Later applications of a unique potassium metabolite complex to boost straw strength are proving popular amongst Chris Dickinson’s farmer customers in North Yorkshire.
Wholly K makes an ideal supplement to potassium programmes on a range of arable crops. It contains a highly available 20% form of potassium and L-PGA (pidolic acid) to enhance nitrogen assimilation.
The product, one of Agrovista’s Innovation Range of targeted bioscience products, is traditionally used when potassium availability and crop potential is restricted, and is also very useful when applied to potentially high-yielding crops just before periods of rapid growth, when root uptake of K and N may fall short of demand.
In cereals, for example, Wholly K is most commonly used at T1, and in oilseed rape just before stem extension.
Technical agronomist Chris Dickinson says: “If cereals are stressed and potentially not rooted very well, typically after a wet autumn, there is certainly a strong case for using Wholly K at T1.
“I’ll also use it with key trace elements on crops with good potential, often after an earlier application of Calfite Extra and Luxor, both of which have L-PGA.”
However, Chris also uses the product later in the season, around T2, as a stem strengthener, particularly on wheat.
“A lot of my clients want as much straw to sell or use for livestock as they can, so they are reluctant to apply too much plant growth regulator, which can be a bit of a balancing act.
“Potassium improves cell strength, creating more rigid stems that help to suppress lodging risk. It is not a PGR replacement, but it's the next best thing and it doesn’t reduce straw yields.
“In trials, when you look at treated and untreated plots it’s like comparing bamboo to grass. It definitely works, and the benefits can clearly be seen in the field.
“I also use it in winter and spring barley, as an anti-brackling tool. In hybrid barley, I tend to apply it alongside the use of Terpal to provide additional protection at the ‘paintbrush’ stage. It really does help stop the crop falling in on itself, which can be a problem in heavy big stands.”
Using Wholly K late won’t be for everyone, Chris admits. “Where people are growing large areas of cereals and chopping straw then they will obviously use higher rates of PGR. And, of course, in a high-risk lodging situation there is no substitute for PGR.
“But, over the past four years, we’ve found Wholly K to be a really useful tool where there is a demand for straw. The effect is very noticeable and farmers really like the concept. And, even if the crop wouldn’t have lodged, the nutritional benefits will still be there.”
Wholly K
• Potassium metabolite complex with L-PGA
• Efficient foliar delivery of potassium at key timings
• Use in season or when availability is limited
• Improves potassium use efficiency
• Increases nitrogen assimilation
• Increases photosynthesis
• Enhances yield / quality
For more information on Wholly K visit Wholly K - Agrovista Innovation Range