UK-based commodity trader ED&F Man, best known for feed molasses supplies, has introduced a new agronomy range of molasses-based soil and crop nutrition products.

“Based on sustainable molasses, ED&F Mans crop nutrition range has been developed to improve soil fertility and improve crop growth in a sustainable way and reverse some of the problems resulting from degradation of soil organic matter,” explained Alistair Hugill, commercial manager-non feeds with ED&F Man Agronomy.

Hugill added that sustainable cane molasses is a natural source of both carbon and energy, and when blended with additional liquid nutrient packages can impact each layer of the soil profile, including the crop, organic, topsoil and sub soil.

“The high carbohydrate content supplied in a molasses-based liquid nutrient package stimulates microbial populations in the organic layer and drives microbial activity through to the topsoil, stimulating greater nutrient uptake. This improves crop establishment and helps stabilise soil nutrients, supporting crop growth,” he said. “Finally, the sub soil layer typically has lower microbial activity levels. However, a molasses-based liquid nutrient package stimulates the aerobic microbial populations which can improve the living soil biome.”

The ED&F Man Agronomy range contains four products formulated for specific situations and requirements, allowing a tailored programme to be developed to optimise crop establishment. The company noted the concept has been developed over the last 10 years and has been shown to be beneficial for cereals, root crops, salad crops and potatoes, as well as grass and maize crops.

“Developed for foliar and soil application, the range of natural and environmentally friendly crop nutrition products including seaweed and fulvic acid options will help drive cost effective crop production and support farmers in their move towards a lower nitrogen more sustainable future and help reverse the continued degradation of soil carbon and organic matter,” said Hugill.