Leigh’s Orchard Soil Health Case Study
Case Study
Leigh — New Zealand Fruit Grower
System Overview
System: Commercial fruit orchard
Focus: Tree health, root function, and crop resilience
Products used: DCT Seaweed Plus, Lazerhume
Leigh was looking to improve overall orchard performance by strengthening tree health and soil function, particularly during periods of environmental stress.
The Challenge
While the orchard was producing acceptable yields, Leigh observed:
Trees showing signs of stress through the season
Variable vigour across blocks
Limited resilience during pressure periods (heat, moisture stress)
A desire to improve performance without increasing fertiliser inputs
The goal was consistency and resilience, not aggressive growth.
What Changed
Leigh introduced DCT Seaweed Plus and Lazerhume alongside existing orchard nutrition practices, with a focus on:
Supporting soil biology
Improving root activity and nutrient uptake
Strengthening plant stress response pathways
No major changes were made to the core fertiliser or spray programme.
Results Observed
Tree & Crop Health
Trees appeared healthier and more vigorous
Improved canopy balance and overall plant strength
Crops handled seasonal stress better
Root Function & Soil Performance
Improved root activity and development
Better nutrient uptake efficiency
Healthier soil structure and biological activity
Stronger roots helped stabilise performance across the orchard.
Overall System Impact
By focusing on soil biology and plant function rather than higher inputs, Leigh achieved:
More consistent tree performance
Improved crop resilience
Greater confidence in orchard nutrition decisions
The system became more reliable and easier to manage.
Leigh’s Perspective
“The trees just look healthier. They handle stress better, and the orchard feels more consistent overall.”
Key Takeaways
Soil health underpins orchard performance
Supporting roots improves nutrient uptake and resilience
Plant stress tolerance can be improved without increasing inputs
Biological support complements conventional orchard programmes
Products Used in This Case Study
DCT Seaweed Plus — supports plant stress tolerance and growth
Lazerhume — liquid humic and fulvic acids supporting soil and root function
Results shown are from an individual orchard. Outcomes may vary depending on soil type, crop type, climate, and management practices.