Frequently Asked Questions About Hatuma Dicalcic Phosphate®
What is HDP?
Developed in the early 1960s at Hatuma Lime Company Ltd in Central Hawke's Bay, Hatuma Dicalcic Phosphate® is a specially manufactured fusion of limestone and mature superphosphate that has been left to cure, turn rock-hard, crushed, then screened. The end result is a completely new product that has a pH 6.5-7, is non water soluble, yet fully plant available. Thanks to these beneficial characteristics, farmers typically apply it at the same rate they would superphosphate making it an extremely cost-effective form of topdressing.
What does this new partnership mean for me?
HDP Ltd, an independent national network of lime quarries, has partnered with market-leading Ballance Agri-Nutrients to ensure a secure supply for HDP customers of superten to go into HDP manufacture, as well as durasul, potash and other important products to cater for every need. With over 100 Ballance and Summit Quinphos representatives nationwide working with your local Hatuma Dicalcic Phosphate® Field Representative, as well as a well serviced farm merchant channel, it also means more support and technical advice is at hand when you need it.
What are the benefits of HDP?
Many, for a general overview we have a section devoted this to. Click here to view the benefits of HDP >>
What is the on-farm experience of Hatuma Dicalcic Phosphate®?
With almost 50 years of farmers applying Hatuma Dicalcic Phosphate®, and many of the great grandchildren of original users still using it on the family farm, Hatuma Dicalcic Phosphate® has well and truly stood the test of time. (Link to 3.0 Results)
What is the difference between Hatuma DP versus a lime/super mix or applying lime and super separately?
Fundamentally the products are different. This is not a case of apples with apples.
Lime and super are not compatible as a dry blend (that's why they go hard together), which is why Hatuma DP ensures the two products are completely fused together through a maturing process. The reasons for this are:
- Cost effective application – There is no 'large' lime application with the normal superphosphate component or the need to do two different applications with the truck or plane. Typical applications of Hatuma DP are based on the same rate as a single normal superphosphate application.
- Practical and safe – It's a much more stable product to handle - farmers don't run the costly risk of being left with a lime/super blend going hard in their aerial bin.
- Efficient – The phosphate in Hatuma DP is fully plant available and non water-soluble so farmers don't need to think about spending more on higher application rates and increased tonnage. This also means the window of opportunity to apply it is larger, and the environmental impact is minimal.
- It's a more complete product – after the maturing process Hatuma DP becomes a new product with the best of both worlds retained. Lime and super blends are only half the job at a more costly proposition, particularly when compared to hill country application rates or Hatuma DP / Hatuma Generate Lime® blends.
What is the difference between Hatuma DP and other dicalcic phosphate products in the market?
With almost 50 years of production and manufacture, we have pioneered and led the market for dicalcic phosphate in New Zealand. Other products have been developed around the benefits of our product, however, Hatuma DP's original and true formula still remains unique to the brand and the results achieved on-farm. Cutting corners at the expense of Hatuma DP's integrity is not an option.
Is Hatuma DP the same as a 75/25 reverted super?
No. Unlike reverted super that is often only left for a short-as-possible period, Hatuma DP ensures the process is complete right through to the final week. While Hatuma DP builds ample maturity time in the production process to ensure that the phosphate is completely stable and there will be no harmful environmental residues from this, farmers can access the product immediately through Hatuma's extensive stock reserves.
Also note, 75/25 blend of super and lime will not result in the same neutral soil friendly pH of Hatuma DP.
Is Hatuma DP Organic?
The underlying philosophy of Hatuma DP is firmly based on organic principles, however Hatuma DP is not certified. Due to Hatuma DP's commitment to the environment and sustainable farming for almost 50 years, farmers can get the best of both worlds, satisfying their organic principles at the same time as farming conventionally.
We know it is farmer proven, how has this been substantiated scientifically?
Since 2002 Hatuma DP has invested over half a million dollars in on-farm research with Hatuma DP customers. Please refer to the results section for an overview.
