FONTANA – The optimal liquid supply of nutrients and organic matter

FONTANA is a range of highly concentrated organic liquid fertilizers. The liquids are specially designed for precision fertilization and can be applied by fertigation and leaf fertilization throughout the growth cycle. FONTANA fertilizers contain both organic matter and amino acids for healthy and resilient plants of high quality.

Compared to mineral liquid fertilizers, organic liquids contain beneficial components like organic matter, amino acids and sugars. These components feed the microorganisms in the soil or substrate resulting in improved soil health. Amino acids also work as a biostimulant when used in foliar application. While mineral fertilizers only feed the plant, organic fertilizers feed both the soil and the plant. Next to this, organic liquids are made from natural and renewable resources and are therefore more sustainable.

Amino acids

Amino acids are essential for plant growth and development. They are involved in many important physiological processes, including photosynthesis, respiration, and the synthesis of proteins and hormones. Amino acids also play a critical role in stress response, helping plants to cope with environmental stresses such as drought, heat, and cold.

FONTANA liquids naturally contain a high percentage of amino acids which are highly effective due to enzymatic hydrolysis (fig. 1) or fermentation of the raw materials. Enzymatic hydrolysis has the following advantages compared to chemical hydrolysis:

  • No amino acid degradation: Enzymatic hydrolysis is a more gentle process which results in a higher yield of individual amino acids, whereas chemical hydrolysis can result in the degradation of amino acids and the formation of unwanted by-products.
  • High presence of L-form amino acids: L-form amino acids are more readily absorbed and utilized by plants than D-form amino acids, which are not recognized by plant enzymes and are less effective as a fertilizer.
  • A high percentage of free amino acids: Free amino acids are immediately available for plant uptake and utilization, while protein-bound amino acids must be broken down by enzymes before they can be used by the plant.
FONTANA - enzymatic hydrolysis of amino acids

Figure 1. Enzymatic hydrolysis is a process of protein hydrolysis whereby specific and selective enzymes separate the chain of amino acids at specific points.

FONTANA fertilizers provide several benefits for agriculture and horticulture, including:

  • Improved nutrient uptake: Amino acids chelate, or bind to, essential nutrients such as iron, zinc, and copper, making them more available for plant uptake. This improves nutrient uptake efficiency and reduces nutrient losses due to leaching to the groundwater.
  • Enhanced plant growth: Amino acids promote plant growth by stimulating cell division and elongation. They also enhance root development, which improves nutrient uptake and water absorption.
  • Increased stress tolerance: Amino acids help plants to cope with environmental stresses such as drought, heat, and cold by improving plant water status and reducing oxidative damage.
  • Improved crop quality: Amino acids improve crop quality by enhancing the synthesis of proteins, enzymes, and pigments. This leads to higher yields, better flavour, and improved nutrient content.
  • Energy saving: The synthesis of amino acids requires a lot of energy. By supplying the plant with ready-synthesised free amino acids, it conserves energy and can direct its resources towards other processes such as stress resistance, growth and reproduction.
  • Biological soil activity: FONTANA fertilizers contain a high percentage of organic matter, which stimulates biological soil activity and disease suppression.

FONTANA

There are different formulas that can be used either as a universal fertilizer or focus on specific macronutrients to adjust the fertilization during the different crop stages. The liquid fertilizers are produced of 100% organic raw materials, such as fermented plant extracts and enzymatically hydrolyzed animal and plant proteins. All FONTANA liquids are allowed to be used in organic agriculture (EU 2021/1165 and EU 2018/848).

More technical information can be found on the product pages:

The FONTANA Special range is 100% vegan and contains no vinasse. Vinasse is a by-product of the processing of sugar beets and is rich in potassium. Vinasse has been under discussion in several countries and therefore there is a demand for vinasse-free products. The FONTANA special range is subjected to an intensive monitoring program of residues.

On request, it is also possible to add the following additives:

  • Trace elements
  • Amino acids
  • Humic acids
  • Algae extract

FONTANA fertilizers are sold in 1 ltr bottles, 20 ltr cans, 200 ltr drums and 1000 ltr IBCs.

For more information or requests please contact us!

FONTANA - organic liquid fertilizer - packaging
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