• Learn About Soil
    • What’s New
    • Blog
    • Gold Nuggets
    • Farm Tours PRO
    • Webinar Replay PRO
    • Mastermind Replays PRO
    • Recommended Books
    • 7 Steps to Healthy Soils
  • Buy Courses
    • All Courses
    • Featured Courses
    • Animal Health
    • Biodynamics
    • Compost and Compost Teas
    • Farming Systems
    • Human Health
    • Soil Health
    • View all Categories
  • My Courses
  • Community PRO
    • Members Perks PRO
    • Regenerative Soil Mastermind CallPRO
    • Members Directory PRO
    • Member’s Map
  • Soil Blog

    Shopping Cart

    No products in the cart.

    Sign in Sign up

    Shopping Cart

    No products in the cart.

    • Log In
    • Register
    • Get Started
    • Learn About Soil
      • What’s New
      • Blog
      • Farm Tours
      • Podcast
      • Webinar Replay
    • Buy Courses
      • All Courses
      • Featured Courses
      • Short Courses

    Why Do We Measure Plant BRIX Levels – Part 2

    What is a good BRIX level for my crops?

    Many different pests can target your crops but we almost never see all the possible pests affecting your plants at the same time. The reason being is that pests are picky, they have a preference for a certain BRIX range when attacking that specific crop. It also relates to their senses which are attuned to plants within their preferred BRIX range.

    BRIX LEVEL 1 – 4 Very low range and the plant is unlikely able to protect itself from any pest or disease that comes in contact with it.
    BRIX LEVEL 4 – 6 Plants in this range are most susceptible to aphids. They will not be able to prevent the pest from taking over without pesticide application.
    BRIX LEVEL 7 – 9 Other sucking insects like mealybug or spider mites will have a preference for plants in this range.
    BRIX LEVEL 9 -11 This is a higher range and the plant is producing compounds which protect it from a number of pests. However, chewing insects like caterpillars and worms are still able to bypass the plant’s defences.
    BRIX LEVEL 12 – 14 A very good range for BRIX with only the most tenacious grasshoppers being able to palate these BRIX levels. Very little need for pest control is needed.
    BRIX LEVEL 15+ Extremely resilient to any pest due to the high production of secondary metabolites which prevent the pests from feeding. Plant nutrition is performing very well.

    What reduces BRIX levels in plants?

    Applications of many high Nitrogen fertilisers and other synthetic pest control solutions will reduce the soil’s microorganism populations. This needs to be avoided if you wish to increase your plant’s BRIX value.

    An excess of Nitrogen in nitrate form also swells the leaves with excess water. This will decreases the BRIX levels as more water in the leaves means a decrease in the concentration of sugars and amino acids.

    Timing is important. Low temperatures can result in an inaccurate BRIX reading. Along with afternoons which result in higher-than-normal readings. It is recommended that readings be taken at a consistent time at some point in the morning as the plants receive their first light of the day. Having your tests done at consistent times means you can reduce the impact of the above two factors.

     

    Ref: https://www.soilscopes.co.za/post/why-do-we-measure-plant-brix-levels

     

    Soil Lovers at Soil Learning Center Say:

    A Brix Meter Is A Great Tool For Both Consumers And Growers Seeking The Best Foods

    Download PDF

    🔒 PRO Access Only

    Some content on this page is locked to members only!

    Dig Deeper and unearth your connection to the soil. Soil PRO membership is a revolutionary community that connects you with all things soil-related, from global challenges right down to the soil in your own backyard.

    Unlock the years of video archives, search the vault for "soil-utions", connect with mentors who can help you fast track and join an online community of soil loving enthusiasts on our Mastermind Calls.

    It's non-stop soil learning goodness!
    UPGRADE TO PRO NOW
    Locked

    We acknowledge First Nations owners of Country and their continuing connection to the land, waters and culture across Australia and from all over the world. As Soil Lovers we respectfully acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of all the lands on which we work and pay our respects to the Elders past present and emerging. When caring for your land take a moment in stillness to respect the wisdom your land is sharing with us.

    Facebook-f Youtube Microphone-alt

    Latest Soil Blogs

    Worms Are The Answer!

    Super nutrition for revitalised soils

    Support local while you FindGoodFood with tasty new app

    How Brix Meters work!

    Is the food that you are growing or eating bursting with nutrients?

    Why Soil Organic Matter actually matters

    Soil Matters Monthly Newsletter!

    Dig into the most up-to-date news on soil health and regenerative trends – with community tips from top experts and mentors! Sign Up Now!

    Your information is 100% secure. We will NEVER share your information with anyone.

    ©2006 - 2022 All rights reserved​.

    Made with 🤎 Created by Soil Lovers at Farming Secrets.

    Clear Clear All

    Omg... this sale is crazy!

    Days
    Hours
    Minutes
    Seconds

    hurry up and grab these deals:

    • 50% Courses
    • 30% Digital Downloads
    • 30% Memberships
    View all the deals