YieldON is an innovative new biostimulant from Valagro UK Ltd and has been developed using cutting edge genomics technology. Three years of trials in the UK have shown some impressive yield responses from a single application of YieldOn at flag leaf in cereals and mid-flowering in oilseed rape. The company have also recently started trials with forage maize.
With weather patterns becoming increasingly unsettled and guaranteed April showers a thing of the past, abiotic stress is a growing problem for successful maize establishment. When applied early in the growth of plants it increases production of phosphatase and reductase enzymes which in turn leads to increased availability of nutrients and increased root and shoot development.
There is enough energy in a hectare of fresh forage maize to support about 30,000 - litres of milk production in dairy cows, once animal maintenance needs are met. With high cereal prices having a direct impact on bought-in feed prices, it is therefore well worth protecting the energy potential in this starch-rich forage.
Jonathan Evans farms at Berry Hill near Newport, Pembrokeshire, alongside his father, uncle, grandparents, and cousins. The family farm 154 hectares where they grow grass, maize, forage rape, forage rye, and hybrid rye. In an attempt to reduce purchased feed costs and cut soya out of diets, in 2022 they undertook a novel trial and intercropped maize and beans to support the 190-cow herd.
The increase in cost of fertiliser products have prompted many growers to consider new and innovative ways to ensure their crops receive adequate nutrition. Wynnstay agronomists are working with growers and introducing a novel approach to crop nutrition and biostimulation.
The application of a fungicide to the maize crop can provide excellent control of eyespot and other key diseases.
In addition, the physiological benefits delivered by some active ingredients (e.g. pyraclostrobin) can significantly improve both the yield and quality of maize.
The evidence that most grassland soils require the application of sulphur from fertilisers to maximise grass silage and grazing yields still mounts. Most farmers now appreciate that all light and medium soils, and even some heavier loam soils, do not release enough sulphur from organic matter to allow grass growth and quality to meet potential. They also realise that there is not enough available sulphur in slurries and manures to meet demand.
The first thing to consider when looking at the finer details of grassland management is whether you have a full understanding of your soil and its nutritional status. If the answer is no, then to get the maximum benefit from a reseed or established leys, I would always advise checking the soil structure and sampling on a field-by-field basis. This will help to determine key factors such as the pH of your soil which is essential for nutrient availability, as well as the current levels of N, P, K and other elements.
Grass breeder, Germinal, recently identified that soil which is moderately damaged – with poor soil structure and which is suffering
Overseeding is a very simple but effective way to rejuvenate old or damaged grass leys without the cost of a complete reseed. Increases in yield and quality can be achieved without ploughing and the time spent out of production can be reduced.
The extremely hot and dry weather experienced during the 2022 season, coupled with the effect of reduced fertiliser inputs on some farms have resulted in lower forage yields than would normally be expected.. Weed control in established grassland and in young grass leys should therefore be a top priority for producers in spring, to maximise forage potential.
