Use as a backfill mix in top and bush fruit production
For use in backfill mixes the compost should be well decomposed.
Composts can eliminate the need to add major nutrients during planting. In addition, composts tend to contain the full range of minor nutrients and trace elements, e.g. zinc, copper, manganese and boron.
Many conventional fertilisers do not contain trace elements; those that do are relatively expensive. As they are only needed in small quantities, trace element applications should not be required when using compost in backfill mixes.
Plant tolerance of soluble salt levels are soil and species dependent. Soluble salts should not be a significant problem with most woody species. However, care should be taken when bare root and salt-sensitive crops are planted.
The inclusion rate of compost in the backfill mix will vary, based on the species to be grown and the characteristics of the soil to be blended but the preferred inclusion rate is approximately one third compost by volume.
Prepare the root-balled, containerised, or bare root plants in accordance with the industry standard methods before planting. The planting hole should be slightly deeper than the root ball and two to four times its width.
The soil removed from the planting hole should be thoroughly mixed with compost at a rate of two parts soil to one part compost. Use this material to backfill around the root ball, firming occasionally to remove air pockets.
The trees or shrubs should then be water in and preferably mulched.
Maintenance and Site Conditions
Use for Fruit Production - overview
Soil Amendment
