For years, growers have told us the same story: healthier plants, stronger roots, better yields.

They know Strike works, but they wanted to know why.

So we went beneath the surface.

Across multiple seasons and crop rotations, field trials showed that one simple change led to something powerful: beneficial soil organisms didn’t disappear, they multiplied. In Strike-treated fields, populations of “good” microbes more than doubled, supporting root growth, suppressing disease, and strengthening crop resilience.

The image here reflects that reality. Healthy crops begin with healthy soil, where the right biology creates the foundation for long-term performance. This research challenges a long-held misconception. Strike isn’t about sterilizing soil; however, it’s about making room for biology that works with the crop. Because strong harvests don’t just start above ground—they begin in the soil.

Up to 90% of a plant’s growth happens underground. Strong, healthy roots determine how well a crop absorbs water and nutrients—directly impacting yield, uniformity, and overall plant resilience.

That’s why investing in soil preparation early helps create the conditions crops need to grow stronger, withstand stress, and perform consistently throughout the season.

Start cleaning out nematodes and other soilborne diseases and you have healthier plants resisting disease and reducing topical pesticide use. Soil fumigation promotes healthier plants with stronger root systems that are better at mining nutrients.

Successful flower crops begin below the surface. Soil fumigation helps create clean, uniform beds that support healthy root development, even growth, and consistent flowering throughout the season. By starting with the soil, growers give their flowers the best chance to thrive.

At TriCal New Zealand, healthy blooms start from the ground up.

Soil Fumigation immediately knocks back soil-borne disease giving plants their best start. Suppressed disease allows the native species to rebound in the soil. Trials with major universities have demonstrated an increase of beneficial organisms in soil that has been properly fumigated.

Row by row, healthy soil supports steady vine growth, balanced plant development, and the conditions needed for consistent, quality fruit. Careful soil preparation early in the season helps set melon crops up for success long before harvest.

Even emergence and straight, healthy roots begin with well-prepared soil. Through targeted soil fumigation, growers can reduce below-ground pressures and create optimal conditions for uniform carrot growth and dependable performance in the field.

Soil borne diseases attack plant roots making the root system and the plant weaker. Plants treated with Fumigants have stronger root systems and healthier plants that are better at mining for nutrients. The plant is able to find and take up the nutrients it needs. Growers have been able to cut back as much as 20% of the nitrogen used saving $50-100 per acre. Farming disease means wasted water and wasted nitrogen.

Beneath each tree, the soil tells a story of seasons past, of roots finding strength, and of the growers who care for the land year after year. Healthy soil provides young trees with the foundation they need to grow straight, fruit evenly, and stand strong against challenges in the orchard. Through responsible soil fumigation practices, TriCal New Zealand helps growers protect that foundation, so each harvest reflects the care that started deep underground.

Here’s to the unseen work that makes every crisp, clean apple possible.

Soilborne challenges can impact plant vigour, crown development, and early yield. Through targeted soil fumigation practices, we help New Zealand growers maintain cleaner planting beds, healthier root systems, and more consistent fruit quality throughout the season.

Effective soil preparation plays a key role in managing soil-borne pressures and setting the foundation for a successful season. Improving soil conditions prior to planting to support stronger crop establishment and overall performance.

Our soil fumigation process helps manage soil-borne challenges, supporting healthy establishment and strong yields season after season.

TriCal Group Companies are committed to the safe and responsible use of soil fumigation. We strive to protect you, your community and the environment. Our Companies rely on decades of experience, thousands of in-field application trials, and hundreds of university research studies to find the perfect formulation that is healthy for your crops, profitable for your farm, and safe for your community.

That’s what growing together looks like. These New Zealand apple trees are off to a good start when planted in soil treated with blends of 1,3 - Dichloropropene plus chloropicrin.

Replant Disease is a widespread problem in intensive tree fruit and nut growing areas. It is characterized by reduced productivity in fields repeatedly planted to the same or closely related tree fruit or nut crops. It can also occur in tree fruit and nut nurseries.

Proper Soil Fumigation with products like TriChlor™ have shown long-term efficacy in treating Replant Disease.

Our greenhouse soil fumigation with Tri-Form 60 helped manage soil-borne pests, paving the way for new crops of Wild Rocket and Baby Spinach

TriCal Group works closely in collaboration with universities and researchers to protect our food supply and health. The chemicals we use are registered in varying chemical formulations for maximum performance, safety, and environmental health. All have been listed as exempt under EPA residue tolerance, meaning no resulting residue in or on food grown after soil treatment with these chemistries.

Beautiful boysenberries growing strong in Nelson, New Zealand.

The use of Pic-Plus soil fumigation prior to planting keeps these plants healthy and well-prepared for the season ahead.

A broccoli trial was conducted in Levin, North Island, targeting Clubroot, one of the most challenging soilborne diseases. Using Pic-Plus soil fumigation, the trial focused on protecting soil health and supporting stronger crop establishment.

Soil Fumigation promotes a healthy root system for potatoes, onions, carrots, strawberries, melons, nuts, grapes, cucumbers, tomatoes, tree fruit, peppers, eggplants, flowers, nurseries and more. Soil fumigation provides benefits to both consumer and grower.