Producing premium-grade pineapples requires more than just good planting material, it demands the right nutrition, soil conditions, and consistency throughout the growing cycle. In Kuala Pilah, Negeri Sembilan, Sri Nenas Farm tested Borochemie IGSAS Turkey NPK 16-16-16 on MD2 pineapple cultivation to evaluate its performance against a commonly used fertilizer brand.
This case study highlights how Borochemie supported fruit quality, nutrient efficiency, and farmer confidence, while also revealing the importance of terrain and root development in pineapple farming.
The Challenge
Sri Nenas Farm is a professionally managed pineapple operation with over four years of experience and continuous planting cycles. While production was stable, farm owner Mr. Aminuddin had clear goals:
- Increase the percentage of AA-grade pineapples, which currently stood at around 65%.
- Improve fruit quality to meet higher market demand and achieve better pricing.
- Compare Borochemie’s NPK 16-16-16 performance directly against Yara NPK 16-16-16.
Additionally, part of the trial plot was located on undulating, rocky terrain, posing a natural challenge to root development.
The Solution
A trial plot of 2,500 MD2 pineapple crowns was established on a hillside with a slope of 2–6 degrees. The pineapples were cultivated under plastic mulch in a rain-fed system.
Borochemie IGSAS Turkey NPK 16-16-16 was applied in granular form at 20g per application, placed directly beside each crown through openings in the mulch. This allowed nutrients to be delivered precisely to the root zone.
For comparison, a control plot used Yara NPK 16-16-16 fertilizer under the same manuring schedule.
The Results
Fruit Quality & Taste
During the first visit, fertilizer granules from Borochemie were still visible under the plastic mulch one month after application, indicating slower dissolution and better nutrient retention.
Longer Nutrient Presence
Harvested pineapples met the desired standards—uniform shape, approximately 1.5kg per fruit, and a BRIX level averaging 16%, producing fruit that was sweet and not acidic.
Clear Terrain Impact Insights
By the second visit, plants on the rocky hillside showed stunted growth, not due to fertilizer performance but because root development was restricted by stones.
In contrast, pineapples planted on a flatter area at the bottom of the hill displayed significantly larger and healthier growth, consistent with their age.
Despite terrain-related limitations in part of the trial, Mr. Aminuddin remained confident in Borochemie’s fertilizer performance.
Conclusion
This field trial demonstrated that Borochemie IGSAS Turkey NPK 16-16-16 supports strong nutrient efficiency and high-quality pineapple production. While soil and terrain conditions played a major role in plant growth consistency, the fertilizer delivered encouraging results in fruit quality, sweetness, and farmer confidence.
With the right field conditions, Borochemie shows strong potential in helping pineapple growers achieve higher-grade fruit and better market value.
Related Fertilizer Resources
The outcome from this field trial highlight how proper fertilizer selection and nutrient balance directly affect crop performance. To better understand how fertilizer requirements change throughout a crop’s lifecycle, you can read our guide on choosing the right fertilizer for plant growth stages. For a clearer explanation of nutrient composition and why balanced formulations matter, this article on what you need to know about NPK-based fertilizers provides useful insights for farmers and growers.
Looking to improve fruit quality and consistency on your farm?
Contact Borochemie Malaysia to learn how our fertilizers can support your crop,from soil to harvest.
