Hi Everyone,

Welcome back to Season 5, Episode 2 of our "How to Do It" video series. At Nutri-Tech Solutions, our mission has always been to bridge the gap between soil health and human wellness—a journey we often call "Soil to Soul." In this episode, we dive deep into the philosophy of Integrated Disease Management (IDM), a proactive alternative to the unsustainable "big hammer" chemical approach that is currently dominating global agriculture.

The figures are staggering: global farm chemical use is rising by approximately 14% every single year, yet crop resistance is failing. We are spending more to get less while damaging the very microbial bridge that supports plant immunity. IDM is about returning to root causes. Instead of asking how to kill a pathogen, we ask: "Why was this plant susceptible in the first place?"

The Foundation of Resistance

The first line of defence is the cell wall. Pathogens must drill through this substantial barrier to reach the cytoplasm (the food source). By focusing on what Graeme calls the "Formation Trio"—Calcium, Boron, and Silica—we can literally buckle the hyphae of invading fungi. We also explore the critical role of Potassium and the devastating "foot-shooting" mistake of over-applying Nitrogen, which creates watery, weak plant tissue that acts as an open invitation for pests.

Harnessing the Microbial Workforce

We don't farm alone; we farm with a massive biological team. From the rhizosphere to the phyllosphere, beneficial organisms protect our crops through competitive exclusion, biofilm formation, and immune elicitation. You will learn about Induced Systemic Resistance (ISR) and how specific microbes, like those found in our BAM and Microforce blends, trigger the plant’s internal alarm system to prepare for attack.

Resilience in a Changing Climate

Farming in the era of climate change means managing constant stress—heat, cold, waterlogging, and salinity. Stress is the greatest driver of disease. We discuss the "Rescue Remedy" power of Kelp, the cell-sensitising benefits of Humates, and the fascinating use of Pseudomonas fluorescens to consume the ice-nucleating bacteria that cause frost damage.

You’ll also discover:

• The Herbal Trio: How to lacto-ferment Garlic, Ginger, and Turmeric for potent insecticidal and fungicidal protection.
• Physical Barriers: The use of micronised Kaolin clay to confuse insect feeding and egg-laying behaviour.
• The Chitinase Secret: How brewing microbes with prawn shell powder creates enzymes that digest the outer shells of pests.
• Aspirin for Plants: The role of Salicylic Acid (from Willow Bark and Aloe Vera) as a powerful immune elicitor.

Featured Solutions Mentioned in This Episode

• Silical B™: The ultimate combination of high-dose Silica, Calcium, and Boron for cell wall strength.
• Tri-Kelp™: A synergistic blend of three seaweed species for hormonal support and stress recovery.
• BAM™ (Beneficial Anaerobic Microbes): A versatile microbial tool for disease suppression and nutrient cycling.
• Shuttle 7™: A complexed trace mineral delivery system to support essential metabolic functions.
• Aloe-Tech™: A high-quality Aloe Vera concentrate for stress reduction and microbial stimulation.

Sili-Cal (B)™

Bio-activated calcium and silica with boron.

A unique combination of three synergistic cell-strengthening elements: Silica, Calcium and Boron. Sili-Cal (B)™ is an invaluable nutritional inclusion for improving crop resilience and maximising productivity.

The plant cell wall is the physical barrier that helps to avert insect and disease entry. The two elements that toughen that barrier are calcium and silicon, but boron is the third leg of the stool, providing the foundation for crop protection. Boron is a calcium synergist with its own additional resilience functions.

Sili-Cal (B)™ contains luxury levels of these vital cell-strengthening elements in a convenient liquid application with high compatibility with many inputs. Silica and calcium are typically the least user-friendly of all minerals, but in this unique formula, they can be combined with everything. 

In addition to its role in cell strengthening and resilience, calcium is also required for fruit and vegetable quality and flavour. Silica, for example, has several other roles, including stem strength and nutrient translocation and, most importantly, according to recent research, a major broad-spectrum immune elicitor.

Nutri-Life BAM™

Multipurpose blend of anaerobic species for soil, compost and plant health.

This breakthrough probiotic blend contains lactic acid bacteria and purple non-sulphur bacteria, plus beneficial yeasts and microbial exudates.

To order or learn more, call NTS on (07) 5472 9900 or email sales@nutri-tech.com.au.

Certificate in Nutrition Farming

Our next iconic, five-day Certificate in Nutrition Farming® course is scheduled for Monday, 13th  - 17th July  2026.

Our last course was attended by growers and consultants from six countries. It was a wonderful learning opportunity where attendees enjoyed a wealth of education and inspiration from both our presenters and their fellow attendees. We only accept 40 bookings for these courses, so please register if you would like to attend.