as the soil and roots.
The balanced formulation of the nutrients, minerals and trace elements are all present in a
formula designed to address the correct requirements of plants and soil as well as helping
to minimise the effects of known antagonisms between the various elements.
A deficiency or excess, of one or more elements can have disastrous effects on the yield,
production and quality of crops, and grazing pasture
Includes Gibberellins and Triacontanol.
Two naturally occurring growth promotants included in Nitrosol to stimulate multiple tillering of
pasture, more bottom and increased dry matter. These naturally occurring growth promotants
also help plants to recover from stress caused by too much, or too little, heat, light and water, or
stress from chemical sprays or transplanting. Tria has been shown to increase growth rates and
yields of a wide range of crops, pasture etc, stimulate production of the sugars and increase the
efficiency of nitrogen use by the plant.
Weight Verses Concentrated Dilution Rates.


On a weight for weight bases 1 Litre weighs 1.25 Kg.
200 litres equals 258 kg of which 8% is N, 3% is P and 6% is K.
The remainder is as highly concentrated as we can get dried deep sea fish blood and bone,
organic material, trace elements and the minerals into a colloidal liquid suspension fertiliser. Its so
concentrated that in normal applications on crops, plants, fruit trees etc that the dilution rate
required is 1 Litre Nitrosol to 200 Litres of water.
This volume of water would be impractical to apply on pasture so we recommend use of between
1:1 and 1:10 with water depending on ground or air application. For the additional water
necessary, we rely on the rain and dew. In fact some farmers apply Nitrosol during the rain.
This formulation ensures that our product, once applied, does not leach or wash away,
even under heavy rain. Making it a Natural and Environmentally Friendly Product.
Nitrosol Oceanic Appilcation Rates
Intensive Dairy Platform
Application rate 15 to 20 litres per ha at least two to three times per year
Drystock Pasture
Application Rate 10 to 15 litres per ha at least one to two times per year
Hay, Lucerne, silage
Application rate 10 to 15 litres per ha
Plus Peptone Amino 1-2Kg per ha
At shutting up & 3 weeks after cutting.
Part 2. PhloLime Rapid Action 5 micron Suspension Lime
Contains
 98% calcium carbonate
 1% magnesium
20 litres equals w/w 34Kg of 5 micron 98% Calcium Carbonate
25 litres equals w/w 42.5 Kg of 5 micron 98% Calcium Carbonate
Trial data indicates that 25litres (W/W 42.5Kg) of this fine particle lime with its massive surface
area is equivalent to at least 1 tonne of agricultural lime.
Magnesium
The effect of nutrients applied and absorbed through the foliage is far greater than nutrients
applied to the soil. Foliar verses Soil application (University Cal/Davis)
(See earlier notes on Folia Feeding)
Magnesium
1kg equals
75kg
to the soil
1% of Magnesium in PhloLime @ 25 lt/ha to the foliage provides the equivalent magnesium of
32kg per ha to the soil.
Application rate 15-25 lt/ha.
Annually until the calcium base saturation figure reaches 60 – 70 %
Part 3. Nitrosol Peptone Amino.
Contains:
 91% Amino acids (9% free) in the L-alpha form (Biologically available).

15% total Nitrogen, (14.45%Organic)

1.45% Potassium oxide,
All plants manufacture Amino acids that are required in their life cycle and to overcome stresses. It
is well documented that plants benefit from receiving Amino Acids in a Plant Available L Form
(Biologically available)
PLANT LIFE CYCLE AND THE BENEFITS OF NITROSOL PEPTONE AMINO
 Root growth and sprouting
 Stem growth
 Leaf growth
 Weight above ground
 New growth
 Appearance and number of flowers
 Number of fruit sets
 Total production
STRESSES WHICH PLANTS SUFFER WHICH CAN BE CORRECTED OR MININMISED USING
NITROSOL PEPTONE AMINO
 Drought or hydric stress
 Extremes of temperature
 Salinity
 Excess water causing root asphyxia
 Deficiencies in macronutrients, Phosphorus & Potassium
 Deficiencies in major nutrients, Sulphur, Calcium, Magnesium
 Deficiencies in micro Nutrients, Iron Zinc, Manganese, Copper etc
 Damage caused by all types of pests and diseases, viruses, nematodes, bacteria, fungi
and insects
ANNUAL APPLICATION
Application rate 1-2 kg/ha per annum
FEED RECOVERY PROGRAMME
At times of feed stress (or anticipaterd stresses)
Nitrosol Oceanic 10 Litres per ha PLUS 2Kg/ha Nitrosol Peptone Amino