At Elandsvallei Citrus, in the Ohrigstad area, farm manager Ian Otto and his team took on a unique challenge. The section of the farm dedicated to game farming is situated in the mountains with an abundant water supply, which led to an exciting new project involving the planting of mandarin trees. The idea was simple: bring the water down and establish the project lower on the farm.

The only major challenge for the farm’s two mandarin varieties, RHM and AR9, is the cold. The varieties’ season runs from June to July – just before the harshest cold sets in. Temperature management and foliar feeding are therefore essential. Products from Elim Fertilisers and BRANDT are well known on the farm and have now become a permanent part of the farm’s spray programme.

Ian Otto, Farm Manager of Elandsvallei Citrus.

A complete programme with Elim and BRANDT

Gerhard Oosthuizen from EastAgri Agricultural Services acts as agronomist and adviser for Elandsvallei Citrus. He assists with fertiliser and chemical programmes to ensure good crop loads on the trees. According to him, it comes down to the compatibility and visible results delivered by Elim’s products.

On young trees of only four years old, they’re already seeing the value: dark green foliage, strong crop loads and fruit of excellent quality.

The general spray programme follows a strict schedule:

  • After the cold arrives in July, they begin with Urea and Greenleaf from Elim.
  • Two to three weeks later, once the new growth has matured, Manni-Plex Zn, Manni-Plex B, BRANDT Smart Cu and Afrikelp are applied.
  • Before flowering, about five weeks later, Greenleaf is applied again for energy and flowering strength, supplemented by a second round of boron and zinc.
  • After fruit set, which takes place around week 16, a third spray application with Manni-Plex Zn, Manni-Plex B, Manni-Plex Mg and Afrikelp is administered to strengthen photosynthesis and fruit development.
  • Depending on the season, a potassium application together with boron and Greenleaf energy may also be used.

This intensive programme works effectively because the Elim and BRANDT ranges are highly compatible with crop-protection chemicals. This saves costs and time while ensuring that every spray application delivers maximum efficiency.

Results that build confidence

Ian explains that the farm suffered a setback two years ago when a cold spell of -12 °C left the trees bare and severely damaged. Two seasons later, the trees are standing strong again – thanks to the use of the Elim range – with Greenleaf in particular restoring energy to the trees. Today, pruning and thinning are done by hand, and the crop loads are impressive: more than 35 tonnes on RHM and up to 50 tonnes on AR9 on trees that are still very young.

The technology in the products makes a significant difference. Greenleaf’s wetting properties help accelerate uptake, and the response on the trees is clearly visible.

Elim’s culture of care

According to Pierre Strydom, Elim is not only about products, but also about a culture of care.

“If you go the extra mile for your clients, you make a difference,” he says.

Mixability and absorbability are key focus areas for Elim, and the proof is there: no crystals form on the leaves and there is no antagonism with chemicals – only rapid uptake and optimal nutrition.

Elim is also looking ahead with new technology focused on photosynthesis. Pierre explains that if they can increase photosynthesis, growers get more sugars, higher Brix levels and improved internal fruit quality. A new product, Maniplex Zinc Mag, was specifically developed to improve photosynthesis and plant resilience.

At Elandsvallei Citrus, the results speak for themselves: young trees with vigour, green leaves and lots of fruit. Elim and BRANDT products bring not only nutrition, but also confidence – for farmers, advisors and the community. It is this combination of technology, mixability and a culture of care that makes the difference.

For more information about Elim and BRANDT products, visit Elim Fertiliser.