The increase in the cost of fertiliser products has 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 maize crop nutrition and biostimulation.
Timing is key
The timing of nutritional inputs to the maize crop is usually in the early season, either applied to the seedbed pre-drilling or early stages post-emergence up to the 4- 6 leaf stage.
However, 30% of the crops requirement for N occurs once tasselling has occurred in late July. By this stage little of the N applied in the spring at sowing, is still available to the plant. Our agronomists have achieved extremely good results from applications of crop nutrients, biostimulants and fungicides just before the plant begins to tassel in mid-July.
Application
Applying N in the form of protected urea at later growth stages nourishes the plant during a critical period of crop development. Traditionally, N is applied to the seedbed at drilling, but very little remains to fuel the plant during cob development after tasselling. This can impact cob size, kernel number and starch yield, consequently affecting total DM yield and silage quality. If growers had the opportunity to apply fertiliser later in the season they would see the results in the field. But obviously, it is not possible to spread granular fertiliser when the crop is shoulder high. which is why an application of liquid foliar N in the form of protected, slow-release urea is advised.
What is the recommendation?
Wynnstay agronomists recommend a tank mix of N-Durance 28 and the fungicide Vivid (pyraclostrobin) to increase yield. This is particularly effective in regions where the maize crop is affected by Eyespot. The tank mix is applied just before plants begin to tassel in July. Forage analysis from treated and untreated areas of crops show higher DM%, higher starch % and higher ME were achieved when the crop received an application of N-Durance 28 and fungicide.
Biostimulation & Maize Production
Additional biostimulation has also produced extremely good results. By carefully planning applications of biostimulants at key growth stages, crop establishment, dry matter yield and cob yield can all be improved. Extremely good results can be achieved by applications of Calibra Carbo when the crop has 4-6 leaves and YieldOn applied at tasseling has been shown to create a significant yield increase. An increased yield of higher feed-quality forage will ultimately increase profitability through improved animal performance.
